The Government of Quebec supports the acquisition of a new building to house the Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre

MANIWAKI, QC, Nov. 13, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The MNA for Gatineau, Minister of Justice and Minister responsible for the Outaouais Region, Ms. Stéphanie Vallée, announced today the awarding of a grant in the amount of $372,000, in order to provide support to persons from indigenous communities who are living in urban areas.  This funding will be provided under the auspices of the infrastructure budget of Phase III of the Fonds d'initiatives autochtones, and will be used by the Native Friendship Centre of Maniwaki to finance moving costs and to make renovations to the new building it will soon occupy.

The Centre, inaugurated in September 2016, already has 200 members.  Many indigenous young people visit the Centre regularly, and there is growing demand for services for adults, particularly for psychosocial services.  To respond to the needs of these clienteles, the Centre must move to a new location which is better adapted to its cultural needs, and where it will have more space.

Quotes:

"The fact that the Centre has been an overnight success offers tangible proof of the needs of families and children from indigenous communities who live in the Gatineau Valley.  The services offered by the Centre are adapted to the unique realities of this clientele, especially young people, who are active participants in its activities.  I am delighted to note that the Centre is already a valuable resource for the entire region!"

Stéphanie Vallée, MNA for Gatineau, Minister of Justice and Minister responsible for the Outaouais Region

"I am pleased to see that the support we have provided, which is drawn from a budget allocated for direct support to persons from indigenous communities living in urban areas, has had a positive impact on the community.  The cultural and therapeutic activities seem to be very much appreciated by the urban indigenous community in Maniwaki.  The new building will allow the Native Friendship Centre of Maniwaki to better respond to the needs of its clientele, and will provide a more spacious, functional and harmonious environment in which to do so."

Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs

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