(akamihkfresh.ca)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

bear hills casino on louis bull

Indigenous and Métis businesses benefit from provincial investment fund

Apr 6, 2024 | 1:32 PM

The Government of Alberta says $30 million from Budget 2024 are allocated to the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) over the next three years, with 13 community-owned businesses benefiting this year.

One of those businesses is in central Alberta, that being the Bear Hills Casino Limited Partnership on Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis, which will receive $515,000.

The funding will assist in the construction of a restaurant-lounge area within the casino to promote community gathering and Indigenous tourism.

“What better way to celebrate 10 years of the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund than by increasing it to $10 million in annual funding,” says Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “The projects ABIF supports are having a significant impact on Indigenous communities, and I’m excited for the future of this program. Supporting Indigenous business development is a key part of Alberta’s commitment to economic reconciliation.”

One past recipient of funding from the ABIF is Akamihk Fresh greenhouse on Montana First Nation in Maskwacis, which received $500,000 in 2021-22.

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“The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund has been an amazing tool for bringing an economic boost to Indigenous communities across the province, and I’m grateful to see Alberta’s government continuing to honour their commitment towards reconciliation with this increase in funding,” says Ralph Cattleman, Chief, Montana First Nation

“This increase [to ABIF] will provide even more communities with opportunities to pursue business ventures that will create jobs and drive economic prosperity.”

Akamihk Fresh also supplies many schools in Maskwacis with fresh food for their students, with Montana First Nation working to expand the greenhouse this summer. When complete, it will provide up to 16 permanent jobs for Indigenous people, as well as helping address food security for the community.

A full list of this year’s ABIF recipients is at alberta.ca.