Government of Canada investing nearly $5 million in economic development projects led by Indigenous communities and organizations across Northern Ontario
News release
FedNor also announced the Northern Ontario Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, supporting Indigenous-led clean energy projects in the region
December 5, 2025 – Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced the creation of the Northern Ontario Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (NOICE), which aims to help establish, optimize, and expand Indigenous-led clean energy projects in the region. Minister Hajdu also announced a total FedNor investment of $4,774,515 in 10 Indigenous economic development projects across the region.
The Northern Ontario Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (NOICE), which is funded through the Government of Canada Strategic Partnerships Initiative and delivered by FedNor, is helping Indigenous communities move forward with clean energy projects by supporting local ideas, improving planning, and building the skills needed to get projects off the ground. Through focused investments and hands-on support, the initiative is opening the door to new clean energy opportunities and stronger community infrastructure. Together, these projects are helping shape a cleaner, more resilient future for Northern Ontario.
These projects will help to diversify and stimulate business investment and growth, and will enhance collaboration in planning and realizing Indigenous-led clean energy projects in Northern Ontario. NOICE will specifically target Indigenous communities and organizations, as well as Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations.
Also announced today was $4,774,515 in FedNor funds for 10 Indigenous economic development projects throughout Northern Ontario. This funding will create new jobs, develop and implement new tourism infrastructure and attractions, and support important research, design, and planning work. Each project is receiving FedNor support to help foster self-directed, Indigenous-led economic development opportunities in a variety of sectors for Indigenous communities and businesses across Northern Ontario.
These investments are steps toward economic reconciliation, working hand-in-hand with Indigenous communities and supporting self-directed economic growth in Indigenous-led business spaces and communities throughout Northern Ontario. Creating opportunities that honour traditional territories and strengthen local economies will help build stronger partnerships between Indigenous businesses, organizations, communities, and industry, ensuring that prosperity is shared and that growth reflects the vision and leadership of Indigenous Peoples across Northern Ontario.
For more detail on the projects being funded, please see the associated backgrounder.
Quotes
“Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives isn't just about economic reconciliation - it's about recognizing that Northern Ontario thrives when Indigenous knowledge, leadership and innovation help shape our shared future. These projects create good jobs, build sustainable economies, and strengthen partnerships across Northern Ontario.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor
“Indigenous communities are driving clean energy innovation across Northern Ontario. With support from the Strategic Partnerships Initiative, they are building the skills and capacity needed to advance shovel-ready projects that create jobs, strengthen energy independence, and lower emissions.”
- The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services
“Enaadmaagehjik is proud of the work we are doing to support sustainable economic development for the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Point Grondine Park is poised to become a signature Indigenous tourism experience that will enhance the destination mix in the Killarney region. With the support of FedNor and the Government of Canada, we will achieve our goal of developing an unparalleled outdoor destination—one grounded in culture, guided by Anishinaabe stewardship principles and driven by success.”
- Luke Wassegijig, Tourism Manager, Wikwemikong Tourism – Enaadmaagehjik
- Paul Gladu, Chief, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek
Quick facts
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The investments announced today are in part provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), through which FedNor invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
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Additional funds announced today are provided through FedNor’s Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
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Until March 2027, the Strategic Partnerships Initiative has an additional $12 million annually to support regional clean energy initiatives that advance economic development opportunities in Indigenous communities across Canada.
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Associated links
Contacts
Jennifer Kozelj
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@labour-travail.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations