Federal government grants $5.9 million for the support of 7 indigenous and rural Alberta business projects
The federal government has announced a significant investment of $5.9 million to support seven development projects in rural and Indigenous communities across Alberta. The funding, aimed at helping communities adapt quickly to economic changes, was announced at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).
Eleanor Olszewski, the Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) and a member of parliament for Edmonton Centre, made the announcements. The projects, located in various rural and Indigenous communities, are designed to foster economic growth and empower local entrepreneurs and communities.
One of the recipients is the Siksika Nation, which will receive $810,000 to develop a business resource centre for local entrepreneurs. Shelly Mandeville, co-executive director of Aksis, will receive an additional $200,000 to develop and operate the Indigenous resource centre.
Arts County Wood Buffalo will receive $750,000 to develop a large-scale arts incubator in Fort McMurray. The Louis Bull Tribe will receive $2 million to develop a travel centre and convenience store in Maskwacis.
The County of Grande Prairie and its chamber of commerce will also receive $689,000 to build a regional workforce strategy. NAIT will receive $1 million to develop a geographic information system platform for Indigenous communities.
The Rural Routes to Climate Solutions Society will receive $458,250 to help the Blackfoot Confederacy adopt regenerative agriculture practices. The Assembly of First Nations (Versammlung der Ersten Nationen) received one million dollars to develop an information system for geographic data to support Indigenous communities in consultations regarding land use and other decision-making forms in industrial projects and land rehabilitation.
The government emphasises that these projects will only proceed if they have the full free and informed consent of Indigenous peoples. It also aims to ensure that First Nations/Indigenous peoples have an equity share in the projects.
These investments are part of the government's commitment to supporting rural and Indigenous communities as they navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape in Canada. The funding announcements mark a significant step towards fostering economic growth and empowering local communities in Alberta.
