FedNor funds will help support Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation’s economic development corporation

NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY - Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Official Languages and of Energy and Natural Resources, today announced a FedNor investment of $288,000 in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation (AAFN). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor. Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, was also on hand for the announcement.

FedNor funds will support Giyak Mashkawzid Shkagmikwe, AAFN’s new economic development corporation, by enabling the creation of a two-year management position within the organization.

In addition to supporting the creation of one new job, this investment will foster business expansion, new partnerships, and the development of a business park. This project reflects economic reconciliation in action, and will position AAFN to better respond to opportunities and challenges faced by the community while supporting self-determined economic development.

Quotes

“Investments like these not only represent opportunities for growth in communities, but in the region as well. Our corner of Northern Ontario contains a great combination of hard-working Canadians and potential to attract new businesses, new developments, and to create new jobs. These FedNor funds are going to help turn opportunities in Nickel Belt into successes, and will help to continue building a strong local economy.” - Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and to the Minister of Official Languages

“The Sudbury area has benefitted from a history of diverse economic drivers. Thanks to investments from FedNor like this, our region is well position to continue building on that history while also creating new opportunities. This support for Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation will help build on local knowledge, strengthening a regional economy that works for everyone.” - Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“This is an investment in innovation that will create good-paying jobs in the region. It will create economic growth and opportunities for families in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation. It is projects like this one that help provide everyone with a fair chance at success and move us forward on the path to economic reconciliation.” - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for FedNor

“FedNor’s support will help us build prosperity for our Nation. These investments directly support the on-going planning and growth of our economic development corporation and will help make it possible for us to work with businesses and other partners in developing our local economy.” - Gimaa Craig Nootchtai, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation

Quick facts

• The community of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation is located approximately 19 km west of the Greater City of Sudbury. The community has a total population of 1398 members as of the 2021 census, including descendants of the Ojibway, Algonquin and Odawa Nations.
• The funds announced today are provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), through which FedNor invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: canada.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor

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Contact

Kaylie Dudgeon,
Special Assistant
Marc G. Serré, MP for Nickel Belt, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages
705-507-2416