The health, safety and well-being of all people in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis is and will remain a top priority for the Government of Canada

The health, safety and well-being of all people in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis is and will remain a top priority for the Government of Canada. Indigenous Services Canada continues to support First Nations while they work tirelessly to not only keep their communities safe, but to mitigate the financial distress this pandemic has caused Indigenous businesses.

The Indigenous Community Business Fund (ICBF) has provided key support for Indigenous businesses across the country. Indigenous Services Canada Alberta Region has provided $16.5 million to support Indigenous community-or collectively-owned businesses and microbusinesses whose revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding has been distributed to businesses in all 46 Alberta First Nations.

The ICBF supports the operation, adaptation, planning and reopening of First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses. By relieving financial pressure, the ICBF helps communities keep members employed and businesses open. In Alberta, it has supported retail businesses, casinos, and tourist operations to name a few – all of which are major economic drivers for First Nations communities.

Through the ICBF, $4.4 million will support businesses owned by Enoch Cree Nation, River Cree Convenience Inc., River Cree Tobacco Shop Inc., and the Enoch River Cree Resort, as well as employment in the community.

In addition to the ICBF, Indigenous Services Canada has also committed up to $306.8 million in relief measures for small-and medium-sized Indigenous businesses across Canada in the form of interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions. It has also provided $16 million to support Indigenous tourism through the pandemic into recovery through the COVID-19 Indigenous Tourism Stimulus Development Fund.