FedNor investing over $8.2 million in Indigenous-led projects across Northern Ontario
Backgrounder
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced FedNor investments totalling $8,296,369 in support of 18 different initiatives led by Indigenous communities and organizations across Northern Ontario. These investments are provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), and Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO).
These projects include infrastructure development and expansion, critical studies and plans, as well as initiatives that will strengthen supply chains and cooperation between Indigenous communities while expanding Indigenous community and workforce engagement in natural resource development industries.
In addition to infrastructure improvements and several critical plans and studies, anticipated benefits of these investments include: over 80 long-term jobs created or maintained; over 30 strategic alliances and partnerships created or maintained; and over 75 events held, including education and training sessions and workshops, and community engagement and consultation meetings.
Initiatives supported by FedNor
Independent First Nations Alliance
$4,000,000
Independent First Nations Alliance is receiving a non-repayable investment of $4,000,000 to build aerospace infrastructure including hangars and other structures in remote First Nation communities. This project will enable academic and private partners to test drone battery technology performance in cold weather environments, and will support emergency operations and training activities including drone piloting.
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
$703,320
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) is receiving a total of $703,320 for two initiatives:
- NADF is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $493,320 in the Helping Entrepreneurs Learn and Prosper (HELP) project, which provides services and supports to businesses in Indigenous communities.
- NADF is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $210,000 to support a three-day conference in Thunder Bay that help Indigenous people, businesses, and organizations share and discuss challenges and opportunities associated with Indigenous human resources and labour in Northern Ontario.
$511,000
Deer Lake First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $511,000 to develop a remote fish hatchery and training program in the community. This project would serve as a pilot program with potential to be replicated in other First Nation communities across the country.
Shibogama First Nations Council
$496,519
Shibogama First Nations Council is receiving a non-repayable investment of $496,519 to support an Economic Development Officer position over a three-year period.
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute
$450,000
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute is receiving a non-repayable investment of $450,000 to support the Going Mobile: A Responsive, Accessible Model for Job Creation and Retention in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation pilot project. The project will support trades, apprenticeships, and skills development in First Nation communities, as well as on-site with industry partners.
Mishkeegogamang Ojibway First Nation
$364,500
Mishkeegogamang Ojibway First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $364,500 to develop engineering and architectural plans for the Missabay Business Park and General Store.
$297,878
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is receiving a non-repayable investment of $297,878 to support a feasibility study and needs assessment related to food security of community-specific traditional foods as part of NAN’s Economic Sustainability Food Strategy.
Mikinakoos Children’s Fund
$295,000
Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is receiving a non-repayable investment of $295,000 to help implement the First Nation Community Supply Chain Management project, which will support the development of a sustainable supply chain management model to meet the needs and improve quality of life for 33 partnering First Nation communities in Northwestern Ontario.
North Caribou Lake First Nation
$250,000
North Caribou Lake First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $250,000 to develop and complete a feasibility study for a multi-use facility in the community.
$153,455
Eagle Lake First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $153,455 to develop a feasibility study and business plan for three key activities identified in its Community Strategic Plan: solar energy production, commercial greenhouse operations, and tourism facility development.
$129,125
Grand Council Treaty 3 (GCT3) is receiving a non-repayable investment of $129,125 to support Collaboration in the Bush, a project aimed at improving engagement of the 28 GCT3 Nations in forestry using Indigenous, academic, and contemporary forest management perspectives.
$124,833
Pic Mobert First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $124,833 to complete engineering, design, and project management for a new industrial and/or commercial development zone in the community.
$124,500
Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $124,500 to develop an eight-hectare parcel of waterfront land on Lake of the Woods known as “the Devil’s Gap.”
$113,400
Nokiiwin Tribal Council is receiving a non-repayable investment of $113,400 to develop and complete a study of lost business and economic activities to other jurisdictions.
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek
$104,089
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek is receiving a non-repayable investment of $104,089 to develop a feasibility study for the establishment of an aggregate pit/quarry business.
$93,750
Keewaytinook Okimakanak is receiving a non-repayable investment of $93,750 to create a broadband and cellular infrastructure study and implementation plan.
$85,000
Aroland First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $85,000 to develop and complete a feasibility study for a multi-use facility in the community.
Related Products
News release: FedNor investing over $8.2 million in projects led by Indigenous communities and organizations across Northern Ontario
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