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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Contact: ACF Press Office
(202) 401-9215
ACF Awards Over $36 Million to Tribes and Native Organizations
Grants
will help preserve Native cultures, promote self-sufficiency
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced new awards totaling $36,776,093 to tribes, Native communities and villages in 25 states, the District of Columbia and territories including Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“The Bush Administration is dedicated to empowering Native Americans, preserving Native cultures and enabling tribal communities to achieve economic self-sufficiency,” said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., HHS assistant secretary for children and families. “These grants will strengthen the economies of native communities and provide opportunities for Native American children and families.”
The competitive project grants, awarded by ACF’s Administration for Native Americans (ANA), are designed to help tribes and Native non-profit organizations support locally designed projects to promote self-sufficiency in Native American communities. ANA grant awards are provided for 12, 24 or 36 months.
The awards include Social and Economic Development grants designed to reduce dependency on public funds and social services by increasing community development opportunities. They also include Native Language Preservation and Maintenance funds to preserve and enhance Native languages. Finally, they include Environmental Regulatory Enhancement funds to address the use and control of natural resources.
“These awards provide assistance at the community level to help safeguard the health and economic well-being of Native people,” said ANA Commissioner Quanah Crossland Stamps. “The Bush Administration is committed to providing financial assistance that provides funding for unique community projects that make a difference in the lives of our Native children, youth and families.”
For a complete list of today’s awards, go to: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2006/2006_grant_awards.html.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news