Aumua Announces $460,000 Grant

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, announced that the Administration for Children and Families /Administration for Native Americans has awarded a grant in the amount of $460,000 to Pacific Youth and Community Development for the Tausi Feagaiga (Covenant Keeper) Project. These funds are in support of their new initiative to promote Sustainable Employment and Economic Development Strategies (SEEDS).

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) supports economic development through the provision of discretionary grants to tribal governments and native-serving non-profit organizations. In an effort to reduce unemployment and stimulate local economies, ANA, within the Administration for Children and Families, has awarded grant funds for community-based projects that will foster economic development through the creation of small businesses and sustainable job growth.

One of ANA's primary goals is to promote economic self-sufficiency for American Indians, Native Hawaiians, Alaskan Natives, and Native American Pacific Islanders, including American Samoa Natives. In pursuit of this goal, four priorities that ANA will promote through the SEEDS initiative are: 1) creation of sustainable employment opportunities; 2) professional training and skill development that increases participants' employability and earning potential; 3) creation and development of small businesses and entrepreneurial activities, and; 4) a demonstrated strategy and commitment to keeping the jobs and revenues generated by project activities within the native communities being served. Improving access to employment opportunities and supporting small businesses will enhance local economies, acquire and maintain gainful employment, and improve the long-term financial health of members and their families.

"I want to thank those at the Administration for Native Americans for their wisdom in awarding this grant. These funds will help create job opportunities and professional training for our people. I would also like to thank the Director of P.I., Tupua Roy Fua for securing this important grant for American Samoa," concluded Amata.

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