Canada investing to help Sheshegwaning First Nation boost its market share in the stone industry

OTTAWA, Feb. 20, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada continues to encourage First Nation participation in economic opportunities. 

Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, is pleased to announce funding to the Odawa Stone Limited Partnership, in support of the Sheshegwaning Quarry. Sheshegwaning First Nation owns and operates a quarry that currently extracts dimension (block) stone and sells it to industry. The First Nation also has plans to manufacture the stone into different materials, which will allow them to access a larger national and international market.

The funding will be used by the First Nation to conduct testing, material preparation for marketing and to prepare a business and marketing plan.

Quotes

"Our government is pleased to support this initiative that will enable access to a broader market for the Sheshegwaning First Nation Quarry, increase revenue and create new jobs for its members."

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

"We are very pleased to have the Government of Canada's support for this initiative, and are excited to see where this will lead us. We look forward to expanding our business to include value-added manufacturing that will allow us to enter a larger playing field. This will inevitably have long-standing economic benefits to the community of Sheshegwaning First Nation and its members for years to come."

Chief Dean Roy
Sheshegwaning First Nation

Quick Facts

• Sheshegwaning First Nation's quarry is a Class A facility, operating under the name of Odawa Stone Limited Partnership. It is located in Robinson Township, approximately five kilometres from Sheshegwaning on Manitoulin Island.
• Indigenous Services Canada providing $249,785 to support this project through its Community Opportunity Readiness Program. This program addresses the financial needs of First Nation communities in their pursuit of, and participation in, economic opportunities.

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Media may contact: Andrew MacKendrick, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, 819-956-5372; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160