The governments of Canada and Quebec announce their support of Institut Tshakapesh in an effort to promote retention and academic success among Innu students Français
MALIOTENAM, QC, Aug. 3, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones (SAA) of Quebec and Institut Tshakapesh
The governments of Canada and Quebec are committed to working with Innu communities and organizations to promote retention and academic success among Innu students and to foster appreciation of culture and language among Indigenous youth.
During a graduation ceremony in the Innu community of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, and Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs for the Government of Quebec, announced an investment of $185,000 to implement an agreement with Institut Tshakapesh. This agreement will enable some 1,800 students living in seven Innu communities on Quebec's North Shore to retain their culture and their language.
The agreement includes a framework for collaboration designed to promote continued school attendance and academic success by preserving, promoting and passing on Innu culture and language.
Quotes
"It's my turn to congratulate the graduates! Today, we are celebrating your accomplishments. You should be proud of yourselves. Regardless of the career you choose, may it be enriching and fulfilling."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue
"This agreement demonstrates what it is possible to accomplish when partners work together towards the common goal of providing students with quality educational resources. I want to congratulate all of the graduates today. You have the best of both worlds: a strong cultural identity rooted in the Innu language and culture and the skills you need to face the challenges of the modern world. I wish you great success in all your future endeavours!"
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
"The people at Institut Tshakapesh are particularly proud of this agreement concluded with the two governments, thus recognizing the organization's standing and expertise. It is worth pointing out that this new education partnership, which creates opportunities for strategic projects giving all students the chance to succeed, is made possible through the support of Institut Tshakapesh's seven member communities."
Julie Basile
President, Institut Tshakapesh
"Institut Tshakapesh plays a key role in the academic success of Innu students, but also in preserving and promoting Innu culture and language. In this sense, it clearly serves as a partner of the Government of Quebec, pursuing the same goals through its new action plan for the social and cultural development of the First Nations and Inuit. We are therefore very proud to contribute, along with the federal government, to the improvement of the services offered to schools by the Institute, thereby supporting the education of Indigenous students."
Geoffrey Kelley
Québec's Minister responsible for Native Affairs
Quick Facts
- lnstitut Tshakapesh offers a range of services for schools in member communities: teaching support personnel, support for special education programs and support to implement Quebec's educational renewal.
- Thanks to this investment, a number of activities will be financed in 2017-2018, including the development of teaching materials dealing with First Nations cultures in partnership with the Université de Sherbrooke and the Cégep de Sherbrooke (approximately $25,000), and the professional development of teachers at Institut Tshakapesh in partnership with the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur (approximately $110,000).
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SOURCE Government of Canada
media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Mylène Gaudreau, Press Secretary, Office of Québec's Minister of Native Affairs, 418-454-1226; Marjolaine Tshernish, Director General - Institut Tshakapesh, 418-968-4424, 1-800-391-4424, [email protected]
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