Investment will help First Nations communities and entrepreneurs create good-paying jobs.

The Ontario government is providing $8 million to the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA) over the next three years to support their work delivering training, mentorship and professional networks for First Nation economic development officers and entrepreneurs.

As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment will help boost local economic development, business opportunities and job creation in First Nations communities across the province.

“Our ongoing partnership with OFNEDA reaffirms our government’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that build capacity and knowledge sharing, while strengthening economic partnerships with First Nations communities across Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and the Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships.

“This investment provides OFNEDA with sustainable funding over the next three years to further advance economic development and boost entrepreneurship in First Nations communities.”

Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and the Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships, made the announcement alongside Adam Pawis, Board Chair, and Peggy Domingue, Executive Director, representing OFNEDA, during the organization’s 14th annual First Nations Economic Advancement Conference hosted in Thunder Bay.

“On behalf of our organization, I want to acknowledge and thank the provincial government for their continued support,” said Peggy Domingue, Executive Director, OFNEDA.

“This funding strengthens our First Nation communities by providing the resources needed to advance economic sustainability. It allows us to empower and support our economic development officers and entrepreneurs through capacity building, mentorship, networking and the sharing of best practices. With this investment, we are building a stronger foundation for long-term growth and prosperity for our people.”

Ontario announced targeted funding for OFNEDA in the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, which included a suite of other Indigenous economic development supports such as:

• An increase of $4 million per year for Indigenous Financial Institutions to deliver low-interest loans and grants to Indigenous-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as $1 million per year to support e-commerce expansion.
• Increasing the size of the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program (formerly the Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program) from $1 billion to $3 billion and expanding the scope of the program.
• $10 million over three years to create new scholarship opportunities for First Nations students interested in pursuing careers in resource development.

Ontario is strengthening relationships with Indigenous partners and working to advance economic prosperity with Indigenous people and communities. Through specialized funding streams, skilled training opportunities and financing pathways, the provincial government is creating the conditions for Indigenous equity partnerships and participation at every step of Ontario’s supply chain.

Since its establishment in 2009, OFNEDA has provided Indigenous communities and businesses with assistance in procurement readiness, proposal writing, strategic planning and marketing as well as training and skills development, workshops and conferences to support Indigenous businesses.

The association provides member support, development opportunities for Economic Development Officers, industry leaders, Indigenous business professionals and government representatives to learn from each other and explore new economic development and business initiatives.

OFNEDA has 138 members spanning over 79 First Nations communities and 10 corporations, spread over four chapters with broad representation including associate and entrepreneur members across Ontario.

OFNEDA delivers accredited training opportunities to Economic Development Officers, while supporting a broader member network networking opportunities, professional workshops and conferences alongside Indigenous economic and business leaders.