DEPARTMENTS
Economic & Business Development
Building Opportunity, Supporting Growth
Shawanaga First Nation is committed to creating lasting opportunities for our members through thoughtful economic planning, meaningful partnerships, and community-focused businesses.
Our Economic & Business Development Department supports programs and services that encourage employment, training, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth across the territory.
What We Support
Employment & Training
In partnership with Gezhtoojig Employment & Training in Sudbury, we help connect members to skill-building opportunities and employment support.
Shawanaga Learning Centre
This local hub provides access to online courses and academic upgrading through Contact North and Canadore College, helping community members pursue higher education and lifelong learning without leaving home.
Business Support
Through our agreement with Waubetek Business Development Corporation, members can access support and guidance for launching or growing their own businesses.
Community-Owned Enterprises
Shawanaga Gas & Variety Store
Owned by the First Nation and managed by Tracey McCanns, the store offers fuel, groceries, tobacco, dairy, fishing supplies, and locally made Indigenous crafts. It proudly employs eight community members.
Shawanaga Fish Hatchery
Since 1983, we’ve grown and restocked over 1.5 million pickerel annually into local lakes, supporting both ecological balance and cultural values.
Equity in Local Quarry
Shawanaga holds part ownership in a quarry located along Highway 69.
Ontario Graphite Ltd. MOU
We maintain an active Memorandum of Understanding with Ontario Graphite Ltd. to help guide responsible resource development in our region.
Planning for the Future
Our department also leads research, proposal writing, and economic development planning for a wide range of community projects—everything from expanding recreational spaces and developing business opportunities to exploring energy initiatives and regional partnerships.
We’re currently in the early stages of establishing a Shawanaga Economic Development Corporation and developing a five-year Economic Strategic Plan—both essential steps toward a stronger, more self-sustaining local economy.
