First Peoples Economic Growth Fund

The Fund was a joint initiative of the Manitoba government (AMC) and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. As part of the Fund, AMC and the Government of Manitoba worked together to identify the seven programs that would be funded by the Fund. These programs include assistance with business plans, skills development, entrepreneurs loans, loans for community economic enhancement, investments in joint-venture companies, aftercare support by professionals, and resource & energy investment. Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin emphasized the Fund's importance, saying, “this important fund will help to close the gap between the standard of life between First Nations peoples and non-Aboriginal Manitobans.” I urge Manitobans of outstanding character who are willing to join the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund's board of directors to step forward.