FedNor has announced $7 million for 18 Indigenous-led projects designed to boost economic development in the North.
FedNor Minister Patty Hajdu made the announcement in a Sept. 20 news release.
“Today’s investment of nearly $7 million into Indigenous-led business across Northern Ontario will support development in remote and rural Indigenous communities, creating good stable jobs, and helping to grow an economy that works for everyone,” she said.
A list of projects and their funding follows:
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund: $960,000
A FedNor investment of $960,000 is supporting the ongoing operations of the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund. Specifically, this funding will enable the organization to offer community and business support services, as well as access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses for a three-year period. The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is one of 24 CFDCs funded by FedNor to serve Northern Ontario businesses and communities. CFDCs are run by volunteer boards and staffed by experienced business and economic development professionals.
Kiikinomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services: $850,320
A non-repayable Government of Canada investment of $850,320 through FedNor’s NODP is helping the Kiikinomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services to develop an economic development and employment strategy and deliver the Discovery House Center of Excellence training program. To help the communities capitalize on opportunities such as mining and agriculture, this funding will also support the creation of five economic development corporations and cooperatives in partner First Nation communities including Marten Falls, Webequie, Neskantaga, Nibinamik, and Eabametoong.
Lac Seul First Nation: $514,960
Lac Seul First Nation is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $514,960 to support the design and construction of its Bioenergy Pilot Project. Funded through the NODP, this project will support the acquisition and installation of the two biomass boilers and the construction a bio-energy production facility in Lac Seul First Nation. This pilot project will serve as a demonstration model that could be replicated and scaled to meet the needs of other rural or remote First Nations communities.
Mitaanjigamiing First Nation: $300,000
Mitaanjigamiing First Nation is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $300,000 to hire an economic development officer (EDO) for a three-year period. Funded through CIINO, the EDO will help advance key economic priorities for the First Nation including establishing a motel on a recently acquired parcel of land near Fort Frances. The EDO will also actively pursue additional opportunities for the property such as attracting or developing retail and service businesses, as well as a restaurant and service station. Identified as a local priority, this strategic initiative supports the federal Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, which aims to invest in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities to attract new business investment, create jobs and contribute to the growth of the economy.
Matawa First Nations Management: $300,000
A non-repayable investment of $300,000 will enable the Matawa First Nations Management to significantly increase private sector development in member communities. Specifically, the funding will be used to complete an infrastructure study to determine viability of for-profit management of community infrastructure assets in member communities. The funding will also be used to develop a demand and supply energy assessment to identify potential opportunities to supply power to member communities and sell excess supply on the Ontario regulated market. Provided through FedNor’s NODP, this targeted investment will also allow Matawa First Nations Management to complete three joint-venture partnership agreements with various private sector companies.
Bearskin Lake First Nation: $300,000
Bearskin Lake First Nation is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $300,000 to hire an economic development officer (EDO) for a three-year period. Funded through CIINO, the EDO position will help strengthen the First Nation's economy by working to develop the corporate structures, board training, and governance models to provide the community with the capacity to advance its Community Development Wrap Around Initiative and economic development strategy. While on the job, the EDO will focus on key business and economic opportunities such as expanding Makoop Lake Lodge, developing a multi-purpose centre to house a hotel, restaurant and other small businesses, as well as exploring opportunities to attract a grocery store and purchase a plane to deliver supplies.
Big Island First Nation (Anishnaabeg of Naongashiing First Nation or Naongashiing Ojibway Village):$296,676
A non-repayable investment of $296,676 through FedNor’s CIINO program will enable Big Island First Nation to hire an economic development officer (EDO) for a three-year period. The EDO will work to strengthen the First Nation's economy by focusing on key activities such as completing an economic development strategy, supporting business development and growth and job creation. Funded through FedNor’s CIINO, the project will also allow the community to identify and capitalize on opportunities in key sectors including tourism, mining, hospitality and land development.
Cat Lake First Nation: $279,150
Cat Lake First Nation is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $279,150 to complete a Sustainable Ecological and Economic Master Plan. Funded through the NODP, this strategic initiative will allow the First Nation to focus on local priorities such as improved road access, ecotourism, acquiring a Sustainable Forest Licence, sustainable economic use of mature forests and creating value-added products and partnerships for the development housing products including prefabricated, modular and log homes. As part of the project, Cat Lake First Nation will also explore securing its energy independence through renewable sources such as biomass, wind, solar, and hydroelectric development.
Big Grassy River First Nation: $190,000
Big Grassy River First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $190,000 through FedNor’s NODP to develop a feasibility study to support the economic and cultural development of Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park. The study will focus on tourism, visitor and job projections, community, cultural and economic development, educational and cultural events and other potential revenue streams to support sustainability. This project aims to foster unity and support the economic resurgence of both Big Grassy River First Nation and Onigaming First Nation, where the park resides on reserve land they jointly own.
Rocky Bay First Nation (Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek): $135,151
Rocky Bay First Nation is receiving a non-repayable investment of $135,151 through FedNor’s NODP to complete emergency repairs to its marina breakwall. This priority project will stop further damage to marina infrastructure and provide protection to docks and fishing vessels that remain in the water year-round.
Wabauskang First Nation: $94,940
A non-repayable FedNor investment of $94,940 is helping the Wabauskang First Nation to develop a five-year Community and Traditional Territory Strategic Plan. Funded through the NODP, the strategic plan will serve as a roadmap to help guide future decision making for the community by highlighting existing territory uses and potential opportunities envisioned by community members and leadership. Key areas of focus include information gathering and community consultations, analysis of community resources and feedback, identifying of goals and objectives, evaluating potential development costs, establishing an implementation strategy, and presenting the finalized plan to the community.
Naicatchewenin First Nation: $67,500
A non-repayable FedNor investment of $67,500 is allowing the Naicatchewenin First Nation to develop an economic opportunity strategy to determine the best use for a recently acquired parcel of land. Strategically located off Highway 11 near Emo, the nine-acre property is suitable for various development purposes and this project will help maximize its economic potential. This priority initiative aligns with the Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario by supporting community infrastructure development that helps attract businesses, create employment, and contribute to the growth of the economy.
Matachewan First Nation Limited Partnership: $1,110,432
The Matachewan First Nation Limited Partnership received a non-repayable funding of $1,110,432 through FedNor’s REGI program to purchase two underground drills and train 12 local operators. This targeted investment allowed the First Nation to expand its mining business, create 12 new jobs and capitalize on an immediate opportunity to provide drilling services to the Alamos Young Davidson Mine in Matachewan. Identified as a local priority, this project aligns with the community’s strategic plan and mandate to pursue new business and employment opportunities.
Wasauksing First Nation: $663,814
The Wasauksing First Nation is receiving a non-repayable Government of Canada investment of $663,814 to help them modernize and expand their maple sugar bush business. Provided through FedNor’s NODP, the funding will be used to renovate and expand the sugar shack, purchase state-of-the-art equipment and expand its operations to 100 hectares and triple the number of trees it taps by 2025. Identified as a strategic priority, this project is expected to create four full-time jobs and support a marketing plan to help get Wasauksing Maple Products on more store shelves and in the hands of consumers.
Moose River Heritage and Hospitality Association: $300,000
The Moose River Heritage and Hospitality Association is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $300,000 to hire an economic development officer (EDO) for a three-year period. While on the job, the EDO will be responsible to advance the organization’s 10-year economic development plan, which begins with hosting a series of events to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Moose Factory Island as a trading post. Funded through FedNor’s CIINO, the project will focus on business development and growth, cultural tourism, hospitality, job creation, housing and more.
Misamikowis Community Economic Development Corp.:$275,400
A non-repayable FedNor investment of $275,400 will enable the Misamikowis Community Economic Development Corp. to hire an economic development officer (EDO) for a three-year period. While on the job, the EDO will advance the economic priorities of Beaverhouse First Nation to help create jobs, strengthen the economy, and position the community for sustainable growth and prosperity. Funded through FedNor’s CIINO, the project will focus on strategic planning, investment and workforce readiness, business development and growth and job creation.
Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc.: $193,500
A non-repayable FedNor investment of $193,500 is being used by the Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. to retain an economic development officer (EDO) to support the economic priorities of the Chapleau Cree First Nation, Missanabie Cree First Nation, and Brunswick House First Nation. Funded through CIINO, the EDO position will continue to advance the organization’s strategic plan, which includes the launch of a not-for-profit home kit manufacturer and the establishment of a bioeconomy park. Additional anticipated benefits include the creation of five businesses and over 100 new jobs, the maintenance of several strategic alliances, and multiple activities including cultural events, training workshops, and business launches.
Moose Cree First Nation: $67,692
A non-repayable FedNor investment of $67,692 through the NODP helped Moose Cree First Nation acquire equipment, software, and conduct training to establish a drone-based ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system. This strategic initiative builds upon the First Nation’s nascent drone program by enhancing their capacity and complementing the recent addition of light detecting and ranging system. GPR is a non-intrusive subsurface investigation method used to map underground features, soil disturbances, and buried objects.
