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News Release - Manitoba

July 8, 2013

Province Teams up with Right To Play and Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation to Help First Nations Youth

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Program Promotes Healthy Lifestyle Through Sport and Recreation: Selinger

A new partnership between the province, the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation and Right To Play will promote a healthy, active lifestyle for Aboriginal youth through sport and recreation, Premier Greg Selinger and Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief announced today.

“This partnership will help Aboriginal youth reach their full potential by improving their health, confidence and self-esteem,” said Selinger.  “We are excited to work with the True North Foundation and Right To Play to bring innovative programs to First Nations communities.”

The Right To Play program will receive $250,000 in funding, with equal contributions from the province and the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation.  The funding will support Right To Play’s Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) program in Fisher River Cree Nation and Pine Creek First Nation.

“Right To Play has an impeccable track record through the work they have done in Ontario and around the world,” said Dwayne Green, executive director, Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation.  “The PLAY program has proven to be sustainable and impactful within the communities with which it has been implemented.  We are proud to support Right To Play and the first two communities in Manitoba to participate in the PLAY program.”   

“We are so pleased with our partnerships with Fisher River Cree Nation and Pine Creek First Nation,” said Robert Witchel, national director, Right To Play.  “Both communities are very supportive of the PLAY program and together we are committed to building on the strengths of the youth.  The introduction of the program would not have been possible without the guidance, generosity and leadership of the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation and the Province of Manitoba.”

“It is wonderful to see youth in our community engaging in meaningful activities,” said Chief David Crate, Fisher River Cree Nation.  “Leadership development, summer camp and sport workshops have added a new dimension to our existing programming and wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the province, the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation and Right To Play.”

“On behalf of Pine Creek First Nation Youth, Community Mentor and Chief and Council, we would like to thank Right To Play, the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation and the Province of Manitoba for selecting Pine Creek First Nation as a pilot project,” said Chief Charlie Boucher.  “Our youth are excited each day for the new things the program has to offer and they are learning skills that will help them to take charge as leaders.”

“Building life skills is an essential investment that will help shape our future,” said Chief.  “We are grateful to our partners and look forward to working together to motivate and inspire youth.”

Right To Play is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity in more than 20 countries.

The Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation supports registered charities that focus on improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children and youth.

The Fisher River Cree Nation is located 220 kilometres north of Winnipeg and has an on-reserve population of approximately 1,700.  The Pine Creek First Nation is located 110 km north of Dauphin on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipegosis and has an on-reserve population of approximately 1,200.

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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Government of Manitoba, Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation and Right To Play.