MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French
Press release
Hiawatha First Nation, Ontario, September 25, 2024 — Hiawatha First Nation has been allocated more than $430,000 through the Natural Infrastructure Fund to restore more than 3 kilometres of shoreline along Rice Lake to protect wildlife and reduce shoreline erosion.
By working with nature, Hiawatha First Nation supports and protects biodiversity and human well-being. This restoration project involves integrating native plants to reduce shoreline erosion while creating protected habitat for various frog and fish species, as well as the culturally significant wild rice. A medicinal plant garden, boardwalk, pier and benches will also provide easier access to nature, promote use of the shoreline for community cultural practices, and create a welcoming and relaxing space for the community.
Hiawatha First Nation is working to restore the land not only to ensure a more sustainable future, but also to create a peaceful place where community members can enjoy nature and ensure the land and wildlife are protected for many generations to come.
Quotes
“I am honoured to support this investment in the shoreline restoration of Rice Lake in partnership with Hiawatha First Nation. Investing in infrastructure, such as this shoreline restoration project, is essential to ensuring the sustainability of our environment. This project will support biodiversity through the restoration of natural habitats for plants and animals and, through the development of a medicinal plant garden, will create a healthy, sustainable and welcoming environment for all members of the community.”
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“Restoring shorelines with native species is essential for many reasons. First, it is our Creator’s responsibility to care for our waters, and when we restore lakeshores with native plants, we improve the health of our lakes. Shoreline restoration helps improve water quality by removing pollutants and nutrients from runoff. Additionally, restoring shorelines with native species creates healthy, stable ecosystems, which strengthen habitats and food chains. Shoreline restoration is about caring for the water, the land, and all living creatures.”
Laurie Carr, Chief, Hiawatha First Nation
Quick Facts
The federal government is committed to making our communities more liveable, sustainable and resilient by investing in the protection and restoration of natural environments.
The federal government is investing $437,500 in this project through the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF).
The Natural Infrastructure Fund supports projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to increase resilience to climate change, reduce carbon emissions, protect and preserve biodiversity and wildlife habitat, and promote Canadians’ access to nature.
Examples of natural infrastructure include urban forests, street trees, wetlands, living seawalls, biological seawalls, and naturalized coastal restoration.
Hybrid infrastructure incorporates elements of artificial grey infrastructure to enhance or support natural infrastructure and/or the use of ecosystem processes. Examples of hybrid infrastructure include green roofs and walls, and naturalized storm basins.
A minimum of 10% of the overall program envelope will be allocated to projects led by Indigenous people.
Related links
Contact persons
For further information (media only), please contact:
Sofia OuslisCommunications AdvisorOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca
Media Relations Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email:media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us onTwitter,Facebook,InstagramAndLinkedInWebsite:Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Hayley Vogler Manager, Capital ProjectsHiawatha First Nation705-295-4421capitalmanager@hiawathafn.ca
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.