File Photo: Prior to COVID Pandemic
The province is partnering with Chiefs of Ontario to create a First Nation-led Prosperity Table.
The goal is to help support economic advancement and well-being of aboriginal communities.
Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford says it gives First Nations a greater voice in government decision making.
“Focused on bringing Indigenous leadership, Indigenous business leaders, and high-profile business, industrial, and economic leaders to one table, to talk structurally about we can move forward to ensure that First Nations communities and their businesses play a vital role in local industry.”
Rickford says the creation of the Prosperity Table, “enhances and focuses the discussion a little more squarely on the structural challenges that are often associated with Indigenous businesses thriving, both in the communities and in the area that they are situated.”
He notes, “This is a little bit spin than the traditional kind of rights based-approach. Those are obviously well protected and honoured, resource revenue sharing and the likes. But this is an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind opportunity. I’m not aware of this occurring anywhere across the country.”
The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says the province wants to support community-led economic development and long-term prosperity.
He adds the goal is giving First Nations businesses a meaningful voice to become a major part of the post-pandemic recovery.
Rickford notes many municipalities have vacant properties and there are opportunities to be had with Indigenous business leaders and entrepreneurs.
He says this is just one way they are strengthening their relationship with First Nations communities:
