The United Cultures Youth Project (Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth) is an initiative funded through the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. The purpose of this initiative is to create a network that will provide accessible, Aboriginal community-based, culturally relevant and supportive projects, programs, services and counselling to urban Aboriginal youth, and facilitate their participation in existing programs in order to improve their economic, social, and personal prospects.

The program operates under the following guiding principles that it:

• Engage urban Aboriginal youth and other stakeholders in planning, development, and delivery of programs and services to reduce barriers to urban Aboriginal youth participation in the economy.

• Develop projects and programs that support urban Aboriginal youth in reducing barriers to their participation in the economy.

• Emphasize cultural and language development, preservation and revitalization in relation to the above mentioned initiatives and projects.

• Develop projects that assist urban Aboriginal youth in realizing their leadership potential through volunteer and social enterprise activities.

• Serve the needs of urban Aboriginal youth, ages 10-24 years, regardless of status, culture, or gender.

Five components guide the program development of the United Cultures Youth Project: Cultural Development, Leadership Development, Community Engagement, Youth Engagement, and also Life Skills and Wellness.

OUR MISSION
We aim to provide Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Youth aged 10-24 years with a variety of programs and services aimed at promoting and enhancing personal development.

Projects, Programs, Services, and Events offered by UCYP:

Cultural Development
• Aboriginal Arts and Crafts:
- Caribou tufting
- Hide slipper making
- Komatik building

Leadership Development
• Drumdancing

Community Engagement
• Tours
• Presentations
• Volunteer opportunities

Youth Engagement
- Employment services
- Job search sessions
- Resume and cover letter workshop
- Interview skills workshop

Life Skills and Wellness
• HIV/AIDS awareness workshop
• Healthy Body Image workshop
• Youth Dances-Promoting Healthy Living

For more information please contact:

Alicia Neville, Youth Program Coordinator
Phone: (709) 896-8302
Fax: (709) 896-8731
Email: anevillelfchvgbca

Labrador Friendship Centre
P.O. Box 767, Station B
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
NL A0P 1E0

Be sure to "like" United Cultures Youth Project on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/United-Cultures-Youth-Project/158390850894975