To show an ongoing partnership with the Indigenous community, the Canadian Government is making way for more jobs, and opportunities, sharing experiences and offering vital support.

At 10 a.m. this morning, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced more than $13 million is being funded to Indigenous initiatives, organizations, and communities all throughout Manitoba.

As part of this funding announcement, 16 projects will receive funds. 15 of them will be funded by PrairiesCan in Manitoba, and another one will be funded through Infrastructure Canada's Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.

"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," says Vandal.

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

Projects receiving funding support include:

  • 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 for Indigenous Peoples and affordable new home construction in Winnipeg’s North End;
  • Opening new Indigenous art exhibits and creating virtual tours to enhance the visitor experience.

The Canadian Government is also investing $6,311,657 in the Ka Ni Kanichihk Community Campus expansion project. The money will be used for the construction of a new building attached to the already present facility at 455 McDermot Ave. so that more people can take advantage of the services and programs available in downtown Winnipeg.

“Chi-Miigwetch to the Government of Canada for working with and investing in the 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," says Dodie Jordaan, Executive Director of Ka Ni Kanichihk.

The expansion will include a community resource hub, a commercial kitchen, cultural and ceremony gathering spaces, classrooms, and an expanded daycare, along with allowing a larger capacity for the already existing programming.

The federal government is funding a total of $13,571,349, and it is expected to revitalize 10 community spaces and create more than 270 jobs.

"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," says Bram Strain, President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba.

For more information, visit the Canadian Government website.