Skip to content
About | Contact | Advertise | Manage Subscriptions
  1. Home
  2. Around the North

Province assists with economic development opportunities for five First Nations

Five First Nation communities in Ontario will receive $2.3 million in funding for economic development opportunities in their communities.
Northern Ontario Business Staff

Five First Nation communities in Ontario will receive $2.3 million in funding for economic development opportunities in their communities.

The communities include Wahnapitae First Nation, Pic Mobert First Nation, Kasabonika First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation and Windigo First Nations Council. Funding comes from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. (NOHFC).

“Our investments in the future prosperity of Northern Ontario First Nations reinforce our commitment to building constructive, co-operative relationships with our Aboriginal communities,” said Rick Bartolucci, minister of northern development and mines and chair of the NOHFC, in a news release. “An approach based on mutual respect, dignity, and meaningful participation in decision making will lead to improved opportunities and a better future for Aboriginal families.”

In Wahnapitae First Nation, which will receive $999,999, projects will include a business incubator, a meeting hall and conference centre, a medical clinic and space for administration services.

Pic Mobert First Nation will receive $150,000 to expand and convert a vacant building into a community development and innovation centre, which will deliver Ontario Works employment and training, Contact North E-Learning and other community development and learning initiatives.

Kasabonika First Nation, through the Kasabonika Community Development Corporation, will receive funding to purchase a portable diamond drill in order to provide drilling services to exploration companies in the area. The community received $100,000.

Eabametoong First Nation will receive $1 million to build a facility that will support new programming and training needs for Eabametoong residents. The facility will provide space for meetings and geographic information system (GIS) work, and will also offer rental office space that can be used for new programs or exploration companies working in the area.

Windigo First Nations Council will receive $50,000 to lead a consultation process among participating First Nations regarding the construction of an electrical transmission line that would connect 10 Far North First Nations to the Ontario power grid.