The Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres (UMAYC) programming element has been renamed Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth (CCAY). CCAY continues to provide programming in off-reserve, urban communities to those aged 15-24 years but will now target participation to youth ages 10-14 as well.

Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth (CCAY)

The global objective of the CCAY Initiative is to create a network of CCAY projects, which will offer community-based, Aboriginal, culturally-relevant and accessible projects and services for urban Aboriginal youth aged 10 to 24. It also consists in facilitating their participation in existing projects in order to improve their economic, social and personal perspectives. This initiative supports the measures aimed to encourage and equip urban Aboriginal youth, regardless of their status, culture or gender, in order for them to meet the challenges they will be confronted with and improve their outlook for the future.

One of the main results expected from the CCAY is the improved capacity of young Aboriginals and a more significant role played by Aboriginal organizations, especially those comprised of young Aboriginals, in terms of planning, establishment of priorities, conception, implementation, management, delivery and project administration in order to meet the needs and priorities of urban Aboriginal youth.

CCAY is administered nationally by the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), but the Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec ensure its management in Québec, as is the case for eight of the eligible Native Friendship Centres.

Specific objectives of the CCAY

• To provide accessible, community-based, culturally-focused projects for Aboriginal youth aged 10-24 that promote one or more of the following themes:
  • Life skills and wellbeing;
  • Youth engagement;
  • Cultural development;
  • Community engagement
  • Leadership development.
• To involve Aboriginal youth in the management of CCAY through youth advisory committees.
• To improve the cultural, social, economic and personal prospects of urban Aboriginal youth.

CCAY 2012/2013
CALL FOR PROJECTS

In partnership with the Department of Canadian Heritage, the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) and the Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) are requesting project proposals for Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth’ for the 2012/2013 fiscal year.

Please contact the RCAAQ to receive a copy of the CCAY requirements and the Project Application Form.

A proposal assessment committee has been established in Québec to assess proposals and make funding recommendations to the NAFC Board of Directors.  Your project must correspond with the format of the application form. Applications will be accepted by mail only, however, the RCAAQ will not be responsible for any lost or misdirected applications.


Applications for projects must be received no later than Friday, December 16, 2011 end of business: 4:30 pm at the:

Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec
225, rue Max-Gros-Louis, suite 250
Wendake, Quebec
G0A 4V0

Att: Amélie Lainé
Telephone Number: 418-842-6354
Fax Number: 418-842-9795

Please feel free to contact the RCAAQ if you have any questions or concerns.

DEADLINE: Friday December 16, 2011 - END OF BUSINESS (4:30 pm)