The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) is a unique federal program administered by Indigenous Services Canada and shared by a growing network of over twenty federal partners. Its innovative whole-of-government approach helps advance Indigenous inclusion in large, complex economic development opportunities that span a range of industry sectors across Canada. SPI provides a way to fill funding gaps that create barriers to Indigenous involvement in economic opportunities. It also promotes partnerships between federal and non-federal groups to leverage additional funding and support for opportunities that are not otherwise eligible for federal funding.
The Manitoba Indigenous Critical Minerals Partnerships Initiative was created under the SPI to support Indigenous communities to engage with, respond to, and benefit from mineral development and exploration opportunities based on their community plans and priorities. This initiative was designed in partnership with, and to support Indigenous Peoples and communities according to their self-determined priorities in the sector.
- Norway House Cree Nation - $300,000 to complete a business plan and deliver training programs that support sector opportunities and partnerships.
- Marcel Colomb First Nation - $387,957 to support Marcel Colomb First Nation to develop and deliver a Workforce Readiness Program to community members.
- Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation - $200,000 to hold a Critical Minerals Conference for First Nations in Northern Manitoba.
- Indigenous Chamber of Commerce- $143,297 to engage with Indigenous communities across Manitoba and complete a Mining Readiness Assessment.
- Indigenous Chamber of Commerce- $634,492 to coordinate and host a Manitoba Indigenous Business Showcase at the world-renowned Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention from 2024-2026 and support the attendance and participation of Manitoba Indigenous communities and businesses.
- University College of the North - $1,264,805 to create and deliver targeted Train-to-Hire Mine Readiness programming to boost Indigenous and northern workforce to support growing sector opportunities.
- Communities Economic Development Fund - $265,000 to establish and expand community economic development corporations and support Indigenous participation in the mining sector through business and professional development opportunities.
