Batchewana First Nation, north of Sault Ste. Marie, is receiving $134,400 in federal funding to modernize its information technology system.
The funding, which comes from Indigenous Services Canada, will update the First Nation’s existing system and will include integrated servers, an automated accounting system and debit/credit transaction capabilities for use at all of the community’s businesses.
The government said this funding “addresses the financial needs of First Nation communities in their pursuit of, and participation in, economic opportunities.”
“We know that access to technology and innovation is critical to having opportunities and participating in the modern economy,” Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan said in a release.
“My priority for the riding of Sault Ste. Marie has always been jobs and the economy. That’s why I’m really excited about this type of funding support.”
Batchewana Chief Dean Sayers said the funding would greatly benefit the community.
“Our leadership continuously works to seek out new ways to better serve our membership and improve the operations of our administration,” he said in the release.
“The investment made in part by Indigenous Services demonstrates their firm support for our First Nation and we greatly appreciate it.”
Batchewana First Nation consists of the four communities of Rankin, Batchewana, Goulais and Whitefish Island. The community’s traditional lands run along the eastern shore of Lake Superior, from Batchawana Bay to Whitefish Island.
