Antione Nation will get a $1 million grant to support the construction of its Community Capacity Building Centre in Mattawan. The 5,000-square-foot facility along the shore of the Ottawa River in Antoine Park will provide new space to honour and celebrate Indigenous culture, language, values, and traditions says a news release.
“Today’s targeted investment of $1 million demonstrates our commitment to enhancing infrastructure and economic development opportunities for the Antoine Nation community in Nipissing,” said MPP Vic Fedeli.
See: $600,000 to Antoine First Nation for culturally sensitive facility
“The new multi-use, culturally sensitive facility will provide a home and a gathering place for our members to express and strengthen our Algonquin identity, collaborate with many other northern groups, 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.
"Once completed, this year-round permanent facility will enable Antoine Nation to host gatherings and offer various programs and services to residents and visitors. The centre will greatly increase the community’s capacity to deliver job training and culturally relevant programming. It will become a community hub that enhances the social, spiritual, and economic well-being of Antoine Nation," explains the release.
