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INDIAN AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA CONTRIBUTES TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST NATIVE-OWNED RESTAURANT BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY OF ODANAK

Odanak (Quebec), October 24, 2002 -

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) announces its financial participation in le Wigwam, a restaurant and grill located in the community of Odanak. The restaurant will open its doors on November 1, 2002. The Department, which is the main financial partner, has granted the sum of $40,991; the total cost of the project is $189,954. The other partners are the Native Commercial Credit Corporation (NCCC) which will loan $50,000, and the Odanak Community Economic Development Organization, which provided a grant of $10,000.

The project targets the renovation of the existing building, the purchase of equipment and the training of staff. The restaurant and grill will offer its customers a top-quality product; its specialty will be grain-fed barbecue chicken.

"The restaurant and grill will allow the community to receive more tourists than before with its favourable geographic location, its pleasant scenery and its accessibility," affirmed the Chief of Odanak, Gilles O'Bomsawin.

"This project is a striking example of the growth of native businesses and illustrates the ability of Aboriginal people to fully participate in Canada's economic growth," declared the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Robert D. Nault.

The restaurant and grill will become the first native-owned restaurant business in this community. The project's promoter and community member, Denis Durand, specifies that the restaurant will be located in a house that is over 150 years old. "This project will allow for the creation of sustainable jobs and ensure a greater autonomy for the people of our community," added Mr. Durand.

Forty people currently hold jobs in the community, of which close to half are students. The implementation of this business will allow for the creation of nine jobs, of which six are earmarked for Aboriginal people from the community. The business ensures major economic benefits for other community activities by fostering tourism activities, since Odanak is located in a major passage zone.

The community of Odanak is located along the St. Francis River (rivière Saint-François), 32 km from Sorel, on an axial highway used by about 10,000 vehicles per day.

For more information, please contact:

Gilles O'Bomsawin
Chief
Odanak Band Council
(450) 568-2810

Hélène Philippe
Communications Manager
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Quebec Regional Office
(418) 648-7675

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