Toronto, Ontario (June 21, 2005) - Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(INAC), Ontario Region, today announced the release of Opportunities,
a guide to Aboriginal economic development programs and resources in Ontario.
Today's announcement coincides with National Aboriginal Day.
Opportunities marks the first time that INAC has brought together key
economic development information specifically for Ontario First Nations
and First Nation business people. Readers will find program and regional
contact information not only for INAC's economic development programs
- including new programs introduced just this year - but also for major
programs offered by other federal departments and by the Government of
Ontario.
"Ontario Region's economic development programs, application processes, and funding have changed over the last year," said Bob Howsam, Ontario Region's Regional Director General, while attending National Aboriginal Day activities at Dokis First Nation. "It's important that First Nations business people have one guide, designed just for them, that will help them understand the many ways INAC, and others, may be able to work with them."
Opportunities also includes a 2005-2006 daytimer. Beginning with
June 21, the summer solstice, the daytimer includes weekly Aboriginal
business facts and resources, and is organized into the 13 Moons by which
many First Nations traditionally kept time. Featuring stories from a variety
of traditions, each Moon is illustrated and explained by accomplished
Ojibwe artist Joseph Sagaj, who consulted with Elders, storytellers, and
other experts. Opportunities also includes profiles of Ontario
First Nations and Aboriginal entrepreneurs. These people are among those
leading the way in business development in this province.
The public can order copies, by calling, toll free, 1 800 567-9604, or sending an email to
infopubs@inac-ainc.gc.ca
INAC, Ontario Region has two full-service offices in Toronto and Thunder Bay. These offices are supported by three business centres located in Brantford, Sioux Lookout, and Sudbury. Together, INAC, Ontario Region, serves the 127 recognized First Nations in the province.
For further information, or to review a PDF version of Opportunities,
contact:
Brock Worobel
Communications Officer, Ontario Region
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(416) 973-2158
