VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – An anti-violence program designed for local aboriginal young people is folding.  Funding by the federal government was pulled two weeks ago.

The Aboriginal Youth Outreach Program was run locally by the Women Against Violence Against Women Rape Crisis Centre.

The centre’s Izabela Krekora says it used music, outdoor excursions and talks with elders to connect young people with their backgrounds.

“It was a program that really empowered youth and connected them with their cultures. It made them leaders,” she explains.

She fears the high risk kids could go on to tax the system in other ways.  

“I think it’s going to cost Canadians a lot of money. It’s shocking and surprising because funding was already federal budget.”

The program coordinator has also been let go.  Krekora says it appears the government wants to shift focus on employment programs.

The $22-million worth of cuts affects all programs under Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth across Canada.