YELLOWKNIFE, Northwest Territories – The federal government announced today an investment of $150,000 to support public transit planning projects in three Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree announced on behalf of Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser. The funding will be split equally between the Nahanni Butte Dene Band, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the Hay River Métis Government.
“This investment will ensure that communities are safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable,” stated Minister Anandasangaree. “Supporting Indigenous-led solutions will improve the safety of residents, especially women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, by providing them with safer travel options.”
Each community will use the funding to conduct feasibility studies and assessments to determine the best ways to improve public transportation within their communities. The Nahanni Butte Dene Band will specifically focus on identifying potential transit solutions to address the needs of their growing population, including elders and children.
“This funding will support the development of a study to identify possible transit solutions,” said Chief Steve Vital of the Nahanni Butte Dene Band. “Transit options will help our residents travel safely and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.”
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Hay River Métis Government will use the funding to conduct transit assessments, laying the groundwork for future transportation projects and more efficient ways to connect to the city of Yellowknife.
Chief Ernest Betsina of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation stated, “This funding will help us identify public and community transportation options for our community members, allowing them to access essential services, employment opportunities, and recreational activities.”
This investment builds upon the federal government’s commitment to support rural and remote communities through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF). The RTSF offers funding for planning and designing new or expanded transit solutions, with a minimum of 10% allocated to projects benefiting Indigenous communities.
“One in five Canadians live in rural communities,” stated Infrastructure Canada. “The RTSF helps these communities by supporting the development of solutions that can be replicated or scaled up in other areas.”
This initiative also addresses Call to Action 4.8 from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which calls for governments to ensure safe and affordable transportation options for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people in rural and remote communities.
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