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For Immediate Release
June 25, 2008

News Release

Neskantaga First Nation Opens New Community Centre

McGuinty Government Investment Improves Access to Health and Wellness Services for First Nation

NEWS
A new community centre opening today at Neskantaga First Nation will improve access to health and wellness community programs and services.

The Neskantaga First Nation received $750,000 from Ontario's Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program (ACCGP) to build the Neskantaga Social Services Centre.

The facility, housing social and community organizations once scattered throughout various locations in the community, will now offer programs and services in one central location. This includes: the Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Program, child and family services, and crisis prevention programs. A family counsellor and a mental health worker will also be on site.

QUOTES
"The creation of this community centre lays the foundation for a healthier future for the people of Neskantaga First Nation," said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Michael Bryant. "This centre will make it much easier for community members to access the programs and services they need to improve their overall health and well-being."

"This new centre is a great source of pride for our community and it is our hope the services and capacity developed from it will promote further positive improvements, strengthening our community," said Neskantaga First Nation Counsellor Roy Moonias, adding the grand opening of the centre will be a full day celebratory event for the remote First Nation community.

QUICK FACTS

In 2007-08 the government of Ontario contributed $3.7 million for feasibility studies, construction, and renovation of community centres and small business centres through the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program.
Neskantaga First Nation (formerly known as Lansdowne House), is a remote First Nation located along the shore of Attawapiskat Lake in Northern Ontario.
Community centers provide a point of delivery for crucial programs that improve skills development and other essential services and activities that contribute to a healthy community.

LEARN MORE
To find out what the Aboriginal Capital Grants Program is doing to help Aboriginal communities go to the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs website.

Greg Crone, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2529
Sofia Sousa-Dias, Communications Branch, 416-326-3187