Intertribal Life Newspaper -

GLOOSCAP FIRST NATION, MI'KMAQ TERRITORY, NS-The Government of Canada

The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations to support community-driven economic development projects that will help build healthier, more sustainable communities.

In February, the Honorable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated Chief Sidney Peters, the Council, and Glooscap First Nation on the acquisition of the SeaKist Lobster holding facility, as well as 52 percent ownership of Yarmouth Bar Fisheries Limited, a seafood distribution company. Both businesses are located in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Indigenous Services Canada contributed $779,922 under the Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) to assist Glooscap First Nation with this business development project. CORP provides project-based funding to First Nations and Inuit communities for activities such as feasibility studies, business advisory services, and training to support their pursuit of economic opportunities.

The new Glooscap businesses will be an important source of revenue for the community, help support fisheries, and create additional full- and part-time employment opportunities.

"This is an exciting time for Glooscap First Nation. We continue to grow and invest in projects that create more jobs and opportunities for Glooscap and Yarmouth," says Chief Sydney Peters of the Glooscap First Nation. "Seafood is an important part of our Mi'kmaw culture, and we are looking to build on that by creating a Glooscap Seafood brand that will be sold internationally. Glooscap is a small community in Nova Scotia but we are very strong in promoting community economic development and we appreciate the support we have received to make this happen."

Glooscap First Nation is located approximately 70 kilometres northwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia.