Ontario Investing in Indigenous-Led Economic Opportunities

Press Release

July 11, 2025

$9.2 million investment will help Indigenous businesses, communities and organizations build economic partnerships, capital projects and employment opportunities.

VERMILION BAY — The Ontario government is investing $9.2 million in grants and funding for up to 39 strategic economic development projects with Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, these investments will help boost economic growth and job creation in Indigenous communities across the province.

“Now more than ever, Indigenous businesses, organizations and First Nations communities are identifying partnership opportunities to work with our government to build meaningful and lasting economic prosperity,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, and the Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “By investing in community-driven projects across the province that open new doors, strengthen the skilled workforce and promote Indigenous participation, we are protecting Ontario’s economic future in the face of U.S. tariffs and whatever else comes our way.”

This year, Ontario is investing $3.2 million through the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) and $6 million through the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP), which both support infrastructure development, community growth planning and provide employment and training services to help Indigenous workers gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs.

Today, Minister Rickford joined the North Spirit Lake First Nation, Deer Lake First Nation and Poplar Hill First Nation for the ground breaking of the new Keewaytinook Corner Fuel Station to create local jobs and serve the community. The Omekanahkay Partnership’s Vermilion Bay Development Project, which received $600,000 in ICCGP funding this year, consists of a convenience store with six fuel pumps and above ground tanks. The project also includes the addition of a tenant fit-up space, for a national Quick Serve Restaurant.

“Omekanahkay is proud to partner with the Province of Ontario to bring the Keewaytinook Corner Fuel Station to life at the intersection of Highway 17 and Highway 105 in Vermilion Bay,” said Chief Lenard Mamakeesick, Omekanahkay Director, Deer Lake First Nation. “This investment supports Indigenous ownership and capacity building, economic development, and local job creation—while providing services to residents, travelers, and commercial drivers along the TransCanada Highway. We are grateful for the Province’s commitment to advancing infrastructure that empowers Indigenous communities and strengthens the region.”

Ontario continues to meet with First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations to support shared priorities and identify partnership opportunities that advance economic reconciliation. Through specialized funding streams, skilled training opportunities and financing pathways, the provincial government is creating the conditions for Indigenous equity partnerships and participation at every step of Ontario’s supply chain.

Quick Facts

• Jointly owned by North Spirit Lake, Deer Lake and Poplar Hill First Nations, Omekanahkay maintains joint venture agreements with several industry partners to capture opportunities related to projects or development within its owners’ Traditional Territories and region.
• In 2024-25, the Ontario government invested in 48 projects through the Indigenous Community Capital Grant Program (ICCGP), and the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF).
• The IEDF provides grants and financing, through the Economic Diversification and Regional Partnership grant streams, to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities, and organizations for projects that diversify Indigenous economies and provide access to training opportunities.
• The ICCGP invests in the development of community capital projects that contribute to a sustainable social base and support economic participation in Indigenous communities, both on and off reserve.

Additional Resources

• Read more about Ontario’s Indigenous Economic Development Fund and Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program.
• Learn more about available funding opportunities from the Government of Ontario.

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Media Contacts

Erika Robson
Minister’s Office
Erika.Robson@ontario.ca
416-450-1309

Meaghan Evans
Communications Branch
meaghan.evans2@ontario.ca

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