Indigenous families in the Dryden region will benefit from improved community spaces for a better quality of life
News Release
$100,000 from the Government of Canada will support upgrades to the Dryden Native Friendship Centre
August 18, 2017 – Dryden, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Indigenous families in the Dryden region will benefit from a safer and fully-accessible facility for cultural education, development and wellness as a result of a $100,000 investment from the Government of Canada.
The funding was announced today by the Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedNor.
This contribution will be used to install a security system and accessibility lift, as well as renovate the second floor of the Dryden Native Friendship Centre, an important community asset that provides a variety of services for
off-reserve Indigenous people.
This investment is being allocated under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, a $300-million fund that was established to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday through investments in community spaces that bring Canadians together. Of that amount, $10.4 million is being invested across Northern Ontario.
Quotes
"This investment is a community-building project to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. And there’s no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us together – the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind, and connect with our friends and neighbours. That’s how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
"This investment, through FedNor, will ensure Indigenous people living off-reserve in the Dryden area have safe and unimpeded access to educational and cultural programming offered at the local Native Friendship Centre. This is one of the many infrastructure initiatives taking place across the country that will leave a meaningful and lasting legacy as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations. It also helps to demonstrate how our government is taking action to renew the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples through respect, co-operation, and partnership."
- The Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora
"The funding announced today will help improve the quality of life for people that live and work in the region. The Dryden Native Friendship Centre is an important gathering place that provides families with a safe place to learn, socialize and access key programs and services designed to make their lives better, while preserving and protecting Indigenous culture and heritage."
- Sally Ledger, Executive Director, Dryden Native Friendship Centre
Quick Facts
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In addition to today’s announcement, the Kenora region has received a total of $1,533,954 for 26 projects under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
Associated Links
Contacts
Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
barclay.babcock@canada.ca