FUNDS HELP COMMUNITY YOUTH ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

The Community Youth Enhancement Project (CYEP), a Meadow Lake and Flying Dust First Nation initiative, today received a grant from the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) of $5,000 for the appointment of a Cultural Youth Co-ordinator.

The Cultural Youth Co-ordinator will work hand-in-hand with the CYEP staff to deliver culturally relevant programming for at-risk youth 12 to 21 years old. The project will be available to all youth within Meadow Lake and Flying Dust First Nation, and will commence in March 2003.

"This is an important youth initiative that will motivate at-risk youth to expand their cultural awareness and self-esteem," Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag said in presenting the cheque on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. "It is encouraging to know that the Government of Saskatchewan is helping our youth to develop into confident leaders."

The project's objectives are to promote education and appreciation for the Aboriginal and Metis culture, to integrate the culture into mainstream society and to enhance the tolerance of racial differences. The project will also strive to increase the levels of self-confidence amongst the youth while at the same time enhancing their leadership qualities. Program activities will be geared toward the promotion of awareness and prevention of youth issues, personal support and healthy alternatives in order to direct youth away from a lifestyle of crime and addictions.

"Our plan is to reach as many youth as possible by working with the community's schools and other agencies and programs including CIF," CYEP Program Co-ordinator Jessie Villeneuve said. "We strive to have youth make healthy choices that will affect their day-to-day lives in a positive manner."

Established by the provincial government in 1997 to deliver a portion of casino profits back to communities, the CIF has provided more than 1,900 community groups with a total of almost $12 million. Formerly known as the Associated Entities Fund, the CIF is administered by Culture, Youth and Recreation.

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For More Information, Contact:

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