ULKATCHO FIRST NATION, ANAHIM LAKE, BC , June 21, 2023 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations to support community-driven, economic development opportunities and growth.
On this National Indigenous People's Day, Ulkatcho First Nation held a ground breaking ceremony to launch the construction of the Ulkatcho Mercantile Store and Gas Station, a future business and commercial centre along Highway 20, Anahim Lake (IR 14A). The project is an Ulkatcho First Nation initiative intended to create jobs and promote revenue growth for the community. The new development will include a commercial building with a covered gas-dispensing area, a separate diesel-dispensing area for trucks, an aboveground storage tank for gas and diesel, rest areas for cars, semi-trailers, and electrical vehicle charging stations.
Working in partnership with the community, the Government of Canada invested $1 million in funding through ISC's Community Opportunity Readiness Program Prioritization Framework, which provides project-based funding for a range of activities to support communities' pursuit of economic opportunities. In addition, Ulkatcho First Nation is proud to have contributed $1.4 million to this project through West Chilcotin Forest Products, which is 100 percent owned by Ulkatcho First Nation.
Today's announcement on National Indigenous People's Day, is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the ongoing work by the Government of Canada to build relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis grounded in respect and cooperation, and to reaffirm our commitment to support their visions of self-determination.
"The strength of UFN is our ability to collectively work together in partnerships to achieve our goals and the UFN Mercantile Store and Fuel Station is an example. We want to thank all those who contributed to our success. We are grateful to showcase what Indigenous people can achieve when we utilize the resources that belong to us. This is a proud day for all of us and we are thankful to our Creator for helping us get to this place."
Chief Lynda Price
Ulkatcho First Nation
"I join with Chief Lynda Price and Ulkatcho First Nation in celebrating this milestone and breaking ground on the new community mercantile store and gas station. Projects like this will support a healthier, more prosperous and sustainable community. Your work to strengthen your local economy, benefits the whole region. We wish you every success ahead."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services
- Ulkatcho First Nation is located in Anahim Lake, British Columbia.
- Ulkatcho First Nation has a population of approximately 1069, with 595 living on reserve.
Associated links
Ulkatcho First Nation
ISC's Community Opportunity Readiness Program
National Indigenous History Month
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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada
media may contact: Zeus Eden, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services, [email protected]; Media Relations: Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected]
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