News

$800,000 for First Nations in Nipissing

New funding advancing economic growth through increased support for employment and training opportunities

NIPISSING – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $800,000 to three First Nations in Nipissing to support economic prosperity in the region. These investments are part of Ontario’s commitment to economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

“Our government is working with First Nation communities in Nipissing to create lasting economic prosperity for Indigenous people and communities, representing reconciliation in action,” said MPP Vic Fedeli.

“The Antoine Nation appreciates Indigenous Affairs Ontario’s support for the construction of our first community-owned Capacity Building Center. 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.” – 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. The ICCGP funds the development of community capital projects that contribute to a sustainable social base and support economic participation in Indigenous communities, both on and off reserve.

QUICK FACTS

• For 2024-25 Ontario is supporting 48 initiatives across the province with a total commitment of $3.2 million for the IEDF and a total commitment of $6 million for ICCGP.
• Ontario is also investing $3 million in funding through the Capacity and Growth Fund to support Indigenous economic development, food security and wealth creation that creates an environment where Indigenous people can thrive.
• Ontario’s Business and Community Fund supports business financing and support services of Indigenous Financial Institutions in Ontario to provide grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities, and organizations.
• Ontario will continue delivering a $25 million funding commitment over three years from 2022 to 2025 to support Indigenous partners for economic recovery and development.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Ontario Partnering with Indigenous Communities to Advance Economic Development
• Read more about Ontario’s Indigenous Economic Development Fund and Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program.
• Learn more about available funding opportunities rom the Government of Ontario.