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The government is investing $149,880 to help support local Indigenous transportation initiatives in Kenora to Rainy River.
Funding is from the Indigenous Transportation Initiatives Fund (ITIF) which supports community transportation projects for Indigenous communities and Indigenous people in Ontario.
The money is being used in two ways.
$74,880 of the funding is for Seven Generations Education Institute, to ensure students have access to safe and reliable transportation. This includes transportation to attend classes, travel between campuses, participate in land-based learning and cultural events, complete work placement opportunities, and secure and maintain employment.
The other half, $75,000, is for AgriTech North for a custom transit van for food distribution to Indigenous communities. This will help reduce food security issues in northwestern Ontario.
Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, said in a release that the government understands that safe transportation will connect First Nation communities with opportunities that will improve health and economic wellness.
“From supporting access to education at Seven Generations Education Institute to bolstering food distribution through AgriTech North, this funding underscores our commitment to economic growth, safety, and opportunity for every family in Ontario,” said Rickford.
This year, the Ontario government is investing almost $675,000 through the ITIF to help support economic growth, mobility and transportation safety in Indigenous communities across the province.