The Government of Canada Invests in Yukon Aboriginal Businesses

Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of Minister Aglukkaq announced funding to support the development of four Aboriginally-owned businesses in Yukon.

This represents an investment of over $650,000 to assist Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Carmacks, Teslin and Burwash Landing. These projects are funded through the Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program (NAEOP) created to help cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship in Aboriginal communities in the North and enhance access to capital for Aboriginal businesses.

Quick facts

• CanNor is investing $357,536 in the Kluane Energy Corporation. Funding will help develop a petroleum distribution facility in Burwash Landing which will provide gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel and bulk fuel delivery for companies working in the Kluane region that are involved in the mining, exploration, construction, and transportation industries. Kluane Energy will also be able to service the Kluane First Nation Government buildings and residents of the community.
• CanNor is investing $145,850 in the Deslin Development Corporation, a non-profit corporation which promotes economic development for the Teslin Tlingit Council First Nation. Funding will establish a local land treatment facility in Teslin. This includes the completion of a hydrogeology study, construction and initial operation of the facility.
• CanNor is investing $53,900 in Highwind Excavating Ltd., so that it can take advantage of local contracts and government tenders within the construction, mining, and environmental sectors in Yukon.
• CanNor’s investment of $20,638 will help four Aboriginal business people in Teslin to purchase and operate a food truck known as the Red Wagon. The business will operate seasonally, meeting local demand as well as traveling to other communities to supply a variety of events and celebrations throughout Yukon.