NAN receives funding from FedNor to host First Nations Energy Conference in Thunder Bay
Fednor press release
Government of Canada investment supports First Nation economic development
Thunder Bay, Ontario, January 31, 2012 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $142,400 to encourage business development and strengthen the economy of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) communities. The funding will be used to support NAN's three-day Energy Planning Conference taking place in Thunder Bay this week.
"The Government of Canada is proud to work with Nishnawbe Aski Nation as it engages its member First Nations and tribal councils in the development of a strategy to meet their energy needs for years to come," said Minister Clement. "This initiative is an important step toward maximizing economic development opportunities throughout the NAN territory."
The conference brings together First Nation leaders, industry representatives and government officials to highlight the needs, challenges and opportunities in the NAN territory and collectively decide on how best to move forward.
"We are very pleased to have been able to bring together Nishnawbe Aski Chiefs for this Conference in order to collectively determine a path forward to address energy needs within our First Nations," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit.
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
To find out more about FedNor, visit: fednor.gc.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Seam Osmar
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-2666
Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-941-2105 or 1-877-333-6673