The Ontario government is strengthening aboriginal communities through an agreement with Mamaweswen, the North Shore Tribal Council, the minister responsible for native affairs announced Friday.
“The McGuinty government is involving aboriginal communities and organizations in decisions that affect their lives,” Michael Bryant said during a visit to the Mishkeegogamang First Nation.
“Mamaweswen will deliver Ontario’s $1.6-million Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program to the province’s aboriginal communities in 2004-2005,” he added.
Program dollars fund the construction, acquisition, renovation, and expansion of community centres, friendship centres, small business centres, and business parks, as well as feasibility studies leading to the development of these projects.
“Mamaweswen, the North Shore Tribal Council, is pleased to be awarded the service administration and delivery agreement for the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants,” said Chief Angus Toulouse, board chairman of Mamaweswen.
The tribal council submitted the winning tender in response to a request for proposals to deliver the program for a three-year term.
“Through this agreement, Mamaweswen continues to work toward and demonstrate leadership by ensuring this program reflects transparency and accountability to aboriginal communities at large.
“Further, it is our responsibility and opportunity to influence the program criteria that better reflect the aboriginal needs within Ontario, and ensure the program continues to fund community projects that support social and economic stability in aboriginal communities,” added Chief Toulouse.
Mamaweswen has offices in Blind River and Cutler in Northern Ontario.
“Investing in capital infrastructure promotes prosperity and jobs, strengthening aboriginal communities and the economy,” said Bryant.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
