Educational Success – The Government of Québec Invests $80 000 in a Program for Young Native Entrepreneurs

Press Release

QUÉBEC CITY, Nov. 25, 2016 – With a view to promoting educational success among indigenous students, the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Geoffrey Kelley, confirmed today, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, Minister of Families and Minister responsible for the Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, Sébastien Proulx, a grant in the amount of $80 000 for the implementation of the pilot project, Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program, at the Cree School Board, in collaboration with the Martin Family Initiative, a charitable organization.

“Every time that we can support young people in their academic path, a plan for their future is initiated that benefits not only the young people themselves, but also the community to which they belong. Thanks to this program, young Aboriginal students will develop the outlook and the skills that are necessary in order to succeed in their high school or post-secondary studies, in the workforce and in their daily lives. The Government of Québec wants to help them build a future that is consistent with their hopes, dreams and talents. We are convinced that we are thereby contributing to the emergence of the next generation of leaders and role models in indigenous communities,” Minister Kelley stated.

The Martin Family Initiative launched the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program in 2008 to help indigenous students discover and experience the opportunities that are available to them in the Canadian economy. In addition to being given entrepreneurial opportunities that may lead them to own their own businesses one day, students who benefit from this program will also acquire basic business skills, which helps them to prepare for life in the workforce, regardless of their career choices.

“The entrepreneurial spirit contributes greatly to economic development in Québec. Our government has a responsibility to encourage entrepreneurship, particularly among young people, because it promotes and supports the development of each and every region of Québec. I would like to thank the Martin Family Initiative for its commitment to First Nations and Inuit communities and for implementing this important entrepreneurial project,” declared Minister Proulx.

“The Martin Family Initiative is pleased to work in partnership with the Government of Québec and the Grand Council of the Cree in bringing the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program (AYEP) to Voyageur Memorial High School in Mistissini. The future of our country doesn’t just depend on the resources that lie in the ground. It depends on the talent and capabilities of those who walk upon it. AYEP opens the door to possibilities and hope, the possibilities that are there for every student,” said The Right Honourable Paul Martin, founder of the Martin Family Initiative.

“The Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program is an important way to teach our students about business and inspire them with the spirit of entrepreneurship. It is already proving to be an excellent tool for encouraging students to engage in learning and stay in school. We are certain that the knowledge students are now gaining in the classroom as young entrepreneurs will help grow our local economy in the future. We look forward to the day when they will realize their business plans and become our business leaders,” added Kathleen J. Wootton, Chairperson of the Cree School Board.

“I am so proud of our collaboration with the Government of Québec and the Martin Family Initiative and what they have brought to our students in the community of Mistissini. Our students are not only participating in a dynamic learning environment, but learning the real-life skills required to build successful businesses,” added Serge Béliveau, Deputy Director General – Pedagogical of the Cree School Board.

Sources:

Marie B. Deschamps
Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Families, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister responsible for the Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine region
418-644-0664

Chantal Gauvin
Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister responsible for
Native Affairs
418-643-3166

Lucie Santoro
Director of Administration and Operations
The Martin Family Initiative
Nian Matoush

Director of Communications and Community Relations
Cree School Board
418-923-2764, ext. 1274

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