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For Immediate Release
May 22, 2003

News Release

Eves Government Invests More Than $3 Million in Aboriginal Communities

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SAULT STE. MARIE – The Ernie Eves government will renew its successful partnership with Mamaweswen - The North Shore Tribal Council - as part of a plan to invest more than $3 million in capital projects in Aboriginal communities across the province this year, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs Norm Sterling announced today.

Under an agreement signed with the province, Mamaweswen will deliver The Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program, part of a coordinated framework of more than 35 government programs and services under Ontario's Building Aboriginal Economies (BAE) strategy. The total Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program allocation for the 2003-2004 year is $3.34 million.

"The Ernie Eves government is committed to keeping Ontario strong and prosperous by creating jobs and spurring economic growth right across Ontario," said Sterling.

The Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program consists of two components: Ontario Native Community Infrastructure Projects and Native Small Business Centres. Program dollars fund the construction, acquisition, renovation and expansion of community centres, friendship centres, small business centres and business parks as well as feasibility studies leading to the development of these projects.

Mamaweswen is the Ojibway word for "working together". The Tribal Council, comprised of seven First Nations on the north shore of Lake Huron, has been administering and delivering the ACCGP since November 2001.

"The Tribal Council is pleased to renew the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program for another year. With the creation of our Web site, we know Aboriginal communities will take advantage of this much needed program over the coming year. The success of this program demonstrates the capacity of our organization to meet its obligations in serving Aboriginal communities," said Chief Earl Commanda, Chairperson, Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council.

Mamaweswen has offices in Blind River and Cutler in northern Ontario. For more information or to discuss project eligibility, Mamaweswen can be reached at (705) 356-1691 or 1-877-463-3302.

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Merike Nurming
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
416-326-4079