Nova Scotia backs Indigenous-led economic development projects with more than $3.3 million

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Highlights

Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announce over $3.3 million in funding for Indigenous-led economic development projects across tourism, business, fisheries, and technology.
Ulnooweg Development Group Incorporated receives $1.2 million non-repayable funding to expand financing and advisory services for Indigenous-owned businesses throughout Atlantic Canada.
Multiple projects, including those of Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation and Kluskap Suliewei Group, secure additional federal support targeting job creation, capacity building, and investment in regional sectors such as fisheries and defence procurement.

Funding package spans research, business and community projects

As announced by Canada.ca, citing the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the investment package supports a series of Indigenous-led initiatives in Nova Scotia through programs including Regional Economic Growth through Innovation, the Innovative Communities Fund and the Business Development Program.

The largest single commitment goes to Ulnooweg Development Group Incorporated in Millbrook, which receives $1.2 million in non-repayable funding to deliver financing and advisory services for Indigenous-owned businesses across Atlantic Canada. The support is aimed at helping businesses start, scale and build sustainable economic opportunities tied to community prosperity.

The Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs Secretariat in Dartmouth receives $653,363 to support the Atlantic Indigenous Economic Development Integrated Research Program and four community-driven studies covering defence, fisheries, Indigenous business and green technology. In Halifax, the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society receives $500,000 to launch Atlantic Canada's first Indigenous Collaborative Business Program through the Every One Every Day initiative, along with another $100,000 to develop an interpretive plan and visitor experience program for the future Wije'winen Centre.

Other recipients include Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation, which receives $246,750 to expand a community-owned oyster farm with mechanized equipment and new growing technologies, and Wskijnu'k Mtmo'taqnuow Agency, which receives $100,000 to establish a project and partnership development officer role. Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre receives $100,000 to extend its entranceway and improve visitor experience, while Awtij Energy Inc. receives $33,015 to strengthen investment readiness and pursue export opportunities in marine AI, clean technology and Indigenous defence procurement markets.

Regional impact targets jobs, investment and Indigenous capacity

The funding mix reflects a broad economic development strategy that links Indigenous business growth with sector opportunities in tourism, fisheries, defence procurement and innovation. Several projects also combine federal support from other departments, including Indigenous Services Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, extending the reach of the Nova Scotia initiatives.

Kluskap Suliewei Group Limited Partnership in Hantsport receives $58,109 from ACOA, alongside $43,689 from Indigenous Services Canada through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program, to obtain certifications and strengthen governance for defence supply chain and submarine procurement opportunities. The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society's visitor experience project also includes $89,500 from Indigenous Services Canada through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative, while the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre project adds $25,500 from the same initiative.

Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation's oyster farm expansion is also backed by $171,829 from Fisheries and Oceans Canada through the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative. Together, the projects are designed to create accessible employment opportunities, attract investment, grow export and tourism activity, and generate revenue that can be reinvested into Indigenous communities across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

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