Over $3.75M for the Manitoba Indigenous Critical Minerals Partnerships Initiative to build capacity, develop a skilled workforce, and increase mineral development opportunities for Indigenous businesses
Manitoba has the potential to be a leader in the production of critical minerals in Canada. Capitalizing on northern Manitoba's geological advantages also depends on meaningful engagement, partnership and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, and respect for treaty rights holders.
Today in Churchill, The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a $3.75 million federal investment through a new Strategic Partnerships Initiative with Indigenous Services Canada, to be delivered by PrairiesCan. The Manitoba Indigenous Critical Minerals Partnerships Initiative (MICMPI) will fund projects in three key areas- workforce development, capacity building, and business development and entrepreneurship related to minerals development.
The Initiative was designed in partnership with, and to support Indigenous Peoples and communities according to their self-determined priorities in this sector, including revenue sharing opportunities, participation in mineral development supply chains, and the creation of quality employment opportunities. In line with the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act, local engagement is crucial for advancing these opportunities, and for stronger collaboration.
The Strategic Partnerships Initiative investment provides a way for federal partners to coordinate efforts and pool resources to help Indigenous communities respond to increasing pressures for mineral development and explore opportunities to benefit directly from mining activity.
Over the span of three years, the initiative will engage and partner with communities, create partnerships, fund projects, and leverage more than $8.25 million in additional funding. This initiative will create new jobs in northern Manitoba with a focus on maximizing local benefits.
