$1 Million for Antoine Nation Community Centre
October 18, 2024NIPISSING – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $1 million for Antione Nation to support the construction of their Community Capacity Building Centre in Mattawan. The 5000-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.
“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. “We continue to make investments through the NOHFC that contribute to stronger, healthier, and resilient Indigenous communities, and we look forward to seeing the space at the Capacity Building Centre once fully operational.”
“The Antoine Nation appreciates the financial support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for the construction of its first community-owned Capacity Building Center. This 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 to foster an enterprising culture that will inevitably yield local and regional economic development initiatives for many years ahead.” – 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.
The NOHFC fosters economic growth, job creation, and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $841 million in 6,894 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.5 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,560 jobs.
Quick Facts
- The Ontario government’s improved NOHFC programming supports more projects in rural northern communities and makes it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programming targets existing and emerging markets, provides more work opportunities for Indigenous people, and addresses the skilled labour shortage in the North.
- The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices, and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses, and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.