The nine member communities of the Matawa First Nations Management Tribal Council are seeking sustainable energy production solutions thanks to a Government of Canada investment of more than $240,000. The project aims to support economic development, diversification and growth in the region by helping to explore long-term renewable energy opportunities within the communities’ traditional territories and land use planning area.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support Indigenous people in their efforts to develop long-term renewable energy opportunities. By working together, we are building a relationship that will be a foundation of economic development and growth for First Nation communities and all Canadians.”

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

"Developing realistic solutions to help address challenges in Canada’s Indigenous communities requires genuine partnerships. This project with enable Matawa First Nation Management to work directly with and on behalf of its nine member communities to explore and develop clean and renewable energy production opportunities."

- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North

"Energy has always been important to our First Nations peoples.  Our eco-system, the animals, and all life forms rely on energy for survival.  The Creator provides many natural gifts like the sun, water, wind, plants, and trees that can be harnessed to create energy for our First Nations. We all need energy to heat and light our households, to cook food, to run our schools, child care and health centres and to run businesses.. This is a major capacity building initiative that will allow us to build strong, healthy First Nation communities as we develop energy independence. Renewable energy, for our First Nations, is the most culturally appropriate and positions us in our continued role as stewards of the land.”

- David Paul Achneepineskum, CEO, Matawa First Nations Management

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

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Paul Denis
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-507-0539
paul.denis@canada.ca