Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Labrador Inuit Association
NAIN, October 22, 2003 -- Lawrence O'Brien, Member of Parliament (Labrador), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $292,726 for the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) to support and engage Inuit youth in Labrador communities."The Government of Canada is committed to helping Aboriginal communities by encouraging and facilitating their full participation in all aspects of Canadian society," said Mr. O'Brien. "With this funding, the Labrador Inuit Association can continue to enhance the capacity of Aboriginal youth to allow them to be effective leaders today and in the future."
Since its inception in 1975, the LIA has provided programming for its membership in many different areas. In 2000, the LIA established the Labrador Inuit Youth Division (LIYD) in recognition of a need to promote Inuit culture and values, which will lead to self-sufficient youth who take pride in themselves, their goals, and their aspirations.
The funding, to be provided over two years, will allow the LIA and the LIYD to build on the successes of previous years by providing youth with cultural activities that increase their self-esteem and their involvement in the community. Some of the planned activities and projects include a youth symposium, suicide prevention conference, cultural festival, Drum Dancing and Throat Singing Workshop, as well as a video project on the use/abuse of tobacco and a Suicide Prevention/Celebrate Life Video.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre (UMAYC) Initiative. The UMAYC Initiative provides First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth aged 15 to 24, living in urban settings, with projects and activities that are culturally relevant and based in the Aboriginal community. The Initiative supports and assists Aboriginal youth in enhancing their economic, social, and personal prospects.
Funding for this program was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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