Neeginan project receives WDA funding to complete construction

[CAWED]

_NEEGINAN PROJECT RECEIVES WDA FUNDING TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION_

_WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The North Main and Aboriginal communities
will benefit from Winnipeg Development Agreement (WDA) funding of up
to $700,000 to complete the Neeginan Medicine Wheel Plaza and the
Neeginan Park projects. The WDA will also provide an additional
$50,000 to market the North Main Street commercial area to attract
business investors and encourage revitalization._

The funding to complete the _Neeginan_ construction at the corner of
Main and Higgins and promote the _North Main area_ was announced today
by _Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy_, federal minister
responsible for the WDA; _Manitoba Urban Affairs Minister Jack
Reimer_, provincial minister responsible for the WDA; and _Winnipeg
Mayor Glen Murray_.

"The province is committed to supporting the Aboriginal community's
participation in revitalizing North Main neighbourhoods," said
_Reimer_. "We are pleased to be able to contribute to the completion
of the city's Neeginan initiative which will contribute greatly to a
positive future for the Aboriginal community and the Main Street
area."

"With WDA funding and the active support of the Aboriginal community,
the Neeginan Medicine Wheel Plaza and Neeginan Park will become focal
points for the area, fostering social, cultural and economic growth
for the area," said _Minister Axworthy_. "Funding to support the North
Main revitalization will also encourage business initiative and
enhance our city’s long-term growth."

"It is critical that all Winnipeg citizens have places like Neeginan
to celebrate our city’s oldest cultures," said _Murray_.

The _Neeginan_ ("Our Place" in Cree) project, announced last May, is
part of the _North Main revitalization initiative_ and will include a
Round House, sweat lodge, art gallery and other amenities. It is
planned as an Aboriginal cultural and spiritual centre, and will
provide an important meeting place for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
cultures. Development of the _North Main area_ through increased
business investment will significantly add to the economic, physical
and social improvement of the neighbourhood.

The _Winnipeg Development Agreement_ is a five year, $75 million
funding agreement by the governments of _Canada, Manitoba_ and
_Winnipeg_ to support the long-term sustainable economic development
of the city. The city-wide initiative focuses on labour force
development, strategic and sectoral investments and the development
and safety of Winnipeg communities.