OTTAWA, May 25, 2017 /CNW/ - More than half of Indigenous peoples in Canada live in urban centres. Supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis where they live is about improving quality of life and contributing to stronger economic growth in their communities, and in Canada.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, today launched the new Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP).
UPIP is a new Government of Canada initiative based on feedback from national engagement sessions on the former Urban Aboriginal Strategy in the summer and fall of 2016. UPIP will provide four broad streams of funding: organizational capacity; programs and services; coalitions; and research and innovation.
These funding streams will ensure that organizations have the tools they need to deliver key programs and services to urban Indigenous populations across Canada, for example: projects to help women transition out of shelters; projects for persons with addictions, disabilities, senior and projects for youth that provide land-based activities and mentoring.
Quotes
"This new program is about meeting the needs of urban Indigenous peoples through programming such as: projects to help women transition out of shelters and youth projects that provide land-based activities and mentorship programs in the cultural environment most appropriate for them. Respecting language and culture are fundamental in giving all Indigenous people the best chance for success when living in or transitioning to an urban environment."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
Quick Facts
- Budget 2017 invests $118.5 million over five years in UPIP.
- Combined with previously allocated funds, the Government of Canada will provide $53 million each year to UPIP, beginning in 2017-2018.
- Urban Indigenous peoples include: First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and Inuit.
- Funding streams will include core funding for urban Indigenous organizations; programs and services such as navigator services, healthy parenting programs, mentorship projects, youth camp for building self-esteem and cultural identity, intergenerational projects and cultural projects in urban settings; funding to support a network of local organizations; and funding for research and innovative pilot projects.
- The Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples replaces the Urban Aboriginal Strategy.
Associated Links
Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples
UPIP: Organizational capacity call for proposals 2017-2018
UPIP: Programs and services call for proposals 2017-2018
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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
For more information, media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160
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