Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society announced today that it will provide $28,000 to go toward COVID-19 Recovery Response initiatives in the Nechako, Lakes, and Kitamaat regions. One organization in each of the nine First Nation Communities, three Municipalities and two rural regions in the NKDF service area will receive $2,000 to assist with local economic recovery and help businesses restart and transition to the new normal.
The organizations approved to receive the funds are:
During this unprecedented time and as we look to the future, NKDF is seeking ways to assist small businesses and non-profit organizations to adapt to COVID-driven change. Now, more than ever, it is important to build resilience in local communities. NKDF Board of Directors has set as a strategic priority for the upcoming fiscal year to prioritize support for projects that aid in COVID-19 economic recovery measures.
Michelle Mungall, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, says “The COVID-19 crisis has had a severe impact on people and local economies across B.C. As we cautiously transition through B.C.’s Restart Plan, it’s important that communities are supported in their efforts so everyone in B.C. can share in the better times ahead.”
Affonso Bizon, Rio Tinto BC Work’s general manager says, “supporting the revitalization of businesses in our communities and within First Nation communities is critical during this time and will be important for the post-COVID world. We are all in this together and with contributions such as this, we can continue to support organizations and businesses that will create strong partnerships into the future.”
NKDF Chair Cindy Shelford says, “The NKDF Board has set a strategic priority to support projects that assist with COVID economic recovery. On behalf of the Board we are pleased to offer this initial infusion of funding to assist the communities with that critical first step toward rebuilding following these unprecedented times.”
The next application deadline is July 28, 2020. For more information please visit http://www.nkdf.org/
For more information on past projects funded throughout the NKDF investment area please visit http://www.nkdf.org/projects or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NKDFS
The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society was jointly established in 1997 with a combined contribution of $15 million by the government of British Columbia and the former Alcan Inc., now Rio Tinto. The Fund’s investment area includes lands impacted by the original Kemano project and focuses on the communities in the Ootsa, Lakes, Nechako and Haisla regions of the north.
The Society encourages applications from local governments, local First Nations governments and legally incorporated non-profit organizations. NKDF invests in projects that create sustainable employment, diversify the economy, and improve the basic infrastructure needed for community stability, quality of life and growth.
The Nechako Kitamaat Development Fund Society came to our aid and assisted us with the cost of installing a fire suppression sprinkler system in one of our seniors’ housing complexes in Burns Lake. The funds...