Indigenous and Northern Relations

Aboriginal Economic Development

Manitoba Indigenous and Municipal Relations works with many communities and partners to create and support employment and economic opportunities across our province. Recent examples of our work include:

Métis Economic Development Fund (MEDF)

Manitoba has partnered with the Manitoba Metis Federation to create the Métis Economic Development Fund, a $10 million economic development fund aimed at improving access to capital for the Manitoba Métis community.

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF)

The FPEGF is a joint economic development initiative between the Manitoba government and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. The FPEGF has the mandate to provide financing to support Manitoba First Nation business proposals that are economically viable. There are seven program areas of the fund, including:

  • business plan assistance
  • skills development
  • entrepreneur loans
  • community economic expansion loans
  • joint-venture investments
  • professional support aftercare
  • resource and energy investment

The FPEGF was launched in September 2008 with a fund of $20 million over five years. The funds were drawn from Manitoba Lotteries Corporation net profits. In February 2014, Manitoba and FPEGF renewed its commitment to the fund with a new, eight-year, $25 million funding agreement, expiring in 2021/22.

Aboriginal Economic Development Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The purpose of the five-year MOU is to formalize the commitment of the governments of Manitoba and Canada to work together to ensure that investments are aligned. Work under the MOU is focussed in the sector areas of:

  • Natural Resources
  • Transportation Infrastructure
  • Rural, Remote and Urban Community Economic Development

The Métis Economic Development Strategy (MEDS)

The MEDS aims to foster strong, healthy and self-reliant Métis families, communities and businesses, so Métis quality of life is comparable to other Manitobans.

Supporting the Creation of the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce

In 2004, at the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council Summit, the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce was created in Manitoba, by bringing northern and southern businesses together who recognized the strength in working co-operatively. Today, the Chamber of Commerce organizes and directs the energies of those who believe that a community worth living in is a community worth improving. It works to increase wealth and prosperity by facilitating the growth of existing businesses and fostering new ones.