$97K in provincial dollars to Wahnapitae First Nation

Ontario is supporting economic development opportunities for aboriginal communities with funding of more than $1 million to support seven different projects in northeastern Ontario.

That includes $97,570 to the nearby Wahnapitae First Nation to develop a plan that will determine if land in the community can support commercial and tourism activities.

Through the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund (AEDF), the province is helping to create jobs, support new skills training opportunities and improve economic outcomes for aboriginal people, a press release said.

The seven projects represent a range of opportunities aimed at encouraging economic diversification in northeastern Ontario, from providing training opportunities for aboriginal people in mining to supporting aboriginal communities as they develop economic plans and pursue commercial and industrial parks.

Here's a full list of recipients:

-Wahgoshig First Nation will receive $247,341 this year to work with Primero Mining Corporation and Northern College to deliver a mining training program for members.

-Brunswick House First Nation is receiving $100,000 this year to complete a feasibility study to support commercial development.

-Garden River First Nation received $100,000 to plan for potential commercial development of land along the Highway 17 corridor on the bypass where the reserve is located.

-Thessalon First Nation is receiving $200,000 over two years to hire staff to complete a feasibility study investigating an expansion of its bio centre.

-United Chiefs and Council of Mnidoo Mnising is receiving $236,787 over three years to hire staff to implement a tourism and business plan.

-Whitefish River First Nation is receiving $100,000 this year to conduct planning and preliminary work required to support the construction of a commercial industrial park.

-Wahnapitae First Nation will receive $97,570 this year to develop a plan that will determine if land in the community can support commercial and tourism activities.

“The AEDF helps Aboriginal communities diversify and create more resilient and sustainable economies,” said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer, in a press release.

“We’re excited to announce support for more projects that will help Aboriginal communities, businesses and organizations plan for future prosperity in northeastern Ontario.”

“We are excited about the support from the province in our project. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much,” said Franklin Paibomsai, Chief, Whitefish River First Nation.

Zimmer is in Sudbury today to visit a sports camp for aboriginal youth which has received support through Ontario’s Promotion, Celebration and Legacy Strategy for the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.

Check back to NorthernLife.ca for coverage of his visit.