The federal government has announced that just over $7.5 million will be invested in Indigenous-run businesses and organizations in Saskatchewan as a part of the Western Diversification Program.
Navdeep Bains, the federal minister of innovation, science and economic development, announced the WDP investments on Tuesday at the Songhees First Nation in B.C.
Improving commercial access and business services to northern Indigenous communities and expanding tourism resources in the province were touted as key motivators behind the funding.
“Investing in Indigenous businesses and organizations will help build a more innovative and inclusive economy in Saskatchewan while fostering the skills and resources required for Indigenous peoples to fully participate in the economy and strengthen their communities,” said Regina-Wascana MP, Ralph Goodale.
Portions of the funding will be allocated to the following Saskatchewan organizations:
- Fond du Lac First Nation Development Limited Partnership
- Mitacs Inc.
- Keewatin Career Development Corporation
- Flying Dust Market Garden Ltd.
- Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc.
- First Alliance Energy Services
- Gabriel Dumont Institute Training and Employment Inc.
- Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
- Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority
- Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.
- Cowessess First Nation
- First Nations Power Authority of Saskatchewan Inc.
- Pro Metal Industries Ltd.
The funding for Saskatchewan is part of $27 million that is being allocated to a total of 45 Indigenous projects in western Canada through the WDP.
(PHOTO: Government of Canada logo. Photo courtesy of international.gc.ca)