by Webmaster | Jul 18, 2023 | Education, Indigenous
Alberta’s government will provide more than $10 million to Indigenous partners through the new Bridging Classrooms to Communities pilot program.
Alberta Education is committed to improving education outcomes and creating opportunities for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Creating welcoming environments, demonstrating cultural awareness and providing system supports through the Bridging Classrooms to Communities program will help support Indigenous students’ success in and out of the classroom.
This new pilot program will help Indigenous partners such as the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) build relationships with local school authorities to advance reconciliation and support the hiring of community connection workers to strengthen student relationships with Indigenous communities.
“This is an important step forward in advancing reconciliation. Alberta’s United Conservative government takes reconciliation seriously and this small but important step will help bring Indigenous communities and school authorities closer together. As Alberta’s minister of education, I firmly believe that the path to reconciliation starts with education, and I will work to ensure that happens.”
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education
The new Bridging Classrooms to Communities pilot program will provide $10.5 million over three years. ANFCA will receive $7.5 million to distribute to friendship centres within their network. The remaining $3 million is earmarked for eligible Indigenous organizations to support community connection projects in urban and rural areas across Alberta.
By creating meaningful connections, this pilot program will help Indigenous students and their families feel heard, respected and involved in Alberta schools.
Recipients will receive up to $100,000 per year to hire community connection workers who will work with school authorities to:
- Develop Indigenous-centered school events, programs and supports.
- Provide guidance to teachers and school leaders to strengthen communication with Indigenous students, families and communities.
- Make timely referrals to external support systems and services.
- Improve access to transportation, technology, tutoring, social activities, sports and other supports and services.
“Alberta’s government is pleased to fund this pilot program that will help build relationships between community partners and create new opportunities in education for Indigenous students. These meaningful connections will help provide excellent opportunities for Indigenous students to feel heard and receive support to excel at school and in life now and in the future.”
Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
“With this support from Alberta Education, friendship centres are able to weave Indigenous knowledge and culturally responsive educational supports to increase positive learning environments and urban Indigenous students’ academic and future success.”
Len Morissette, president, Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association
Grant applications will open later this summer and successful applicants will receive funding in the fall.
Alberta’s government is committed to reconciliation and Indigenous-led solutions that result in meaningful change and a better future for all.
Quick facts
- Friendship centres provide cultural programs and services to respond to the unique needs of Indigenous people in urban and rural communities across Canada.
- The Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association is a provincial association of the 21 friendship centres within the province.
- The pilot program is expected to support up to 35 community connection projects in schools across Alberta.
Related information
by Webmaster | Jun 21, 2023 | Community, Culture, Events, Indigenous
Today marks National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This is a time to listen, learn, and celebrate diverse Indigenous cultures and the outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
On this day, we also pause to remember the souls that were lost in the Residential School system and recommit ourselves to a better future.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
by Webmaster | Apr 17, 2023 | Economy, Indigenous, Jobs
Budget 2023 increases support for Indigenous job creators and entrepreneurs by boosting funding to the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) by 50 per cent.
Indigenous community-owned businesses directly benefit their communities by creating jobs, generating revenue and strengthening their local economies. Alberta’s government is reducing barriers faced by these businesses by expanding ABIF to provide capital funding for eligible Indigenous business projects.
“We are proud of what we have accomplished through the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund. Our partnership has helped create hundreds of jobs, and we look forward to building on that success through this year’s budget increase.”Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
In Budget 2023, Alberta’s government is expanding ABIF by 50 per cent, to $7.5 million from $5 million per year. This equals a total investment of $23 million in Indigenous community-owned business initiatives over the next three years. Additionally, starting April 21, the grant program will accept applications on an ongoing basis to allow more flexibility for grant applicants, giving them more time to work with the Alberta government and improve their application submissions.
Increased funding to ABIF is an important step to keep pace with a growing number of applicants. Since 2014-2015, ABIF has consistently received more eligible applications than its funding could support, meaning some community-owned businesses were unable to secure funding. This funding increase will help more Indigenous community-owned businesses create jobs in their local areas, boosting their economy and building a better future.
“Alberta’s government is committed to partnering with Indigenous communities so that all Albertans can succeed, strengthen local economies and follow their dreams. This investment fund is an important example of how we are fostering collaboration between Indigenous people, industry and government to create jobs and strengthen the economy.”Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development
Alberta’s government has heard from Indigenous communities that one of the most significant barriers they face when it comes to economic development is lack of access to capital funding from traditional financial institutions. ABIF changes that by providing opportunities for Indigenous community-owned businesses to apply for grants that will help drive their economy forward, create jobs and generate revenue for years to come.
“ABIF opened a great door of financial opportunity in that it reduced the amount of money needed from lenders to finance the business. In turn, this made the business attractive to the lenders because their risk was reduced. We are certainly thankful to the Government of Alberta for this funding and ongoing support for our business.”George Addai, CEO, Montana First Nation, Business Arm
One ABIF success story is Montana First Nation’s Green House Project, which benefited from an ABIF grant in 2022-23. It is now positioned to contribute to its local community, and the project created a total of 20 construction jobs and six permanent jobs within its community alone.
“Access to capital is vital for Indigenous Nations and communities to invest in rights, resources and build economies. Programs like the Alberta government’s ABIF help facilitate growth. For financial sovereignty, we need equal access to the same tools others have.”Makiinima, Chief Roy Fox, Kainai Blood Tribe
Alberta’s government remains committed to reconciliation. Indigenous-led solutions that affect meaningful change will lead to a better future for all.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
Quick facts
- Since 2020, ABIF has supported 35 projects that created 378 full-time positions and 254 full-time construction jobs for Indigenous people.
- Last year, Indigenous Relations supported 14 Indigenous community projects across the province in sectors from tourism to agriculture and construction to mining and extraction.
- Each ABIF grant provides between $150,000 and $750,000. Communities must own and control 51 per cent or more of the proposed project.
- This new funding includes $2 million which will be targeted to the Metis Settlements to help community-owned Métis businesses thrive.
Related information
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Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
by Webmaster | Apr 12, 2023 | Community, Culture, Indigenous
Budget 2023 invests $9 million into a new reconciliation grant program for Indigenous communities and $15 million into building a safer province for Indigenous women.
Alberta’s government is committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities and walking the path of reconciliation together. Budget 2023 invests in Indigenous-led community solutions to affect meaningful change over time.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative will provide grants of up to $100,000 to support cultural and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities in Alberta.
“Reconciliation is about working with Indigenous leaders and communities to address past harms and build a brighter future. Budget 2023’s investment supports Indigenous-led solutions with funding designed to meet the needs of communities. I look forward to the good that will come from these new grants.”
Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
The economic stream of the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative will provide capacity and opportunity development funding for community-owned projects or businesses. Funding is available for a range of business activities, including business plan development, environmental impact assessments, marketing plans and similar strategic initiatives necessary for long-term success.
Funding through the cultural stream will support traditional arts programs, language initiatives, research on oral histories and protocol items, and a range of projects that help revitalize language, culture and traditions.
A total of $3 million in grants will be available each year for three years through the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative’s two funding streams.
“As an Indigenous Elder, I am heartened to see the steps being taken by the Government of Alberta towards reconciliation. It is through acknowledging and addressing the injustices of the past that we can move towards a more just and equitable future for all.”
Elder Charles Fox, Kainai Blood Tribe
To address the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, Budget 2023 invests $15 million over three years.
Of this, $3.5 million annually in grants will be available through the Community Support Fund. This grant initiative will support community projects that address violence and increase safety and economic security for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.
An additional $1.5 million each year will support the implementation of the Government of Alberta Roadmap on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, including the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as the First Nations and Métis Women’s Councils on Economic Security.
“As a family member and part of the Premier’s Council, I am very hopeful that these funds will lead to implementation of the 113 calls to action. I truly appreciate the province of Alberta for recognizing the need to build safer and stronger Indigenous communities.”
Josie Nepinak, executive director, Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society
Reconciliation is a priority for Alberta’s government. As partners in reconciliation, we are listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta to determine the best ways forward to a better future.
Related information
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
