Province provides final installment of $1 million
commitment to Innu Recreation Centres Campaign

Last night Premier Roger Grimes presented the final installment of a $1 million contribution from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to Building Hope: the Innu Recreation Centres Campaign. Accepting the cheque from the Premier was Innu Nation President Peter Penashue. Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister and Lake Melville MHA Ernie McLean, as well as Torngat Mountains MHA Wally Andersen, were also on hand for the presentation, which took place in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"Government is committed to playing a key role in the broad strategy of helping the Innu communities in Labrador build, equip and endow two community recreational facilities, one in Sheshatshiu and the other in Natuashish," said the Premier. "The establishment of these recreational facilities will have a tremendous positive impact on Innu youth and their families, by providing meaningful sports and recreational programming. These facilities will also help create healthy communities, and play a big role in the success of the Innu healing strategy."

The campaign aims to raise $12.5 million to build the centres, and to create an endowment to contribute to the annual operating costs of the facilities.

The centres will be multi-purpose in nature, with most activity focusing on an arena and ice surface. The centres will be used for recreational activity and sports, as a focal point and gathering place, and as a central community location where cultural programming, concerts, public meetings, classes, and events can take place.

Mr. Penashue welcomed the province�s contribution. "The Innu Healing Foundation is about building new relationships between Canadians and Innu people, and bringing the combined forces of government, business and our communities together to help address the challenges that Innu youth face today. The province�s contribution will go a long way towards meeting our goals."

Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, is the foundation�s patron. The foundation�s board of directors includes Innu representatives and members of the corporate and legal communities.

More information on Building Hope: the Innu Recreation Centres Campaign is available at //www.innuhealingfoundation.org

Media contact:

Carl Cooper, Communications
Premier�s Office
(709) 729-3960

Bert Pomeroy, Communications
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
(709) 896-8668

Peter Penashue, President
Innu Nation
(709) 497-8398

2002 09 25 12:45 p.m.