The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced FedNor investments totalling $8,296,369 in support of 18 different initiatives led by Indigenous communities and organizations across Northern Ontario. These investments are provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), and Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO).
These projects include infrastructure development and expansion, critical studies and plans, as well as initiatives that will strengthen supply chains and cooperation between Indigenous communities while expanding Indigenous community and workforce engagement in natural resource development industries.
In addition to infrastructure improvements and several critical plans and studies, anticipated benefits of these investments include: over 80 long-term jobs created or maintained; over 30 strategic alliances and partnerships created or maintained; and over 75 events held, including education and training sessions and workshops, and community engagement and consultation meetings.
Initiatives supported by FedNor
Independent First Nations Alliance
$4,000,000
Independent First Nations Alliance is receiving a non-repayable investment of $4,000,000 to build aerospace infrastructure including hangars and other structures in remote First Nation communities. This project will enable academic and private partners to test drone battery technology performance in cold weather environments, and will support emergency operations and training activities including drone piloting.
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
$703,320
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) is receiving a total of $703,320 for two initiatives:
- NADF is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $493,320 in the Helping Entrepreneurs Learn and Prosper (HELP) project, which provides services and supports to businesses in Indigenous communities.
- NADF is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $210,000 to support a three-day conference in Thunder Bay that help Indigenous people, businesses, and organizations share and discuss challenges and opportunities associated with Indigenous human resources and labour in Northern Ontario.
$511,000
Deer Lake First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $511,000 to develop a remote fish hatchery and training program in the community. This project would serve as a pilot program with potential to be replicated in other First Nation communities across the country.
Shibogama First Nations Council
$496,519
Shibogama First Nations Council is receiving a non-repayable investment of $496,519 to support an Economic Development Officer position over a three-year period.
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute
$450,000
