ACOA invests more than $3.3 million in Indigenous-led projects across Nova Scotia

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has announced investments in nine Indigenous-led projects in Nova Scotia, supporting entrepreneurship, research, workforce development, and expanded economic opportunities in communities.

On Oct. 21, Sean Fraser, the minister responsible for ACOA, announced federal investments totalling more than $3.3 million to support Indigenous-led organizations and businesses.

“By supporting Indigenous leadership in sectors ranging from fisheries and tourism to research and clean technology, we are advancing economic reconciliation and creating a stronger economy for everyone,” Fraser said in a news release.

Fraser said that in Nova Scotia and across Mi’kma’ki, Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations are creating opportunities, driving innovation, and strengthening communities. The investments will help provide the capacity, connections, and assets needed to generate lasting economic benefits.

The news release said the announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting Indigenous-led economic development and advancing economic reconciliation to build a stronger, more inclusive, and dynamic economy.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said these investments support projects that expand business opportunities, attract visitors, strengthen workforce and procurement readiness, and open doors to new markets.

“Indigenous Peoples are building vibrant economies that reflect their priorities, strengths, and aspirations,” Gull-Masty said. “By investing in Indigenous entrepreneurs and economic leadership, we are helping create sustainable prosperity and stronger communities across Atlantic Canada.”

As part of the investments, Kluskap Suliewei Group Limited Partnership in Hantsport will receive a $58,109 non-repayable grant through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program; and $43,689 from Indigenous Services Canada through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program.

The funding will support obtaining certifications and strengthening governance to pursue defence supply chain and major submarine procurement opportunities while creating pathways for Indigenous business growth and workforce development.

Awtij Energy Incorporated in Port Williams will receive a $33,015 non-repayable grant through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.

The funding will support engaging expertise to strengthen investment readiness, attract new investment, and expand export opportunities in marine AI, clean technology, and Indigenous defence procurement markets.

• Kluskap Suliewei Group Limited Partnership, Hantsport, $101,798.
• Awtij Energy Incorporated, Port Williams, $33,015.
• Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations, Dartmouth, $653,363.
• Mi’Kmaw Native Friendship Society, Halifax, $689,500 (two projects).
• Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre, Millbrook First Nation, $125,500.
• Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, Afton Station, $418,579.
• Ulnooweg Development Group Incorporated, Millbrook, $1,200,000.
• Wskijnu’k M’tmo’taqnuow Agency, Chapel Island, $100,000. 

Project breakdown

• Kluskap Suliewei Group Limited Partnership in Hantsport, $58,109, from ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program; and $43,689 from Indigenous Services Canada through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program. The funding will support obtaining certifications and strengthening governance to pursue defence supply chain and major submarine procurement opportunities while creating pathways for Indigenous business growth and workforce development.
• Awtij Energy Incorporated in Port Williams, $33,015 from ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. The funding will support engaging expertise to strengthen investment readiness, attract new investment, and expand export opportunities in marine AI, clean technology, and Indigenous defence procurement markets.
• Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations in Dartmouth, $653,363 from ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. The funding will support the Atlantic Indigenous Economic Development Integrated Research Program and four community-driven studies on defence, fisheries, Indigenous business and green technology to strengthen research capacity and inform economic development decisions across Atlantic Canada.
• Mi’Kmaw Native Friendship Society in Halifax, $500,000 from ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. The funding will be used to launch Atlantic Canada’s first Indigenous Collaborative Business Program through the Every One Every Day initiative to provide shared tools, mentorship, infrastructure and culturally relevant services that help Indigenous entrepreneurs start and grow businesses while advancing community-led economic development and economic reconciliation.
• Mi’Kmaw Native Friendship Society in Halifax, $100,000 from ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program; and $89,500 from Indigenous Services Canada through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative. The funding will be used to develop an interpretive plan and visitor experience program for the future Wije’winen Centre to share Mi’kmaw culture, stories and values while creating tourism experiences that support cultural and economic development.
• Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre at Millbrook First Nation, $100,000 through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program; and $25,500 from Indigenous Service Canada through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative. The funding will be used to extend the entranceway of the Millbrook Cultural Centre to enhance visitor experience, support tourism growth and expand opportunities for cultural programming, exhibits and community economic development.
• Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation in Afton Station, $246,750 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund; and $171,829 from Fisheries and Oceans Canada through the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative. The funding will be used to expand a community-owned oyster farm with mechanized equipment and innovative growing technologies to increase production, create more accessible employment opportunities and generate revenues for reinvestment into community programs and infrastructure.
• Ulnooweg Development Group Incorporated in Millbrook, $1,200,000 from ACOA’s Business Development Program. The funding will be used to deliver Indigenous business financing and advisory services across Atlantic Canada to help Indigenous-owned businesses start, scale and create sustainable economic opportunities that strengthen community prosperity.
• Wskijnu’k M’tmo’taqnuow Agency on Chapel Island, $100,000 from ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. The funding will be used to establish a project and partnership development officer position to advance strategic partnerships, attract investment, and support the development of economic opportunities that generate sustainable, long-term benefits for Nova Scotia’s 13 Mi’kmaw First Nations.