The New Pathways Foundation - Minister Sylvie D'Amours supports Aboriginal children at the New Pathways Foundation benefit

WENDAKE, QC, Nov. 17, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs Sylvie D'Amours participated today in the Tournée des anciens Canadiens, a benefit organized by the New Pathways Foundation. Former Montreal Canadiens hockey players and a team made up of First Nations players faced off in a friendly hockey game.

Minister D'Amours took advantage of the opportunity to indicate her determination in her capacity as Minister to contribute to the self-fulfilment and sound living conditions of Aboriginal children. She also highlighted the work of the Foundation, which is contributing to the well-being of the First Nations, especially children, by supporting initiatives aimed at the social and human development of individuals in their communities.  Some examples are the First Nations leadership camps, intended for Aboriginal young people between 10 and 14 years of age from disadvantaged backgrounds or in foster care, which offer them sports and cultural activities focusing on cooperation, or the BECOME vocational guidance program that offers student shadow programs in the workplace to secondary school students.

"I believe that all young people should have the opportunity to achieve self-fulfilment, surpass themselves, get out and about and succeed, regardless of their situation, environment or condition. Through its promising initiatives, the New Pathways Foundation is facilitating the personal growth of many young people. It is helping them to achieve their dreams and is bolstering their self-confidence. For this reason, the Québec government is proud to support the Foundation's initiatives. Moreover, I intend to be present in the communities by participating in gatherings such as this one, but also to listen attentively to the communities' concerns. I am making it my duty to do so."

Sylvie D'Amours, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs

"What a good idea to bring together Aboriginal representatives and their elected officials to support the cause of the New Pathways Foundation at this hockey game in Wendake. The many spectators clearly reflect our shared determination to offer sound living conditions to Aboriginal young people. I am delighted and congratulate the Foundation for this worthwhile initiative. I sincerely hope that it will raise substantial funds so that greater numbers of children can engage in an enriching experience that will foster their self-fulfilment."

Sylvain Lévesque, MNA for Chauveau

Highlights:

• The Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones (SAA) is granting $150 000 over two years to the New Pathways Foundation through the Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III – Social Development Section, for the First Nations leadership camps and the BECOME program for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020.
• The SAA also provided $61 500 in funding to eight initiatives of the Foundation through the Aboriginal Projects program between 2009-2010 and 2016-2017.

SOURCE Cabinet de la ministre responsable des Affaires autochtones

Nadine Gros-Louis, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs, Telephone: [phone]