FedNor invests over $1.3 million to support Indigenous initiatives in Northeastern Ontario

The Government of Canada is continuously investing in Northern Ontario municipalities, First Nation communities, and organizations to create jobs, growth, and resilient communities. As Canada collectively continues to rebound from the impacts of COVID-19, it is important to support diverse economic development and strong, independent communities that are safe and accessible to all Canadians everywhere. That is why the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to support a wide range of projects, to ensure municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions are meeting local needs and helping to build healthy, enduring communities.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced FedNor investments totalling $1,356,398 for five projects located in municipalities and Indigenous communities in the Nipissing—Timiskaming area.  

Provided through the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) and its Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO), as well as the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), these investments will help strengthen communities, revitalize cultural spaces, and strengthen the economy while creating opportunities for continued future growth. In addition, these investments will help create close to 50 additional full-time positions.

Initiatives supported by FedNor ($1,356,398)

Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group – Keepers of the Circle
$487,500

The Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group will receive $487,500 to support their Keepers of the Circle hub, which delivers programs and services to support the economic development of Indigenous women and families. The FedNor investment will assist in the development of an Indigenous-led interactive food forest system demonstration site that models sustainable land use and renewable energy systems. Specifically, these funds will be used to transform the existing public grounds at the Keepers of the Circle centre in Kirkland Lake into an outdoor space where Indigenous peoples would gather for seasonal ceremonies, community-wide celebrations, and a land-based education site to demonstrate Indigenous land use and agricultural practices. This funding is provided through FedNor’s Canada Community Revitalization Fund and is expected to help create six new jobs resulting from employment and entrepreneurship in the agri-food sector within the multiple communities represented.

Nipissing First Nation
$272,217

Nipissing First Nation (NFN) will receive $272,217 to construct and operate a commercial cold-climate production greenhouse within the community. This project will allow NFN to sustainably provide sufficient green produce to all community members year round. The greenhouse will also encourage the eating of healthful foods, support local community members in engaging agricultural technology, and create agri-food business opportunities. The project will allow for future expansion and for assisting other community groups in acquiring similar expertise to help address potential food shortages. This funding is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program and is expected to help create two full-time jobs.

Temagami First Nation
$204,250

Temagami First Nation will receive $204,250 to support the implementation of economic development projects and initiatives identified in their recently established Economic Development Strategy. Specifically, these funds will contribute to hiring an Economic Development Officer (EDO) for a three-year term. The EDO will be tasked with engaging strategic project initiatives that will help build capacity for business development in Temagami First Nation. This funding is provided through FedNor’s Community investment initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO), part of the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP). This project is expected to help create over 40 new jobs, in addition to a Community Economic Development Organization, as well as new businesses, strategic alliances, and joint ventures across sectors and industries.

North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
$202,196

The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre will receive $202,196 to create a petroform, located on the Chippewa Creek EcoPath. The petroform—sometimes known as boulder outlines or boulder mosaics—will be Miskwaadesi, Ojibwe for painted turtle, regarded as a symbol of Creation and Mother Earth by many Indigenous peoples. The project will also include amphitheater seating at the petroform site, the planting of a traditional medicine garden, and opening ceremonies and celebration. This initiative will help reinvigorate community infrastructure, creating an accessible, inviting, and safe outdoor space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can gather in reconciliation, while also supporting outdoor programming including education and teaching opportunities, concerts and art exhibits, and sacred and healing ceremonies. This funding is provided through FedNor’s Canada Community Revitalization Fund and is expected to help create and/or maintain one job while generating five construction jobs throughout development stages.

Union of Ontario Indians
$190,235

The Union of Ontario Indians will receive $190,235 to revitalize the Anishinabek Nation Economic Blueprint, which will help foster economic development opportunities for the 39 member First Nations. Specifically, this project will create a current analysis of the capacity levels within the Anishinabek First Nations, an up-to-date assessment of the Ontario economy and how member First Nations can become active participants, and will generate updated regional strategies to begin the development of business plans and initiatives. This funding is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program and will help create one job for the duration of the project.

Related Products

• News release: FedNor invests over $1.3 million to support Indigenous initiatives in Northeastern Ontario

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
• Northern Ontario Development Program
• Canada Community Revitalization Fund
• Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)