Brighter Future Prospects for Winnipeg's Aboriginal Youth
WINNIPEG, April 30, 2004 -- The Government of Canada will collaborate with various organizations in Winnipeg to help the region's young Aboriginal residents overcome obstacles and become fully engaged members of society. This announcement was made today by Anita Neville, Member of Parliament (Winnipeg-South-Centre), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage."Aboriginal youth in Winnipeg have numerous talents and skills, and we must help them take on leadership roles in their community," said Ms. Neville . "These projects have great potential to help Aboriginal young people take control of their lives and contribute to the growth of their community and Canada."
"The Government of Canada committed itself to removing barriers that prevent citizens, and especially Aboriginal people, from participating in our society," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "The partnership announced today will help us meet this goal by proceeding with projects that directly target the needs of Aboriginal youth."
The seven projects contained in this announcement address a number of priority areas identified by participants at the Aboriginal Youth Securing the Future Forum, which was held in Winnipeg in January 2003 (see the attached backgrounder for details of these projects). The Forum brought together Aboriginal youth to discuss issues of common concern in their daily lives.
Financial assistance in the amount of $702,484 is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres (UMAYC) Initiative. The UMAYC Initiative provides Aboriginal youth, aged 15 to 24 and living in urban settings, with projects and activities that are culturally relevant and based in the Aboriginal community, in order to enhance their future prospects.
Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
Information:
Bill McDonald
Executive Assistant
Office of Anita Neville
(204) 983-1355
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
BACKGROUNDER
The recipients of funding in this announcement are as follows:
Klinic Community Health Centre -- The Dream Catchers Project provides support, mentorship, and social services to at-risk youth whose lives have been affected by such challenges as childhood sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and addictions. ($47,050)
Ndinawemaaganaag Endaawaad Inc. -- This organization's Youth Resource Centre provides important support for youth struggling with limited resources and limited access to services. The Centre offers employment support, volunteer work experience opportunities, food and nutrition courses, and cultural programs that provide access to Elders and support workers, among other services. ($224,850)
Broadway Neighbourhood Centre -- The Centre's Computer Genius Program provides computer skills training for approximately 80 youth and young adults, as well as support for to develop personal and social skills. ($89,190)
Keteyatsak Elders Inc. -- The Next Generation Network provides leadership and mentoring skills to approximately 2000 youth through sport and recreational team activities, as well as workshops focussing on Aboriginal arts and culture, education, and training. ($187,450)
Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Career Awareness Committee -- The Youth Leadership Initiative Program enables 15 young people to work with Winnipeg businesses to develop their skills and generate opportunities for employment. The program also includes cultural awareness workshops. ($62,617)
River East Transcona School Division - Aboriginal Parents Group -- The Student Mentor Aboriginal Role-model Tutorship Project (S.M.A.R.T.) offers tutoring and cross-mentorship to Aboriginal high school and university students. ($51,327)
Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. -- The Youth Capacity Building for United Against Racism project helps youth improve their skills to ensure that they can participate effectively in the youth component of the United Against Racism Advisory Committee, and take a leadership role in anti-racism work in Winnipeg. ($40,000)
These projects represent only a portion of the substantial investment made in Winnipeg's urban Aboriginal youth this year. The total value of contributions in the city under the UMAYC Initiative is in the order of $2.9 million.
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