Yellowknife (Apr 15/05) - A Yellowknife outreach centre has been forced to scale back its drug and alcohol programs for teenagers after the federal government did not renew $155,000 in funding.

The Tree of Peace Friendship Centre also cancelled cultural programs and limited job-training classes when the Department of Canadian Heritage did not re-commit to financing the initiatives by March 31.

"It is frustrating," said executive director Joe LeMouel. "It is hard working under these conditions."

The shortfall was part of a territory-wide decision by the federal government not to renew $1 million in funding for Northern friendship centres.

Six facilities across the territory were affected by the decision, said Vern Jones who represents the North on the National Association of Friendship Centres.

"This will have quite and effect on the youth," said Jones. "These programs provided them with an alternative lifestyle. It could have negative consequences."

Nearly 100 Yellowknife teens participate in drug and alcohol programs at the Tree of Peace each week, said LeMouel. The lack of a funding agreement has forced the organization to scale back that program and several other initiatives.

The centre cancelled a cultural program and a youth-elders sharing circle, the latter of which was extremely successful, LeMouel said.

"That was disappointing."

Jones criticized the federal government for claiming publicly it supports healthy alternatives for Northern youth while waffling on funding arrangements. "It's very frustrating. (They) should not talk out of both sides of their mouth," he said.

LeMouel, meanwhile, was hopeful the federal funding would be re-instituted by June. "There is a chance," he said.

An official in the Department of Canadian Heritage did not answer an interview request before press time.