Indigenous communities continue to play down provincial support for economic development

Published Dec 09, 2025 • Last updated 24 minutes ago • 1 minute read

Chief Mark McCoy, of Batchewana First Nation, carries his nation’s flag at the 19th annual Gathering at the Powwow last February. MAGGIE KIRK

Local Indigenous communities continue to downplay ongoing provincial support for economic development, saying the relationship requires more than financial announcements.

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Ontario is directing nearly $5 million toward Indigenous economic development in Northern Ontario, intended to create new jobs, develop tourism infrastructure and support research.

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“Trust is built through consistent collaboration, respect for our rights, and genuine partnership in decision-making. So while these investments are a step in the right direction, they must be followed by long-term commitments,” Batchewana First Nation Chief Mark McCoy told The Sault Star.

Ontario said funding creates steps toward economic reconciliation, working hand and hand with Indigenous communities, in a release.

“We are calling on the Ontario government to go beyond temporary funding cycles and instead commit to structural changes that enable First Nations,” Garden River Chief Karen Bell told The Sault Star in September, following an $8-million announcement by Ontario toward the same cause.

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The province has directed more than $35 million into development in Indigenous communities around Northern Ontario this year, which has gone toward new friendship and recreational centres, Ring of Fire construction and other projects.

Canada’s Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) also announced the creation of the Northern Ontario Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (NOICE) in the same release.

NOICE is funded through the Canadian government and will help Indigenous communities move forward with clean energy projects in the region, supporting ideas and building the needed skills to get local projects off the ground.

“The NOICE program has the potential to make a meaningful impact if it is implemented in true partnership with First Nations. It could strengthen local capacity, create new opportunities for skills development, and support long-term economic growth,” McCoy said.

“If done right, it can provide more control to communities over their own development pathways,” he added.

The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government.

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