Northern Bands Get Federal Funding for Arenas

Northern Bands Get Federal Funding for Arenas

Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 14:16

The federal government has announced 4.5 million dollars in funding for infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan First Nations communities.

17 First Nations are getting funding — including 5 bands in Northern Saskatchewan.

The money is earmarked for cultural and recreational facilities, “green” municipal infrastructure and local transportation infrastructure.

Several of the northern bands getting funding are receiving federal money to build or renovate community arenas.

They include the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, which is getting 833-thousand dollars for the construction of a new arena next year. The Birch Narrows Dene Nation has been promised 300-thousand dollars for its new arena. As well, the Buffalo River Dene Nation is receiving 170-thousand dollars to renovate its existing arena.

Buffalo River is also getting 330-thousand dollars for the construction of a water pipeline that will serve 30 homes on its reserve in Dillon.

Ottawa is also committing 474-thousand dollars towards a new landfill in Black Lake to accommodate the needs of the community and its new health facility.