November 9, 2004
FedNor Invests in Aboriginal Tourism Initiative
STRATTON, Ontario, November 9, 2004 — Ken Boshcoff, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Rainy River, today announced FedNor support to the Manitou Mounds Foundation for facility enhancement, business planning, and market strategy development and promotion at the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre.
The centre, a world-class Aboriginal tourism destination celebrating and preserving Ojibway culture and heritage, requires upgrading to help it maximize tourism and sales potential, and to protect exhibits. The project involves purchasing business office and restaurant equipment, ultraviolet filter blinds, an exterior security system and carts for guided tours.
A new business plan for the centre, focusing on long-term operational development and marketing strategies, will be developed to reflect current priorities.
Planned promotional activities include updating the centre’s current Web site and installing new signs. A graphic/media designer will be recruited to design and produce marketing materials suitable for print, radio and television. New signage is intended to attract visitors from main local arteries to the isolated location of the centre. As well, a portable kiosk/exhibit is being purchased for display at trade shows.
“Investing in tourism development is a key priority of the Government of Canada,” said Mr. Boshcoff. “This initiative will enhance the local economy by helping attract more tourists to the area, resulting in increased revenues and employment opportunities in the region.”
FedNor is contributing $100 000 toward this initiative.
“This funding assists us with our goals of achieving long-term sustainability and raising our profile within North America’s tourism industry,” said Cheryl Copenace, Executive Director of the Manitou Mounds Foundation. “We are proud to contribute to the local economy, and are eager to offer our visitors enhanced historical and cultural experiences.”
FedNor works in partnership with Northern Ontario businesses, key tourism partners and Aboriginal entrepreneurs to ensure Northerners enjoy full access to the information and services they require to be successful.
By supporting the Manitou Mounds Foundation through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://fednor.ic.gc.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Scott Turbett
Special Assistant
Office of the Honourable Joe Comuzzi
(613) 947-5850
David Frood
Communications Officer
FedNor
(807) 766-1820 or 1-877-333-6673
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