On October 24, 2025, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a federal investment of $5.44 million for 28 Indigenous-led projects across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. This initiative aims to enhance Indigenous leadership and participation in the forest sector, create sustainable employment opportunities, and promote the use of Canadian wood in green construction.
Through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), $3.5 million will support 26 projects focused on advancing reconciliation in the forest sector by funding Indigenous-led activities related to knowledge sharing, stewardship, and economic development. The IFI promotes Indigenous priorities by supporting projects that foster community-based forestry, renewable bioenergy, capacity building, and forest management planning. Funded initiatives include bioenergy conversion projects, community forestry strategies, nursery and greenhouse development, feasibility studies for sustainable forestry businesses, and capacity-building efforts to engage Elders and youth in forest management. Projects such as the Cross Lake Band of Indians Forest Products Facility Consolidation Project, Boreal Heartland Capacity Project, and Swan River Bioenergy Project exemplify efforts to strengthen local economies, improve operational efficiency, and promote environmental stewardship in Indigenous communities.
In addition, over $1.9 million has been allocated under the Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program to encourage the use of innovative wood-based technologies in construction. Two major projects have received this funding: the City Centre School in Saskatoon and the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project in Winnipeg. The City Centre School project will showcase the use of mass timber and reclaimed materials in building a culturally inspired educational facility for Indigenous youth. The Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project will transform Winnipeg’s historic Hudson’s Bay building into a multi-purpose facility featuring affordable housing, office and retail spaces, and innovative wood-based systems.
Together, these investments highlight Canada’s commitment to advancing reconciliation, strengthening Indigenous economies, and promoting sustainable practices in the Prairie forest and construction sectors.
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