MPP Rickford Announces Nearly $150K in Indigenous Transportation Initiatives

June 13, 2024

KENORA — The Ontario government is investing $149,880 to help support local Indigenous transportation initiatives in Kenora – Rainy River. The funding is being delivered through the Indigenous Transportation Initiatives Fund (ITIF) which helps support community-driven transportation-related projects for Indigenous communities and Indigenous people in urban and rural locations across the province.

This funding includes:

• $74,880 for Seven Generations Education Institute to ensure students have access to safe and reliable transportation to attend classes, travel between campuses, participate in land-based learning and cultural events, complete work placement opportunities, and secure and maintain employment.

• $75,000 for AgriTech North for a customized transit van for regional food distribution to Indigenous communities to help reduce food security issues in remote northwestern Ontario.

“Our government understands that safe and reliable transportation is essential to connecting First Nation communities with real opportunities that will improve health and economic wellness,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora – Rainy River and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “From supporting access to education at Seven Generations Education Institute to bolstering food distribution through AgriTech North, this funding underscores our commitment to economic growth, safety, and opportunity for every family in Ontario.”

“Seven Generation Education Institute (SGEI) is appreciative of this funding that will support the expansion of programming and services in Treaty #3,” said Brent Tookenay, CEO of Seven Generation Education Institute. “Addressing transportation barriers for the people in Treaty #3 creates opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be accessible for many people.”

This year, the Ontario government is investing almost $675,000 through the ITIF to help support economic growth, mobility and transportation safety in Indigenous communities across the province.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is building a stronger Ontario for everyone,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Through the ITIF, we are ensuring that Indigenous people can access everything they need like food, schools and medical appointments through reliable transportation.”

-30-