The Ontario government will spend $800,000 on three First Nations in Nipissing to support economic prosperity in the region, part of "Ontario’s commitment to economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples."
“This new multi-use, culturally sensitive facility will provide a gathering place for our members to grow as an Algonquin community and foster an enterprising culture that will inevitably yield local and regional economic development initiatives for many years ahead,” said Chief Davie Joanisse, Antoine Nation.
The Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) and the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP) are annual funds that support recipients across the province to develop infrastructure, create growth plans and provide employment services to help strengthen Indigenous communities and local economies.
Funding breakdown is as follows:
$600,000 for Antoine First Nation through the Indigenous Community Capital Grant Program to build a 5,000 square foot Capacity Building Center in Antoine Park, Mattawa.
$100,000 for Nipissing First Nation through the Indigenous Economic Development Fund: Regional Partnership Grant for the Beaucage Park Development.
$100,00 for Anishinabek Nation for the Cannabis Legalization Capacity Building.
The IEDF provides grants and financing, through the Economic Diversification and Regional Partnership grant streams, to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities, and organizations for projects that diversify Indigenous economies and provide access to training opportunities.
