Ottawa’s $5.9M investment in Alberta rural, Indigenous communities will create 375 jobs: feds

The federal government is injecting some cash into Indigenous economic development in Alberta.

Wednesday in Edmonton, Ottawa announced it was investing $5.9 million in seven projects – expected to support some 375 jobs – across Alberta

“I’m really proud that our government is supporting this work, not only to boost productivity, create jobs and advance economic reconciliation, but to ensure that all of our communities across the province can thrive,” said Eleanor Olszewski, Canada’s emergency management and community resilience minister.

The projects include a large-scale arts incubator in Fort McMurray ($750,000); a new business resource hub in Siksika Nation ($810,300); a travel centre with fuel and electric vehicle refuelling along Highway 2 near Maskwacis ($2 million); and a program to promote agribusiness and regenerative agriculture practices in Blackfoot Confederacy ($458,250).

Another project, in the Peavine Métis Settlement, is about data mapping traditional territory. It means Indigenous leaders will have that information in hand, speeding up consultation.

“At the end of the day, all I can say is that I hope all of those jobs go to Indigenous people. But realistically, it’s OK to share,” said Lynn Smith of Peavine Métis Settlement.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is receiving $1 million to build those community atlases and train Métis people how to manage them.

“And ensure that economic development in Peavine is done respectfully, fairly and is led by Indigenous values,” Smith said.

The announcement came as Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with chiefs and Métis leaders to build support for major projects across Indigenous lands.

Both efforts are positive developments, believes entrepreneur and business leader Shelly Mandeville.

“We as Indigenous people, all of us collectively, have been left out of an economic conversation for a very long time and we have generations that we need to catch up on,” said Mandeville of AKSIS-Edmonton Indigenous Business and Professional Association.

AKSIS will receive $200,000 to develop an Indigenous resource centre to provide networking opportunities, support for Indigenous entrepreneurs, and cultural awareness workshops.

Carney and the premiers are still working out what major projects will be kickstarted. But his minister for Prairies economic development repeated a promise that Indigenous people will be included in a meaningful way.

“It’s fundamental for our government to make sure that First Nations, Indigenous peoples have an equity share in those projects an that the projects that are going ahead have the full, free and informed consent of Indigenous peoples,” said Minister Olszewski.

These programs are well needed; last year the unemployment rate amongst Indigenous people was three per cent higher than the rest of Albertans.