Abegweit First Nation receives $558K in federal funding

The federal government is providing roughly $558,000 in funding for a wild-fish stocking facility andcommunity centre upgrades for the Abegweit First Nation community in Scotchford, P.E.I.,according to a government news release.

The Abegweit Conservation Society will receive more than $212,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency toimprove theAbegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery, the only wild-fish stocking facility in P.E.I.

The federal government is also providing$121,000 in additional fundingto the hatchery through the Aboriginal Aquaculture in Canada Initiativeand Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.

$333K for fish hatchery

In total, the hatchery will receive $333,000.

TheAbegweit Band will also receive $156,000 in funding from ACOA to expand and upgrade the Mawiomi Building in Scotchford.

As well, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is also contributing $69,000 to the building for a total of $225,000.

'Major employer'

"The two projects announced today play a key role in our community's strategic economic development," Chief Brian Francis said in the release.

"AbegweitFirst Nation has become a major employer, creating jobs for 170 people both within and outside the community. The enterprises we've undertaken are diverse and innovative, but always rooted in tradition."

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