Government of Canada congratulates Acadia First Nation for its community development

HALIFAX, Oct. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to renewing Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples by contributing to improved quality of life and economic growth in Indigenous communities.

Don Rusnak, MP for Thunder Bay?Rainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, today offered congratulations to the Acadia First Nation for completing an Addition to Reserve, and for undertaking renovations to existing businesses ? both of which will lead to long-term benefits for the community.

The Addition to Reserve represents approximately 12 acres of property located on the Hammonds Plains Road, within the Halifax Regional Municipality, for the use and benefit of the Acadia First Nation.

The creation of this urban reserve will provide the required space for community growth and new economic development opportunities for Acadia First Nation and its members. It will also benefit the neighbouring communities through increased tourism, potential new employment opportunities and increased use of local municipal goods and services.

As well, Acadia First Nation has made important renovations to its gas station, convenience store, gaming facility, and restaurant development.

The project, on the Gold River Reserve, will provide training and job opportunities, as well as significant, long-term economic benefits. The Government of Canada supported this vision by providing $800,000 of the $3.2 million costs including petroleum infrastructure, site lighting, water and wastewater systems at the site and building costs.

Quotes

"Acadia First Nation's project and Addition to Reserve are exciting opportunities ? both for its members and for surrounding communities. These accomplishments will help Acadia First Nation achieve their vision of a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous community."

The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services

"On behalf of Acadia First Nation, I thank Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada for supporting us in this exciting endeavor. The development has many positive implications for the future of our people and the community at large. We look forward to creating careers and providing important services to the surrounding area."

Deborah Robinson
Acadia First Nation Chief

Quick Facts

• The 6,000 sq. ft. completed project will employ 33 full and part-time people while also generating over $700,000 in annual revenue to the First Nation.
• Budget 2016 funded projects include the construction of two Community Centres in the Acadia First Nation, one in Yarmouth and the other in the community of Gold River. Acadia First Nation was allocated $650,000 from Budget 2016, for the Centres. Construction is approximately 80% completed at both Community Centres.
• The Order in Council for the addition of this land to the Acadia First Nation was granted on June 20, 2017, and the property now forms part of the Acadia First Nation Reserve.
• This fulfills a legal obligation of Canada in accordance with the Ponhook Settlement Agreement, a First Nations claim under Canada's Specific Claims Policy alleging outstanding lawful obligations on the part of Canada with respect to the subsequent use and disposition of four lots on the east side of the river at Ponhook, Queen's County, Nova Scotia.
• Acadia First Nation has done significant and positive work with the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Province of Nova Scotia in regard to this Addition to Reserve.
• Acadia First Nation's commercial development will be situated on the Gold River Reserve.

Associated Links

• Policy on Additions to Reserve/Reserve Creation
• Orders in Council
• Ponhook Settlement Agreement
• Acadia First Nation website

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada