Indigenous initiatives in the northeast are receiving over $1.3 million in federal funding.
Anthony Rota, Nipissing-Timiskaming MP, announced the FedNor money to help create jobs, growth, and resilient communities in the region.
Five projects are receiving funding.
“(Friday’s) FedNor investment in Indigenous initiatives supports vibrant local culture and strong, self-reliant communities in the Nipissing–Timiskaming area,” says Rota. “By funding these five projects, FedNor is helping to create close to 50 full-time jobs and future economic opportunities while fostering culturally rich spaces to be shared by residents and tourists alike.”
One of the projects is the construction and operation of a commercial cold-climate production greenhouse at Nipissing First Nation (NFN), which receives over $272,000. Ottawa says the project will allow NFN to sustainably provide sufficient green produce to all community members year-round.
The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre will receive over $202,000 to create a petroform, located on the Chippewa Creek EcoPath. The petroform — sometimes known as boulder outlines or boulder mosaics—will be Miskwaadesi, Ojibwe for painted turtle, regarded as a symbol of Creation and Mother Earth by many Indigenous peoples. The project will also include amphitheater seating and the planting of a traditional medicine garden.
The Anishinabek Nation receives over $190,000 to revitalize its Economic Blueprint, which officials say will help foster economic development opportunities for the 39 member First Nations. This investment is expected to create close to 50 full-time jobs.
In the north end of the riding, the Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group will receive $487,500 to support their Keepers of the Circle hub, which delivers programs and services to support the economic development of Indigenous women and families.
Temagami First Nation will receive over $204,000 to support the implementation of economic development projects and initiatives identified in their recently established Economic Development Strategy.