We invite you to join us for a casual coffee meet-up. This is a great chance to connect, share ideas, and learn more about how the Foundation supports education, healing, and reconciliation. If you are curious about funding, open to teaming up, or just want to say hello, we would love to see you. Stop by, grab a coffee, and enjoy good talk in good company.

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The Future Generations Foundation (formerly the NIB Trust Fund) is offering funding to support education, cultural revitalization, healing, and community initiatives Future Generations Foundation (FGF), led by and for First Nations, provides comprehensive grant funding to support cultural revitalization, healing, and community-driven initiatives. FGF’s flexible funding options include scholarships for land-based and cultural teachings, enabling individuals and communities to preserve First Nations culture.

As stewards of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement funds, the Foundation has supported over 805 First Nation communities and organizations, as well as more than 9,000 individuals, fostering traditional knowledge and community-driven initiatives for future generations.

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About the Speaker:

Dwight Bero Jr. was born and raised on the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. He is an experienced Indigenous governance and program leader with over a decade of success in First Nation administration, education management, and trust fund oversight. Since 2020, Dwight has served as the Program Manager for the Future Generations Foundation, where he coordinates funding cycles, monitors program effectiveness, and engages with partners to expand outreach efforts to address the impacts of the Indian Residential School system.

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He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies from Dartmouth College and a Master’s degree in Tribal Administration and Governance from the University of Minnesota–Duluth. His work integrates community-driven leadership with policy development and culturally grounded programming that advances Indigenous self-determination. Dwight also currently serves as a Police Commissioner for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and was previously a Trustee for the Mohawks of Akwesasne Community Settlement Trust.

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The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program is a modernized and expanded initiative that replaces the former Rural Economic Development (RED) Program. It provides $20 million in funding over a two-year period to support rural communities and stimulate economic growth.

Application Deadline: September 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ROD Program, applicants must meet both of the following requirements:

Eligible organizations include:

• Municipalities
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous communities or organizations
• Local services boards
• Small businesses with 1 to 20 employees

Chloe Langlois has worked over 13 years with the Government of Ontario, building expertise across agriculture, food safety, and rural development. She began her career in meat inspection, later providing advisory support to agriculture and agri-food manufacturers across Northern Ontario. Today, she works in community economic development with the Ministry of Rural Affairs, supporting small municipalities and Indigenous communities in fostering growth and opportunity. At home she enjoys time with her 10 year old son and partner, spending time at the lake or travelling.

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Ready, Set, GROW: Seizing Economic Opportunities

OFNEDA’s 2025 Annual Conference will be at the Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre in Thunder Bay.

CLICK HERE to register for the conference!