Government of Canada partnering with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig to build new discovery centre

Press Release

From: FedNor

Investments in technology infrastructure will accelerate social and economic growth

August 23, 2019 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON — Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario — FedNor

Indigenous, Métis and non-Indigenous peoples and families in the Baawitigong region in and around Sault Ste. Marie will soon benefit from increased access to economic, skills training and job opportunities, thanks to Government of Canada investments of more than $13.5 million. A Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund investment of more than $12.9 million is helping Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig build the new Anishinabek Discovery Centre and FedNor funding of $610,400 will assist in the purchase and installation of technology infrastructure and specialized equipment. Upon completion, the Centre will house a National Chiefs Library, a Training Centre of Excellence, interpretive teaching and cultural spaces, and state-of-the-art event-hosting facilities.

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, made the funding announcements today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

These investments are helping to diversify and grow the regional economy, while supporting research and creating good paying jobs in the community.

Quotes

“Our government supports Indigenous peoples so that they can be full participants in the global economy. Today’s investments in the Anishinabek Discovery Centre will help provide the technology infrastructure needed to develop and offer specialized skills training that will lead to good-paying jobs, while strengthening the region’s economy.”

– The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“I am thrilled to be part of a government that recognizes the unique needs of First Nation communities and is taking action to create new skills-training, cultural and economic opportunities. Establishing the Anishinabek Discovery Centre supports our Innovation and Skills Plan by creating the right conditions to support advanced learning, research and development, while nurturing inclusive regional innovation ecosystems.”

– Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

“We would like to thank the Government of Canada for its continued support. We are excited about the cultural, social and economic potential that the Anishinabek Discovery Centre represents for our region. Once complete, the facility will enable Indigenous Peoples to acquire the educational tools needed to succeed in modern society without comprising the values of our culture and traditions.”

– Della Anaquod, President and Academic Dean, Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig

Quick facts

• The FedNor funding of $610,400 announced today will enable the organization to install a state-of-the-art information technology network with wireless access points, as well as other automated systems, furnishings and workstations, audio-visual equipment and specialized computers.
• Since December 2015, FedNor approved more than $230 million in support of 650 projects in Northern Ontario, to the benefit of families, communities and businesses across the region.
• Since 2016 and through successive budgets, the Government of Canada has dedicated an additional $62 million to help FedNor to further strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy and create even more middle-class jobs for Canadians.
• The Government invested $2 billion in close to 300 projects under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to renew university and college campuses across the country.
• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund are promoting economic activity across Canada and helping Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca.
• Follow us on Twitter: @FedNor.
• Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA.

Contacts

Kim Fewchuk
Senior Communications Officer
FedNor
705-971-4112
kim.fewchuk@canada.ca

Dani Keenan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-1710

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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