Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan and Minister for CanNor, announced a combined investment of over $550,000, delivered by CanNor, to support five projects that help Indigenous businesses across the Northwest Territories recover, diversify, innovate and grow.
Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation- Development of Trust Fund $56,872
CanNor is investing $56,872 towards a one-year project with a further investment from the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation (LKFN) to establish a community investment trust fund. The total project cost is $71,090. The proposed trust will oversee and manage revenues from Impact and Benefit Agreements (IBAs) the LKFN has signed with resource development companies. The trust will preserve and grow capital for the long-term benefit of the LKFN and generate a stable and sustainable income stream. As a result of this project, the LKFN will significantly increase its capacity to manage its own financial resources, make decisions for future financial prosperity and pursue sustainable economic development opportunities.
Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation - Year-Round Hydroponic Garden $247,290
CanNor is investing $247,290 in funding with a further investment from the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation (LKFN) to support a one-year project with a total project cost of $308,140. The project will assist the LKFN with the purchase and installation of a hydroponic garden system and training for local Indigenous operators. This investment will also help start the operations to grow produce under the supervision of qualified technicians. Through this project, Fort Simpson with have access to a new source of year-round fresh produce which will contribute to food security. When fully functional, the hydroponic garden is expected to produce up to 12,000 pounds per year of over 300 different types of leafy greens, Asian greens, brassicas, herbs, and cultural crops. The produce will be sold directly to consumers, local businesses and surrounding communities. Some of the produce will also be donated to community programs. One part-time, year-round position is expected to be created and then expanded to full time when the hydroponic garden operates at full capacity.
Morin's Fisheries - Expansion - Winter Equipment Needs $99,999
CanNor is investing $99,999 in funding with a further investment from Morin's Fisheries Ltd., a small, Indigenous-owned fishery based in Yellowknife, for a one-year project. The total project cost is $298,081. Through this project, Morin's Fisheries Ltd. has purchased equipment required for a winter fishery on Great Slave Lake and has further developed its commercialization strategy for their high quality fish sustainably harvested from Great Slave. The project is anticipated to create eight full-time jobs.
Aurora Heat Inc. - Scaling a Sustainable Indigenous and Nature-based Enterprise $91,150
CanNor is investing $91,150 in funding for a two-year project with a further $18,750 from the CanExport SME program delivered by Global Affairs Canada in partnership with the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program, and a further investment from Aurora Heat Inc. (Aurora Heat). The total cost of the project is $184,900. Aurora Heat, a company that makes and sells sheared beaver products, such as natural and reusable hand and feet warmers, earrings, and other products, will acquire and install a specifically designed fur press through this project, which will increase the company's production capacity and reduce production costs. The project funding also supports the company's new product development and marketing of a new product called NEZU, a sensory intervention designed for stress relief, which is being studied by the University of Calgary. Aurora Heat anticipates promoting this product once the study is completed. Overall, as a result of this project, the company anticipates increased sales and revenues, and the creation of six part-time jobs and maintenance of five other jobs.
Délı̨nę Got'ı̨nę Government - Country Foods Processing $72,800
CanNor is investing $72,800 towards a one-year project with a further investment from the Délı̨nę Got'ı̨nę Government for phase one preparatory work towards establishing a country foods processing facility in Délı̨nę. The total cost of the project is $91,000. The project includes a feasibility study, including facility design drawings, site selection, and the development of specifications for the processing equipment and supplies. This project will help determine the overall budget and training requirements to operate a country foods processing facility in the community.
