PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
AN AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING
TARGETED TO THE ABORIGINAL POPULATION OF QUEBEC
Wendake, May 7, 2007 – It is under the theme, “There are other ways to catch our dreams…” that the Kanatha Foundation began its tour of awareness for responsible gambling with 41 aboriginal communities of Quebec. This important approach, supported by the “Fondation Mise sur toi” of Loto-Quebec, aims to inform the community about gambling and to demystify some common perceptions about it. Both youth than their parents, elders and various stakeholders in communities are targeted by this campaign.
Designed and conducted by Aboriginal and immigrants, the awareness tour will spread over three years. During the first year, the Kanatha Foundation team will visit fifteen communities located in the following regions: Val d’Or, Bay James, Maniwaki, Parent and Schefferville. In 2008 and 2009 the program will be hosted by 26 other communities. These meetings will particularly address the members of the Council of Chiefs, Council of Youth and the Council of Women, as well as the staff from schools, social services and services for mutual and caregivers. Each visit lasts three days and includes a day devoted to the whole community. During the third day the population will receive educational material to responsible gambling, published in four languages, and will be invited to participate in workshops, recreational and social activities. All concludes with a dinner as well as several testimonies and success stories.
Created in July 2005, the Kanatha Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and inform the aboriginal population of Quebec on the nature and effects of addictions such as gambling, alcoholism and drug addiction. This mission is based on fundamental principles for the well-being of the First Nations and the respect for values and cultural differences.
Information:
Jean-Yves Pépin
Communications Manager of the Kanatha Foundation
Head Office : 650, Chef-Pierre Athironta
Wendake (Quebec) CANADA G0A 4V0
Longueuil Office: 505, St. Helène, room S-1
Longueuil, Que J4K 3R5
Telephone Montreal: (450) 616-1777
Toll free: 1 877 616-1777
Cell: 514 804-0871
E-mail: jean-yves@fondationkanatha.com
Website: http://fondationkanatha.com