Winnipeg, Manitoba, PrairiesCan
Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives is vital to economic reconciliation and growing an inclusive economy that works for everyone. The Government of Canada remains a strong partner in working with Indigenous communities to create jobs and opportunities, share experiences, offer vital supports.
Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced over $13 million of federal funding in Indigenous business initiatives, organizations, and communities across Manitoba. This funding announcement includes 15 projects funded by PrairiesCan in Manitoba, and 1 project funded through Infrastructure Canada's Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
The $7,259,692 of PrairiesCan funding announced today will support community revitalization and the development of programs to support Indigenous participation in business and trades.
Examples of project activities receiving support are:
- Building a pavilion for public gatherings at Norway House Cree Nation;
- Constructing a modern-traditional Ojibway longhouse community centre on Gambler First Nation;
- Increasing Indigenous inclusion in the workforce through work integrated learning;
- Launching the Purpose Homes program that will combine skills training to Indigenous Peoples and affordable new home construction in Winnipeg's North End;
- Opening new Indigenous art exhibits and creating virtual tours to enhance visitor experience.
The Government of Canada is also announcing that it will invest $6,311,657 in the Ka Ni Kanichihk Community Campus expansion project. This funding will support the construction of a new building attached to the existing facility at 455 McDermot so that thousands more people can take advantage of services and programs in downtown Winnipeg.
The expansion will allow more people to access existing programming and will include a community resource hub, a commercial kitchen, cultural and ceremony gathering spaces, classrooms, and an expanded daycare. Importantly, the expansion will create space for more culture-based services and programs.
The total federal funding of $13,571,349 is expected to revitalize 10 community spaces and create over 270 jobs.
