The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced Government of Canada investments totalling $2,404,901 in support of six strategic initiatives led by Indigenous communities, businesses, and organizations in Northwestern Ontario.
The funding amounts listed below are in part provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
Additional funding is provided through FedNor's Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario, which provides support for small communities or First Nations to hire a qualified individual to help develop the local economy. This economic development professional works to foster opportunities and partnerships and helps implement strategies that seek to strengthen their community and create jobs.
Initiatives supported by FedNor
Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord
$931,500
The Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord is receiving an investment of $931,500 to support the creation of a Regional Indigenous Engagement Strategy. The strategy will include the hiring of a project coordinator, a consultation leader, two consultation specialists, and a researcher, who will work with industry, provincial and federal governments, and member communities to develop mining, forestry, energy, and large industrial and commercial project opportunities.
Windigo Community Development Corporation
$726,725
The Windigo Community Development Corporation (WCDC) is receiving a total of $726,725 for three separate initiatives:
- WCDC is receiving an investment of $411,525 to fund an economic development officer position over a three-year period.
- WCDC is receiving an investment of $163,700 to fund the creation of a conference, tradeshow, and regional economic development agency report on behalf of three tribal councils in Northwestern Ontario representing 17 First Nations communities.
- WCDC is also receiving an investment of $151,500 to develop an Economic Development Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan.
Independent First Nations Alliance
$450,000
The Independent First Nations Alliance is receiving an investment of $450,000 to support the hiring of an economic development officer to assist its member communities of Whitesand First Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Pikangikum First Nation, and Muskrat Dam First Nation over a three-year period.
Kasabonika Lake First Nation
$296,676
Kasabonika Lake First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $296,676 to fund an economic development officer position over a three-year period.
