Ontario Invests $175,000 in Experience Akwesasne Welcome Center

(March 11, 2016) Through the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund (AEDF), Ontario is investing more than $175,000 to help establish the Experience Akwesasne Welcome Centre located at the Peace Tree Trade Centre on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island).

Last week, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer visited Akwesasne and toured the Experience Akwesasne Welcome Centre. The centre opened to visitors in October 2015 and features local artists, promotes local businesses and supports local tourism and events.

“The Aboriginal Economic Development Fund is helping Indigenous businesses, communities and organizations create, diversify and collaborate. The Experience Akwesasne Welcome Centre helps to increase local economic activity and help to ensure a prosperous and bright future for the community,” said Zimmer.

Supporting economic development for Indigenous communities is one of the steps on Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Ontario is investing $25 million over three years in Indigenous businesses and communities through the AEDF. Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs are encouraged to contact their local Aboriginal financial institutions to discuss funding for their prospective business projects through the Business and Community Fund.

“We are pleased to have been able to partner with Ontario to bring the Akwesasne Welcome Centre to fruition. The Welcome Centre gives the traveling public a place to stop into and learn more about our community and also see artwork from the many Akwesasronon artisans from within the community. The opening of our new Welcome Centre is just another step forward we are taking in working with our partners to raise the positive profile of our community,” said Grand Chief Abram Benedict.