The province has announced the first recipients of the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF), which is providing $8.2 million in funding in 2019-2020.
Among the first recipients are 26 projects from across Ontario and six Indigenous financial institutions. The fund provides grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations.
Recipients include several communities and organizations from Northern Ontario.
Indigenous Economic Development Fund
Chippewas of Nawash First Nation: $100,000, Cape Croker Maple Syrup Business Expansion Project
Shoal Lake #40 First Nation: $100,000, Shoal Lake 40 Small Business Hub Project-Phase 3
Fort Albany First Nation: $100,000, Fort Albany Small Business Development Project
Inuit Art Foundation: $100,000, Expanding the Economic Impact of the Igloo Tag Trademark
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan: $100,000, AOPFN Economic Growth Project
Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation: $100,000, Beyond 2020 - Positioning Our Community's Economy for Future Prosperity
Seine River First Nation: $46,000, Update Community Tourism Strategy and Plan
Red Rock Indian Band: $72,000, Tourism Development Coordinator
Wahkohtowin Development GPI: $250,000, Implementing Full Participation - Growing First Nation's governance capacity to 2021 - Missanabie Forest - Enhanced Sustainable Forest Licence
Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation: $99,930, Ritchie Falls Cultural Campaign
Moose Cree First Nation: $100,000, Our Store, The Moose Cree Food Cooperative
Rainy Lake Tribal Area Business and Financial Services Corporation: $152,790, Anishinaabe Business & Economic Development
Pays Plat First Nation: $100,000, Business Development Coordinator
Webequie First Nation: $100,000, Community Co-op Store feasibility study
Sheshegwaning First Nation: $75,000, Sheshegwaning Marina and Waterfront Development Project Feasibility Study
Tungasuvvingat Inuit: $100,000, Development of an economic development plan for Urban Inuit in Ontario
Garden River First Nation: $100,000, Industrial Park Master Plan Financial & Feasibility Study
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek: $100,000, BNA Traditional Economic Activities Project
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation: $100,000, Economic Development Strategy
Hiawatha First Nation: $100,000, Research and Planning for Economic Development in Hiawatha
MoCreebec Eeyoud: $100,000, Business Plan for Fibre to the Home Network Expansion
Neskantaga First Nation: $91,020, Strategic Economic Development Plan Project
Anishnawbek Employment and Training: $250,000, AETS Pre-Apprenticeship Training Supports
Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training: $250,000, Indigenous Adult Career Exploration Program
Six Nations of the Grand River Territory: $50,000, Six Nations Language and Culture Community Learning Centre - Feasibility Study
Chapleau Cree First Nation: $50,000, Multi-purpose community centre feasibility study
Aboriginal Financial Institutions
The following organizations will each receive $700,000 in 2019-20, for a total of $4.2 million:
- Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario
- Métis Voyageur Development Fund
- Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
- Tecumseh Community Development Corporation
- Two Rivers Community Development Centre
- Waubetek Business Development Corporation
The province said additional recipients are expected to be announced in the coming months.
