2-02418

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA PROVIDES $650 000 FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE ATIKAMEKW OF WEMOTACI

LA TUQUE (QUÉBEC) - October 24, 2003 - The Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and the Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Industry, announced a contribution of $650 000 to assist the Conseil des Atikamekw de Wemotaci to join Mr. Jimmy Néashit in acquiring the outfitting business, Club Odanak Inc. The funding includes $400 000, provided by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and $250 000 by Aboriginal Business Canada, a program of Industry Canada.

"Through strategic investments, INAC is working in partnership with First Nations and Inuit, together with other levels of government and the private sector, to improve access to economic development opportunities and build stronger, more self-sufficient communities. This is a public-private partnership project which will generate major economic spinoffs for the community of Wemotaci as well as the city of La Tuque," declared Minister Nault.

"Aboriginal tourism is an integral part of the country's tourism industry and therefore contributes to Canada's economic growth," said Minister Rock. "This investment demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Canada to supporting Aboriginal entrepreneurship in this sector."

"The acquisition of the outfitting business, Club Odanak Inc., represents a unique opportunity for us. In addition to promoting the economic growth of our community, Club Odanak Inc. will allow us to share Atikamekw traditions and culture with national and international tourists, while creating new jobs for our youth," stresses Mr. François Néashit, Chief of the Atikamekw Nation of Wemotaci.

Mr. Jimmy Néashit, Executive Manager of Club Odanak Inc., said he hopes to turn this outfitting business into the gateway of Aboriginal tourism development in Haute-Mauricie. "Club Odanak Inc. has outstanding potential and we intend to develop various sectors such as accomodation and food services as well as activities such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hiking, kayaking and canoeing."

The Economic Development Programs of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada provide First Nations and Inuit with opportunities to create or expand their business which helps to create long-term employment. For further information, visit INAC Web site at www.ainc-inac.gc.ca

Aboriginal Business Canada provides information and financial assistance to eligible Aboriginal entrepreneurs and organizations. To learn more, contact the program at www.abc-eac.ic.gc.ca

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget.

This release is also available in electronic format at www.abc-eac.ic.gc.ca.

For further information, please contact:

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

Mylène Dupéré
Office of Allan Rock
Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001

Chief François Néashit
Council of the Atikamekw Nation of Wemotaci
(819) 666-2237

Jimmy Néashit
Executive Manager
Club Odanak inc. Outfitting operation
(819) 523-8420

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