Federal government investing nearly $7 million to support Indigenous-led economic development in Northern Ontario

Tim Brody - Editor

Three area First Nation communities are receiving Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) funding as part of nearly $7 million announced recently to support Indigenous-led economic development in Northern Ontario.
On Sept. 20, in Thunder Bay, Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced an investment of $6,899,535 in 18 Indigenous-led projects across Northern Ontario. “The projects reflect economic reconciliation in action, and will support Indigenous communities across the region in self-determined economic development through locally-driven initiatives,” a Sept. 20 FedNor media release states.
“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,” Hajdu stated.
“These projects include the expansion and development of locally-led community and business support services and the creation of locally-driven economic development corporations. They will also see new construction and renovation initiatives involving community infrastructure and land development and the completion of several critical studies and strategic plans. As well as infrastructure development and training to support resource extraction including purchasing specialized mining equipment.
“These projects are anticipated to create a wide range of economic and community benefits, including the creation of new jobs, the maintenance and development of strategic alliances across sectors, and new and upgraded community and business assets. These investments will also help with training and provide other supports for new and existing local businesses, resulting in increased efficiency and production for local businesses,” the FedNor media release informed.
Indigenous Economic Development Initiatives Funded by FedNor in Northwestern Ontario:
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.
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.
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 License, 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.