New federal investments in Indigenous initiatives and communities across Manitoba announced by Minister Vandal

From: Prairies Economic Development Canada

Over $13 million to support Indigenous initiatives and communities in Manitoba

February 22, 2023

Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives is vital to economic reconciliation and growing an inclusive economy that works for everyone. The Government of Canada remains a strong partner in working with Indigenous communities to create jobs and opportunities, share experiences, offer vital supports.

Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced over $13 million of federal funding in Indigenous business initiatives, organizations, and communities across Manitoba. This funding announcement includes 15 projects funded by PrairiesCan in Manitoba, and 1 project funded through Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.

The $7,259,692 of PrairiesCan funding announced today will support community revitalization and the development of programs to support Indigenous participation in business and trades.

Examples of project activities receiving support are:

Building a pavilion for public gatherings at Norway House Cree Nation;
Constructing a modern-traditional Ojibway longhouse community centre on Gambler First Nation;
Increasing Indigenous inclusion in the workforce through work integrated learning;
Launching the Purpose Homes program that will combine skills training to Indigenous Peoples and affordable new home construction in Winnipeg’s North End;
Opening new Indigenous art exhibits and creating virtual tours to enhance visitor experience.

The Government of Canada is also announcing that it will invest $6,311,657 in the Ka Ni Kanichihk Community Campus expansion project. This funding will support the construction of a new building attached to the existing facility at 455 McDermot so that thousands more people can take advantage of services and programs in downtown Winnipeg.

The expansion will allow more people to access existing programming and will include a community resource hub, a commercial kitchen, cultural and ceremony gathering spaces, classrooms, and an expanded daycare. Importantly, the expansion will create space for more culture-based services and programs.

The total federal funding of $13,571,349 is expected to revitalize 10 community spaces and create over 270 jobs.

Quotes

“Indigenous communities continue to make significant contributions to Manitoba’s economy and the impact of these projects will create opportunities to gather, train and grow, and share experiences. Our government will continue to remain a strong partner, working with Indigenous Peoples in growing an economy that works for everyone.
–The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan

“The Business Council of Manitoba is committed to Economic Reconciliation through increased representation in the workforce, entrepreneurial and supply chain ecosystems. The BCM Indigenous Education Awards have been helping to lessen financial barriers to post-secondary institutions for over 20 years. Members have contributed over $6 million dollars to 1,200 plus recipients. The funding from PrairiesCan will allow us to increase Work Integrated Learning opportunities for award recipients, matching them to employers, and creating welcoming workplaces.”
–Bram Strain, President & CEO, Business Council of Manitoba

“Chi-Miigwetch to the Government of Canada for working with and investing in Indigenous community. Together, we are creating important and long-overdue indoor and outdoor spaces – spaces to be welcoming, to be inclusive and to allow individuals to thrive, grow and heal.

“Indigenous-led projects and solutions are of the utmost importance across Turtle Island. This community-led green project will expand Ka Ni Kanichihk’s current location in the heart of Winnipeg and will include a much-needed central resource hub, a rare inner-city green space honouring traditional land based teachings and programming, a cultural centre, healing spaces, an expanded daycare, and mental, physical, and spiritual wellness supports.

“Here, we all will be seen for our strengths, and will be able to access the community and supports needed to transform our own lives. Thank you for investing in better equity, inclusion and opportunity.”
–Dodie Jordaan, Executive Director of Ka Ni Kanichihk

Quick facts

The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) aims to help communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the Fund’s purpose is to support not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and other community groups, as well as Indigenous communities.
The Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF) provided support for fish and seafood processors during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than $9 million went to eligible fish and seafood processors in western Canada.
The Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) Program makes targeted investments that aim to generate sustainable, inclusive economic growth and help communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba fully participate in and benefit from economic opportunities.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $6.3 million in the Ka Ni Kanichihk Community Campus expansion project through Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. In addition to this funding, Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. has secured $6,311,343 for the project.
The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan, supporting the Plan’s first pillar through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the increase of energy efficiency, and higher resilience to climate change. It is providing $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades.
The GICB program aims to improve the places Canadians work, learn, play, live and gather by cutting pollution, making life more affordable, and supporting thousands of good jobs. Through green and other upgrades to existing public community buildings and new builds in underserved communities, GICB helps ensure community facilities are inclusive, accessible, and have a long service life, while also helping Canada move towards its net-zero objectives by 2050.

Actions and Commitments

Call to Action # 92 : Business and Reconciliation (92)

New federal investments in Indigenous initiatives and communities across Manitoba announced by Minister Vandal

New federal investments in Indigenous initiatives and communities across Manitoba announced by Minister Vandal

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