Serpent River First Nation has received $108,000 in federal funds to help the community develop new tourism opportunities.
The community, which is a signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850, is located roughly halfway between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.
Announced by FedNor on March 20, the funds come through the Tourism Growth Program.
Earl Commanda, chair of the board for the Serpent River First Nation Limited Partnership, the community’s economic development arm, said he was pleased to receive the support.
“Our strategic planning efforts will create a roadmap to help guide tourism and economic decisions that work with and for our people. The tourism sector has great potential to be a major driver of the Canadian economy,” he said in a government news release.
“Through this growth, we will make the best possible use of our existing assets and explore the development of new attractions. We look forward to continuing to work with the Serpent River First Nation community, chief and council, businesses, the Government of Canada, and other partners in developing our local economy.”
The FedNor funds will enable the First Nation to develop a five-year strategic plan, which will allow the community to diversify the economy, develop new tourism products, and extend the tourism season for the Batchewana Bay and Cutler highway trading post facilities.
Goals for the community include job creation, training, business development, and infrastructure expansion. The community also plans to undertake marketing, social media activities and the development of a website.
