The $249.1 million in targetted funding set out for Indigenous communities in the 2023-24 provincial budget is up more than 6.8 per cent from last year.
Of that amount, $92.4 million in gaming payments will support First Nations and Metis services and initiatives. Estimated profits generated through casinos and PlayNow.com are to thank for the record-setting amount of funding. Organizations that will benefit from the investments include the First Nations Trust, the Community Development Corporations and the Clarence Campeau Development Fund. Don McMorris, the Minister Responsible for First Nations, Metis and Northern Affairs, says the investments will have a significant impact on Indigenous communities and are a great example of the partnerships that generate funding to support Indigenous-led initiatives throughout the province.