$14M announced for Indigenous community projects
The federal and provincial governments have announced more than $14 million in combined funding for five community and education infrastructure projects across Northern Ontario.
Among the projects announced is the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Student Internet Connectivity Project. Valued at $9.6 million, the project involves providing secure internet connectivity to NAN students to attend school remotely, which will also support improved access to online mental health support. Work includes the purchase and installation of connectivity kits for student learning hubs and homes in NAN communities. The kits will allow students to connect to low earth orbit satellites and will help develop cloud-based servers to enable secure access to school websites and provide cyber-security protections.
Two more student internet connectivity projects for the Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council and five member communities, Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation, Big Grassy First Nation, Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum, Northwest Angle No 33 First Nation, and the Seven Generations Education Institute for 8 First Nations: Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing, Couchiching First Nation, Lac La Croix First Nation, Mitaanjigamiing First Nation, Naicatchewenin First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Rainy River First Nation, Seine River First Nation, will provide students with an improved internet connectivity, allowing for better learning outcomes through remote learning, and better access to school websites and online mental health resources. These two additional projects will serve 13 First Nation communities in Northern Ontario.
Additional investments in community infrastructure projects across the region include upgrades to Berglund Road in the Township of Machin, Ontario. Work to the road’s culverts, subgrade, and gravel will improve ditching and allow for better flood mitigation.
In the Township of Ignace, Ontario, work to the landfill facility, such as new security cameras, expansion of the landfill attendant transfer facility, and new gates will improve the facility’s operational management. Each project received $100,000 in funding.
"We are pleased that our federal and provincial Treaty partners are supporting upgrades to broadband connectivity to so many of our First Nations communities,” said Alvin Fiddler, Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how crucial it is to have highspeed broadband access so members across NAN territory can receive much-needed services, including health care and education. This significant investment in Starlink technology will allow our communities to develop capacity for information technology and support online services that will help provide a better quality of life."
The Government of Canada is investing over $11.3 million in these projects through the COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The plan commits the federal government to invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
The Government of Ontario, meanwhile, is providing over $2.8 million as part of its commitment to invest $10.2 billion to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure.