PROVINCE ENCOURAGES ABORIGINAL PARTICIPATION

The province of Saskatchewan is spending $5.5 million in Centennial funding on an Aboriginal Participation Initiative to enhance opportunities for Aboriginal people to participate in sport, culture and recreation activities.

"The Aboriginal Participation Initiative addresses the growing sense of urgency expressed by First Nations and Métis people about the need for sport, culture and recreation programs and services for Aboriginal children and youth," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford said. "Saskatchewan has a sport, culture and recreation system that plays a vital role in the development of our youth but the participation of Aboriginal youth in this system in low. Saskatchewan's successful future is dependent upon healthy, creative and involved young people. Aboriginal youth form a large part of our next generation. That is why we are launching this initiative to find creative ways to ensure that local programs and facilities are fully utilized by all citizens."

The initiative focuses on building opportunities for Aboriginal people living in urban communities and in the North through key partnerships, new grant programs, and leadership programs. Aboriginal leaders at the local level will play a key role in initiating projects and adjudicating grants.

"Building on previous success in the North, we are focusing $2.3 million on northern components," Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger said. "We are delighted to put 19 more community recreation co-ordinators on the ground and enhance the resources and training available to them. This is a good start to providing northern youth with lots of new culture and recreation opportunities. We know northern communities will use these additional resources well."

The initiative has already had significant involvement and support from key partners including the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, the Northern Recreation Co-ordinating Committee, Sask Sport Inc., SaskCulture Inc., and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Inc.

"Volunteer sport, culture and recreation organizations have worked closely with First Nation and Métis communities to develop programs and services that meet the needs of Saskatchewan's fastest growing population," President of Sask Sport Inc. Spencer Graham said. "Today's announcement strengthens that partnership and will continue to increase the quality of life for Saskatchewan people."

The program is funded through the Community Initiatives Fund and is part of the province's $20 million commitment to build lasting legacies as the province approaches its Centennial in 2005.

For more information on the Aboriginal Participation Initiative and grant details, please visit the Saskatchewan Centennial web site at www.saskatchewancentennial.com. Application forms will be available on that web site on May 1st, 2003.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967