KIRKLAND LAKE, ON, May 8, 2024 (CNW Group via COMTEX) --
The federal government is investing in green and inclusive retrofits for Indigenous education facilities in Kirkland Lake and Temiskaming Shores to convert land in Kirkland Lake into a food forest.
Announced by MP Anthony Rota and Bertha Cormier, Executive Director of the Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group (TNWSG), these projects will receive almost $6 million from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program and $250,000 from the Natural Infrastructure Fund.
To help make the Keepers of the Circle Indigenous Hubs in Kirkland Lake and Temiskaming Shores more energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality, they will get new HVAC systems, lighting, roofs, doors, and windows. Also, accessibility ramps will be repaved, and a navigation application will be available for mobile devices so users can get information on how to get around the building based on their mobility needs. Both hubs are also being expanded, creating the Resiliency Centre in Kirkland Lake and Community Gathering Space in Temiskaming Shores.
In Kirkland Lake, when the food forest is complete, the Indigenous community will have a place to gather for seasonal ceremonies and community-wide celebrations. It will also be an outdoor learning site for people to learn about Indigenous land use and vegetation.
The TNWSG is a non-profit organization, established in 1997 to support the social, economic and cultural equity of Indigenous women. It serves the community across Timiskaming District, providing services such as early childhood learning, childcare and family support, cultural activities, and skills development training â?? with a focus on Indigenous women and girls' leadership and economic security.
"This is great news for Timiskaming District. Green and inclusive improvements to Indigenous Hubs offering multigenerational gatherings, healthcare services, childcare, and skills development training will provide needed space to grow programs and services in Kirkland Lake and Temiskaming Shores. Natural infrastructure improvements to land in Kirkland Lake will give the Indigenous community in the region a place to gather for ceremonies, celebrations, and outdoor learning on Indigenous land use practices, while also providing food resources for the community."
Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissingâ??Timiskaming, Ontario on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"We are looking forward to these upcoming projects that will support northern Indigenous communities. As we move towards a more sustainable future, Keepers of the Circle is embracing new ways to further our participation in the green economy, including through our buildings. We are excited to create a new Indigenous-led and designed outdoor green space in Kirkland Lake that provides more opportunities for community members to connect with the land and their culture."
Bertha Cormier, Executive Director of the Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group
Backgrounder: Federal government partners with Indigenous Peoples in Timiskaming Districthttps://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2024/05/federal-government-partners-with-indigenous-peoples-in-timiskaming-district.html
Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html
Natural Infrastructure Fund https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/nif-fin/index-eng.htmlÂ
Strengthened Climate Plan https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.htmlÂ
Federal infrastructure investments in Ontariohttps://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html
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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE: Infrastructure Canada
For more information (media only), please contact: Micaal Ahmed, Communications
Manager, Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities,
343-598-3920, micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca; Media Relations, Infrastructure Canada,
613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca; Sarah
Soucie, Communications Specialist, Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group,
s.soucie@keepersofthecircle.com
COMTEX_452075990/2197/2024-05-08T14:09:00
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