IndigenBiz

GREENSTONE — Today, the Government of Ontario signed Letters of Confirmation that will support renewed partnerships with Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation and Long Lake #58 First Nation to unlock economic and resource development opportunities in northern Ontario, including future critical minerals projects. "As we rebuild Ontario’s economy, our government is developing meaningful partnerships with First Nations across Ontario that create real opportunities for economic growth and job creation,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Together with First Nations partners, we’re improving and upgrading northern roads to better connect First Nations communities to the province’s highway network and to support future critical mineral and resource development opportunities. These are all season roads that will support First Nations communities, built by First Nations workers." The commitments outlined in the Letters of Confirmation include an agreement to upgrade the roads that connect First Nations communities to the provincial highway network and contain funding for other community infrastructure and skills training programs for First Nations people, including in resource development. These agreements are an example of how Ontario can form stronger partnerships with First Nations communities farther north and help develop critical infrastructure to improve the health, social and economic conditions of those communities, while supporting future critical mineral projects. #indigenbiz #indigenous #business #indigenousbusiness #mining #northernontario https://lnkd.in/g_C8RP9q

GREENSTONE — Today, the Government of Ontario signed Letters of Confirmation that will support renewed partnerships with Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation and Long Lake #58 First Nation to unlock economic and resource development opportunities in northern Ontario, including future critical minerals projects. "As we rebuild Ontario’s economy, our government is developing meaningful partnerships with First Nations across Ontario that create real opportunities for economic growth and job creation,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Together with First Nations partners, we’re improving and upgrading northern roads to better connect First Nations communities to the province’s highway network and to support future critical mineral and resource development opportunities. These are all season roads that will support First Nations communities, built by First Nations workers." The commitments outlined in the Letters of Confirmation include an agreement to upgrade the roads that connect First Nations communities to the provincial highway network and contain funding for other community infrastructure and skills training programs for First Nations people, including in resource development. These agreements are an example of how Ontario can form stronger partnerships with First Nations communities farther north and help develop critical infrastructure to improve the health, social and economic conditions of those communities, while supporting future critical mineral projects. #indigenbiz #indigenous #business #mining #northernontario #indigenousbusiness https://lnkd.in/g_C8RP9q

CREDIT: First Nations Finance Authority's (FNFA) loan portfolio now exceeds $2.2 billion in loans to its members with the issuance of its 11th debenture that has provided 30 First Nations across Canada access to $452 million to meet community priorities. "Surpassing the $2.2 billion milestone with our 11th debenture issuance demonstrates the strength of the FNFA model," said FNFA President and CEO, Ernie Daniels. "This achievement allows our borrowing members to invest in critical priorities like essential infrastructure projects, renewable energy solutions, economic and vital community services at significantly lower rates than available elsewhere. By offering a competitive relending rate of 4.47%, which is 2.48% below bank prime rate of 6.95%, our members can invest in their priorities, taking advantage of substantial cost savings. When projects are in the millions, savings of 1-2% can add up quite quickly. This commitment to fiscal responsibility empowers our First Nation communities to build a more prosperous future and focus on wealth creation." Since its inception, FNFA has successfully launched short and long-term loans programs, it has received multiple rating upgrades, grown exponentially in staff size, is self-sufficient, no longer relies on any external funding, and recently has received an index assignment change from the Municipal Index to the Federal Agency Index within the FTSE Canada Bond Indices. #indigenbiz #indigenous #business #finance #lending https://lnkd.in/gaa2Js2U

There has always been strong interest in Indigenous culture from Europeans and other tourists from abroad but that same interest never translated to Canadians until recently. Canadian history has made us Indigenous people out to be inferior and not worthy of getting to know and many Canadians have simply bought into that systematic thinking. But due to the persistent messaging from platforms like IndigenBiz and others, who have been promoting and encouraging Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurship along with a newfound understanding about Indigenous cultures and and the calls to action outlined in reports such as UNDRIP, TRC, and MMIW Inquiry. #indigenbiz #indigenous #tourism #business #hospitality https://lnkd.in/e4-m5At3

CREDIT: Michael MacDonald, The Canadian Press - The Glooscap First Nation recently announced it had reached an agreement in principle to acquire a majority stake in the B. Boutilier Group of Companies, which currently owns the historic Lunenburg Shipyard and the nearby East River Shipyard. The Mi'kmaq band says it plans to establish a subsidiary called Glooscap Defence, which will focus on making the band the largest Indigenous defence contractor in Canada. Glooscap First Nation can be found halfway between the Nova Scotia towns of Wolfville and Windsor. It has 436 registered members, about 100 of which live off reserve, according to federal statistics. Glooscap Ventures oversees several businesses in retail, seafood, renewable energy and consulting. Glooscap Seafood, for example, has divisions in harvesting, processing and sales of lobster, tuna and clams. Glooscap Energy is involved in solar and wind power projects. #indigenbiz #indigenous #business #majorityownership #fisheries

I will be attending and representing myself and my company, Gencity Inc., at the Canadian Mining Expo, 'Where the World Comes to Explore!' this week in Timmins as a participant. ⛏ I look to meeting and greeting with old friends and making new connections in the mining and Indigenous business world while learning anything new. 🤝 👋 Shoot me a DM message if you want to chat new business or catch up on old times! 📱 (705-257-1809) #indigenbiz #gencity #CME2024 #mining #expo #timmins #networking

The way a company approaches Indigenous consultation speaks volumes about if they are serious or just chekcing off boxes. When a company goes to the communities first and ask permission to setup shop instead of going to the government first, is a significant move in how companies should be dealing with First Nations. #indigenbiz #indigenous #business #mining https://lnkd.in/gkciEUZZ

Indigenous tourism helps advance economic reconciliation, while allowing the sharing of Indigenous cultures and histories across Canada. That’s why supporting its growth, in close partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, is one of the Government of Canada’s top priorities. One of the many ways in which the government invests in Indigenous tourism is through the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF), a $20 million investment in both large and small Indigenous projects. The first stream of the ITF, the Micro and Small Business Stream, was launched in November 2023 and has already supported 145 projects across the country. Today, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced the launch of the ITF’s Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES). With $10 million in federal funding, SITES will support major Indigenous tourism projects, awarding contributions of $500,000 to $1.25 million. The funded projects will build on existing tourism destinations, many of which are located around significant cultural and natural sites in Indigenous communities. Minister Ferrada made the announcement as part of the 2024 Indigenous Prosperity Forum. #indigenbiz #indigenous #business #tourism #canada #funding https://lnkd.in/eSQkwWBB

"The INDIGENBIZ logo is a registered trademark owned by Steven McCoy and INDIGENBIZ™ is a trademark owned by Steven McCoy.”

Unfortunately, this program is currently not accepting applications due to the high demand and will re-open at a future date despite having $80 million dollars allocated over 5 years during the 2022 budget. The overwhelming response is indicative of a couple things: 1) First Nations desire to be equity partners in major resource development in their territory, 2) The lack of capacity of First Nation communities to effectively be involved within the economic framework, 3) How unprepared the government is in effectively running its own programs developed to help our communities. I tried to reach out to the department email provided on their website to inquire as to when they plan to reopen the program but no response as of yet. Hopefully the program opens again soon so we can have more of our communities be meaningful partners with corporate Canada in resource development projects. #indigenbiz #indigenous #business #funding #government #partnership