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MEDIA RELEASE

Canadian 4-H Council to study feasibility
of 4-H programs for rural Aboriginal youth

(Ottawa, ON., Oct. 1, 2003)

– The Canadian 4-H Council has received $241,500 from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD) Fund to study the development of 4-H programs specifically geared to rural Aboriginal youth across Canada. The study is being conducted in conjunction with provincial 4-H agencies.

The Aboriginal 4-H Youth Feasibility Study will research the feasibility of introducing 4-H programs to aboriginal youth in rural Canada through a country-wide consultation with stakeholders to determine the interest for an aboriginal 4-H youth project. Based on the recommendations of stakeholders, 4-H Canada will develop a framework for programs. A summary of results will be released in November 2003.

"We want to determine if there is a place for 4-H in rural Aboriginal communities," said Debra Hauer, project manager of the Aboriginal 4-H Youth Feasibility Study. "Discovering all of the opportunities and barriers to participation in 4-H will help us plan and develop a framework for the future delivery of programs for rural Aboriginal youth."

The present CARD funding is among 40 projects which Minister Vanclief announced last July as part of an $8 million funding package earmarked for 2003-2004.

"Over the past 90 years 4-H in Canada has played a major role in developing future leaders through its focus on citizenship, healthy living, self-esteem, and rewarding hands-on project work, " said Mary-Ann Carson, president of Canadian 4-H Council. "The Canadian 4-H Council is grateful for this opportunity to seriously examine the possibility of bringing the tremendously positive benefits of the 4-H program to rural Aboriginal youth in Canada."

Since 1995, CARD has invested $450 million in national and regional initiatives conducted by the sector. The future direction for further programs will be determined through a series of industry stakeholder consultations now underway. For more detailed information on these projects or CARD, visit the CARD Web site at: www.agr.gc.ca/card-fcadr/.

The Canadian 4-H Council is a not-for-profit agency that co-ordinates all national 4-H activities in Canada. Founded in 1933, the Council offers conferences, exchanges, scholarships and international travel opportunities to thousands of 4-H members and leaders across the country. For more information: www.4-h-canada.ca

For more information, contact

:

Chris Forrest - Communications Manager
Canadian 4-H Council
(613) 234-4448 or cforrest@4-h-canada.ca