Economic and Business Development

There is one staff member in the Economic and Business Development Department. The Department oversees a number of programs and services related to employment, training, economic and business development including the following:

• Employment and training through a sub-agreement with Gezhtoojig Employment and Training in Sudbury
• Oversee the Shawanaga Learning Centre which provides some online courses and upgrading through Contact North and Canadore College
• Business Support through an agreement with Waubetek Business Development Corporation
• Part equity in a quarry along highway 69
• Oversee the Memorandum of Understanding with Ontario Graphite Ltd.,
• Shawanaga Fish Hatchery. The community has owned and operated a pickerel hatchery since 1983 that grows and then restocks local lakes with more than 1.5 million fish per year.
• Oversee the Shawanaga Gas and Variety Store.

The Department also oversees and conducts all research, proposal development and economic development planning for all community development projects, including upgrading recreational facilities, preparing economic strategic plans, assessing potential energy projects, business expansions and coordinating and networking with other local and regional business and economic development partners.

Shawanaga First Nation is in the early stages of establishing an Economic Development Corporation and creating a five year Economic Strategic Plan.

There is one business operating out of Shawanaga First Nation. Shawanaga Gas & Variety is owned by the first nation and managed by Tracey McCanns. The store provides fuel, tobacco products, grocery, dairy and other convenience store items as well as native crafts and fishing supplies. The business employs eight community members.