The federal government is providing a grant of $108,000 to help tourism and business opportunities in Serpent River First Nation, according to a news release.
Provided through FedNor’s Tourism Growth Program, the funding will allow the Serpent River First Nation (SRFN) Limited Partnership, the economic development arm of the First Nation, to develop a five-year strategic plan. The goal of the project is to help diversify the economy, develop new tourism products and extend the tourism season for the Batchewana Bay and Cutler highway trading post facilities.
Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie Terry Sheehan made the announcement this week on behalf of Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Anita Anand.
“I am pleased that FedNor recognizes the importance of this project and is supporting our efforts to create more employment, become more competitive, and position Serpent River First Nation for long-term success," says Earl Commanda, Serpent River First Nation Limited Partnership Board Chair. "Our strategic planning efforts will create a roadmap to help guide tourism and economic decisions that work with and for our people. The tourism sector has great potential to be a major driver of the Canadian economy.
"Through this growth, we will make the best possible use of our existing assets and explore the development of new attractions. We look forward to continuing to work with the Serpent River First Nation Community, Chief and Council, businesses, the Government of Canada, and other partners in developing our local economy.”
The project will also focus on job creation, training, business development, and infrastructure expansion. It will also support marketing and social media activities, as well as e-commerce and website development to increase sales and support local businesses.
“We’re building an economy that is fair for everyone, including Indigenous communities like Serpent River First Nation," said Sheehan. "Through investments in Indigenous-led projects like this one, we’re supporting community self-determination. This priority project will help guide future tourism and economic decision making, while providing the people of Serpent River First Nation with more opportunities and a fair chance at fully participating in the economy.”
Serpent River First Nation is located midway between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury along the North Channel of Lake Huron. They are an Anishinaabe First Nation and signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850.
Administered by FedNor in Northern Ontario, the Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. The program also complements supports for the tourism industry provided through other federal, provincial and territorial programs.