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For Immediate Release
July 25, 2002

News Release

Trillium Foundation and Eves Government Support Traditional Health

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SAULT STE. MARIE – Mamaweswen, the North Shore Tribal Council and the Sault Ste. Marie Friendship Centre will receive $601,600 over four years to develop a cultural health and mentorship program, announced Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs David Young during a visit to Sault Ste. Marie today.

Young was welcomed by Chief Earl Commanda, Chair of the Traditional Health and Healing Program and community members at a celebration at the healing lodge where the Minister also announced the renewal of Mamaweswen's contract to administer Ontario's Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program.

"The Eves government is an investment partner in the strengthening of Aboriginal community development and self-reliance," said Young. "Ontario, through the Trillium Foundation, supports ideas and initiatives that build capacity and bring about lasting change for Aboriginal communities and organizations," said Young.

Through the support of the Trillium Foundation, the N'Mninoeyaa Community Health Access Centre will provide seven area First Nations with traditional and contemporary health services enriching the well being of the Aboriginal community members.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation works in partnership with community representatives to make strategic investments to build healthy, caring and economically strong communities in Ontario. The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, annually receives $100 million in government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative.

Mamaweswen the Ojibway word for "working together" exemplifies the principles of the health program receiving funding today. The health policy and the procedural framework that are developed during this project on the integration of Western and traditional health practices, will be shared with Aboriginal and Community Health Centres throughout Ontario, Aboriginal communities, the Ontario Medical Association, and interested hospitals.

The Traditional Health and Healing Program will promote a holistic approach to healing which includes the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and cultural aspects of life. It will also include teaching clinics. For more information, Mamaweswen, the North Shore Tribal Council can be reached at (705) 356-1691 or 1-877-463-3302.

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Merike Nurming
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
416-326-4079

Coman Poon
Trillium Foundation
416-963-7919