Minister Rick Wilson (Left) and Montana First Nation Chief Ralph Cattleman (Right) in the Akamihk Fresh greenhouse (Photo Credits - Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
The Alberta Government announced today that they will be supporting the development of Indigenous Businesses across the province with the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF).
Following the Budget 2024, the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund will increase to 30 Million Dollars to support Indigenous Community-owned businesses over the next three years.
Chief Ralph Cattleman of the Montana First Nation became one of the first success stories from the ABIF fund, that he says helped create the first-ever solar powered greenhouse called Akamihk Fresh, and calls it an opportunity for First Nations youth and community members to have freshly grown produce within the nation.
Audio Player
Montana First Nation Chief speaking at the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund announcement (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
With the help from the ABIF Funding grant, Chief Cattleman says the Montana First Nation has exploded with new buildings such as clinics, the greenhouse and other facilities that community members can use.
Audio Player
Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations speaks on the increase in funding for ABIF, and says this will allow extra projects to be created, and says that food insecurity is a huge issue within First Nations communities, and adds that with the Akamihk Fresh Greenhouse, fresh produce can now be made traditionally on the land, and given towards the children in the community schools.
Audio Player
Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations speaking at the ABIF announcement (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
Comments