$200,000 will be spent to support the construction of the new multipurpose centre in the Antoine Nation near Mattawa.
FedNor funding will help the Antoine Nation construct its first-ever community-owned building, which will be dedicated to capacity-building programs and services for community members.
Antoinne territory extends north, west, south and east from the confluence of the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers including the northern portion of Algonquin Provincial Park.
The new 5,000 m2 multipurpose centre in the Antoine Nation will fund a commercial kitchen in the new facility.
"Funded by the Northern Ontario Development Program , this centre will be the Antoine Nation's first culturally appropriate headquarters to accommodate ongoing and future economic development initiatives," says a news release. "It will promote the implementation of programs for rebuilding the Nation, creating sustainable jobs, retaining young people and preparing for employability. The centre will also support many other community activities such as resource management, Algonquin medicine, sustainable land management, indigenous rights, business creation and building relationships with neighboring communities."
Other benefits include the creation of 14 jobs during the construction of the facility, skills training for 12 community members to equip them with the skills needed to work with Ontario Power Generation on the dams of the region, and the help provided to 12 members to enable them to create their businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
“FedNor's support will help the Antoine Nation construct its first community-owned building, which will pave the way for economic development and growth in our community," says Chief Davie Joanisse. "The Capacity Building Center will serve as an important gathering place for community members to collaborate on sustainable economic development and growth for years to come.
