Up to 2,000 Aboriginal youth, presenters and guests expected to attend four-day conference to share knowledge and explore career and education possibilities
VANCOUVER, March 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Bernard Valcourt participated in today's opening ceremonies for the "Gathering Our Voices" Aboriginal Youth Conference in Vancouver.
Thousands of Aboriginal youth will gather at this March 18 to 21 conference to share knowledge, network and plan for their futures. Special workshops and presentations will be held over the four day conference as well as cultural, sporting and recreational events.
With more than 400,000 Aboriginal youth projected to be ready to enter the labour market over the next 15 years, helping Aboriginal youth to succeed in school and graduate is critical to helping them reach their full potential and increasing their participation in Canada's economy.
Quick Facts
- The conference is hosted by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) and their Provincial Aboriginal Youth Council (BCAAFC - PAYC) and is being held at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver and Fairmont Vancouver Hotel.
- Canada has provided $173,901 in support of this event.
- Conference participants will be discussing their career and education futures.
Quotes
"Our Government is committed to helping Aboriginal youth make their mark on the future of our country by helping them get the education and skills they need to succeed. We are proud to support in Gathering our Voices, an event that helps young Aboriginal people get experiences and explore career and education possibilities."
Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
"The BCAAFC is proud of the working relationship between AANDC and the Friendship Centre Movement. The fact that Minister Valcourt is here and supporting Aboriginal youth is evidence that we are moving forward together in a good way."
Annette Morgan
President of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
Related Products
Associated Links
AANDC—Education
BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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