OTTAWA — Twenty-two Indigenous-led initiatives across Northern ontario will share more than $13 million in funding from FedNor, the federal economic development program for the region.
In Northwestern Ontario, the largest grant goes to Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.
It gets nearly $5 million to help up to 20 First Nation communities undertake community planning projects to help them realize the benefits of future resource development such as the Ring of Fire.
Seven Generations Education Institute will use $1 million for new equipment for its technology centre, trades lab and virtual classroom at its main campus, as well as communications equipment for its four satellite campuses.
Nokiiwin Tribal Council receives nearly $500,000 to support member First Nation communities within Treaty 1850 territory as each undertakes and completes community planning projects. Nokiiwin will also provide support to non-member First Nations who are part of the Robinson-Superior Treaty 1850 territory.
Among other grants, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation will use a $297,000 allocation to hire an economic development officer, Webequie First Nation gets $546,000 to support the construction of a Community Readiness and Wellness Centre, and Ojibway Nation of Saugeen receives $1 million toward the development of a multiplex for community cultural events, training space, essential services and economic development.
The funding announcements were made Sunday, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
