WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Jan. 11, 2010) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Shelly Glover, Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Saint Boniface), today launched the Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth component (http://pch.gc.ca/pgm/pa-app/pgm/ccja-ccay/guide-eng.cfm)  (formally known as Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres) of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program (http://pch.gc.ca/pgm/pa-app/index-eng.cfm).

"Young Aboriginal people represent an increasingly important segment of the Canadian population. By investing in the potential of urban Aboriginal youth and providing them with culturally-focussed programming, we are contributing to the social and economic prosperity of current and future generations," said Minister Moore.

"This initiative is an incredibly important one for urban Aboriginal youth across the country," said Mrs. Glover. "This kind of programming will enable them to become more active participants in shaping their future and in building strong communities and families."

On November 17, 2009, Minister Moore announced a six-year extension of Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth. The $150-million investment will ensure continued support to Aboriginal youth aged 10 to 24, living in urban settings across Canada, by providing programming that incorporates Aboriginal values, cultures, and traditional practices in projects and activities designed to strengthen their cultural identity, improve their social, economic, and personal prospects, and enable them to fully participate in Canadian society.

Eligible organizations are invited to submit project proposals. For more information on how to apply, including the funding application guide, visit their website.

For more information, please contact

Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage

and Official Languages

Deirdra McCracken - Director of Communications

819-997-7788

deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca

or

Canadian Heritage

Media Relations

819-994-9101

1-866-569-6155

media@pch.gc.ca