Backgrounder: Five Indigenous-led organizations receive over $5.4 million to grow and create jobs across southern Ontario

Backgrounder

Today, Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, announced an investment of over $5.4 million for five Indigenous-led organizations: Curve Lake First Nation, Indigenous Experience (Mādahòkì Farm), Tecumseh Community Development Corporation, Two Rivers Community Development Centre and Grand River Modular. These investments will support Indigenous entrepreneurs and foster new economic opportunities, as well as support the creation of more than 130 jobs.

The investments include support for the following projects:

With an investment of more than $2.4 million, Curve Lake First Nation will purchase equipment to operationalize a new, state-of-the-art, one-acre greenhouse facility that can produce fish and vegetables, which will be sold to regional distributors. A portion of goods produced will also be kept to provide fresh and locally sourced food for the community, enhancing the community's food security and autonomy. This project is expected to support the creation of up to eight jobs.

"The aquaponics project stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability for our community, directly contributing to the community's food security and economic prosperity. It will foster stewardship of the environment as well as providing a source of nutrition and employment for our people."
– Chef Keith Knott, Curve Lake First Nation

The Tecumseh Community Development Corporation (TCDC)is utilizing an investment of $975,000 to support entrepreneurial skills and capacity development training, with a focus on Indigenous youth and communities throughout southwestern Ontario and the Bruce Peninsula. With this support, TCDC will offer workshops, a youth entrepreneurship program and events to promote Indigenous-led tourism and businesses. The project will support the creation of up to 62 jobs.

"As a result of this FedDev Ontario funding, Tecumseh Community Development Corporation is pleased to provide ongoing training opportunities for our local Indigenous entrepreneurs. We will continue to work with our partners in hosting events that provide development opportunities and that will enhance Indigenous businesses within the southwestern region
– Phyllis George, General Manager, Tecumseh Community Development Corporation.

With an investment of $924,000, Two Rivers Community Development Centre (TRCDC) will offer entrepreneurial skills and capacity development training with a focus on Indigenous youth and businesses across the communities it serves. With this support, Two Rivers CDC will offer workshops, a youth entrepreneurship program, and events to promote Indigenous entrepreneurship and businesses. This project will support the creation of up to 60 jobs.

"This Government of Canada investment through FedDev Ontario will provide entrepreneurial skills training, workshops and a youth entrepreneurship program. It is expected to create new opportunities, enhance business skills and increase the visibility of Indigenous businesses. The initiative aims to build a generation of Indigenous business leaders who can contribute to the growth of their local economies and empower their communities."
– Dave Vince, Chief Executive Officer, Two Rivers Community Development Centre

Ottawa-based Indigenous Experiences (also known as Mādahòkì Farm), will use an investment of almost $855,000 to install an ecologically-balanced pond that reflects the cultural heritage of Canada's First Nations communities and their connection to the natural environment. This project will provide visitors with the opportunity to engage in, and celebrate, Indigenous teachings and culture through a unique aquatic recreational setting.

"In our traditional teachings, Nibi (water) is life and an essential foundation of our communities and culture. With support from FedDev Ontario, Indigenous Experiences is building Canada's first large-scale bio-diverse pond with Indigenous plants and harvesting as an attraction at Mādahòkì Farm, which will allow us to share more about Indigenous traditional knowledge and our deep connection to water through cultural tourism experiences."
– Trina Mather-Simard, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Experiences Mādahòkì Farm

Grand River Modular is a female Indigenous-owned business located in Kitchener. To support the company's vision of bringing affordable modular homes to the market, an investment of nearly $190,000 is helping Grand River Modular to build a prototype modular home demonstration unit that is designed to meet the urgent need for affordable housing. This build will give the company valuable information as it looks to scale up production.

"We're thrilled to receive this investment, which will propel us forward in our mission to build a better future - providing training to indigenous youth and developing modular housing solutions. This funding not only supports our growth but also signifies a commitment to our community and the urgent need for affordable housing solutions."
– Kayla Meredith iónkiáts , Co-owner, Grand River Modular