Patty Hadju, the Minister responsible for FedNor, in Fort Frances, July 6, 2023. Image: randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting
FedNor is investing in 18 Indigenous-led projects across northern Ontario to help support economic development.
A total of $6,899,535 is headed to the organizations.
“Today’s investment of nearly $7 million into Indigenous-led business across Northern Ontario will support development in remote and rural Indigenous communities, creating good stable jobs, and helping to grow an economy that works for everyone,” said the Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hadju.
The projects include expanding and developing locally-led community and business support services and creating locally-driven economic development corporations.
They will also contribute towards new construction and renovation initiatives involving community infrastructure and land development and completing several critical studies and strategic plans.
The following organizations in northwestern Ontario are receiving funding:
- Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund – $960,000 – The funding is supporting the ongoing operations of the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund. The funding will enable the organization to offer community and business support services, as well as access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses for three years.
- Kiikinomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services – $850,320 – The funding is being used to develop an economic development and employment strategy and deliver the Discovery House Center of Excellence training program. To help the communities capitalize on opportunities such as mining and agriculture, this funding will also support the creation of five economic development corporations and cooperatives in partner First Nation communities including Marten Falls, Webequie, Neskantaga, Nibinamik, and Eabametoong.
- Matawa First Nations Management – $300,000 – The funding is being used to complete an infrastructure study to determine the viability of for-profit management of community infrastructure assets in member communities. The funding will also be used to develop a demand and supply energy assessment to identify potential opportunities to supply power to member communities and sell excess supply on the Ontario-regulated market. The investment will also allow Matawa First Nations Management to complete three joint-venture partnership agreements with various private sector companies.
- Bearskin Lake First Nation – $300,000 – The funding is going towards hiring an Economic Development Officer (EDO) for three years. The EDO will help strengthen the First Nation’s economy by working to develop the corporate structures, board training, and governance models to provide the community with the capacity to advance its Community Development Wrap Around Initiative and economic development strategy. While on the job, the EDO will focus on key business and economic opportunities such as expanding Makoop Lake Lodge, developing a multi-purpose centre to house a hotel, restaurant and other small businesses, as well as exploring opportunities to attract a grocery store and purchase a plane to deliver supplies.
- Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek – $135,151 – The funding is going towards completing emergency repairs to its marina breakwall. This priority project will stop further damage to marina infrastructure and protect docks and fishing vessels that remain in the water year-round.
- Lac Seul First Nation – $514,960 – The funding is supporting the design and construction of its Bioenergy Pilot Project. The project will support the acquisition and installation of the two biomass boilers and the construction of a bio-energy production facility in Lac Seul First Nation. This pilot project will serve as a demonstration model that could be replicated and scaled to meet the needs of other rural or remote First Nations communities.
- Cat Lake First Nation – $279,150 – The funding is going towards completing a Sustainable Ecological and Economic Master Plan. The initiative will allow the First Nation to focus on local priorities such as improved road access, ecotourism, acquiring a Sustainable Forest License, sustainable economic use of mature forests and creating value-added products and partnerships for the development of housing products including prefabricated, modular and log homes. As part of the project, Cat Lake First Nation will also explore securing its energy independence through renewable sources such as biomass, wind, solar, and hydroelectric development.
- Big Grassy River First Nation – $190,000 – The funding is being used to develop a feasibility study to support the economic and cultural development of Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park. The study will focus on tourism, visitor and job projections, community, cultural and economic development, educational and cultural events and other potential revenue streams to support sustainability. This project aims to foster unity and support the economic resurgence of both Big Grassy River First Nation and Onigaming First Nation, where the park resides on reserve land they jointly own.
- Wabauskang First Nation – $94,940 – The funding is being used to develop a five-year Community and Traditional Territory Strategic Plan. The plan will serve as a roadmap to help guide future decision making for the community by highlighting existing territory uses and potential opportunities envisioned by community members and leadership. Key areas of focus include information gathering and community consultations, analysis of community resources and feedback, identifying of goals and objectives, evaluating potential development costs, establishing an implementation strategy, and presenting the finalized plan to the community.
- Anishnaabeg of Naongashiing First Nation or Naongashiing Ojibway Village – $296,676 – The funds will enable the community to hire an Economic Development Officer (EDO) for a three-year period. The EDO will work to strengthen the First Nation’s economy by focusing on key activities such as completing an economic development strategy, supporting business development and growth and job creation. The project will also allow the community to identify and capitalize on opportunities in key sectors including tourism, mining, hospitality and land development.
- Mitaanjigamiing First Nation – $300,000 – The funding is being used to hire an Economic Development Officer (EDO) for a three-year period. The EDO will help advance key economic priorities for the First Nation including establishing a motel on a recently acquired parcel of land near Fort Frances, ON. The EDO will also actively pursue additional opportunities for the property such as attracting or developing retail and service businesses, as well as a restaurant and service station. Identified as a local priority, this strategic initiative supports the federal Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, which aims to invest in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities to attract new business investment, create jobs and contribute to the growth of the economy.
- Naicatchewenin First Nation – $67,500 – The funds are being used to develop an economic opportunity strategy to determine the best use for a recently acquired parcel of land. Strategically located off Highway 11 near Emo, Ontario, the nine-acre property is suitable for various development purposes and this project will help maximize its economic potential.
