2-02500 FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (August 17, 2004) -- The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and Chief Peter Collins, Fort William First Nation, are pleased to announce a contribution of more than $200,000 to help create and expand Aboriginal businesses, and develop the Fort William First Nation's economic future. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), through the Economic Development Opportunity Fund (EDOF), and the Resource Access Negotiation (RAN) program, is providing the Fort William First Nation with a total of $217,400 to support the following projects: $99,000, through EDOF, to help Pelletier's Powder Coating develop a "dry painting" operation, specializing in applying decorative finishes to a variety of industrial goods, using dry chemicals instead of solvent based liquid paints; $47,900, through RAN, to help the Fort William First Nation carry out strategic planning and consensus building within the First Nation as a first step toward attracting more businesses to the reserve; $45,600, through RAN, to help the Fort William First Nation study the viability of a fish processing plant on the reserve; and $24,900, through EDOF, to help start a new company, Pro Rebar Inc., a Thunder Bay-based company specializing in reinforcement of concrete foundations and structures, such as bridges, driveways, parking garages, water plants, and other commercial and industrial projects. The Government of Canada is committed to work with First Nations partners to strengthen economic and social development opportunities and encourage economic self-reliance of First Nation communities, leading to a better quality of life. Chief Collins said, "Our community is working hard to create opportunities for business not just for this generation, but for future First Nation members as well. Such initiatives help create jobs now, and opportunities down the road." The Economic Development Opportunity Fund (EDOF) provides financial assistance in the form of matching equity funding. The objective is to use the funding to obtain conventional debt financing for business start-up or expansion. Eligible project proponents receive funding through their respective Community Economic Development Organizations. The Resource Access Negotiations (RAN) program funds activities leading to the creation and early implementation of agreements, other than joint working agreements funded through other INAC economic development programs, for the following purposes: to access business and employment opportunities in major resource projects; to attract investment in on-reserve natural resources; to access off-reserve natural resources; and to manage off-reserve natural resources. The Fort William First Nation is located at the southern edge of the City of Thunder Bay, along the north shore of Lake Superior, with a total membership of approximately 1,680 and an on-reserve population of approximately 720. For More Information, Please Contact: Tony Prudori, Communications Officer INAC Communications (807) 624-1535 Chief Peter Collins Fort William First Nation (807) 623-9543 Thomas Pelletier Pelletier's Powder Coating (807) 623-4532 Heather Anderson Pro Rebar Inc. (807) 622-1711
