The Community Economic Opportunities Program provides project-based support to First Nation organizations/corporation, Self-governing First Nations and Indian Act Bands with good opportunities for public services in economic development. The program's goal is to increase First Nation participation in the economy. Projects funded by the program are to benefit the community by providing more employment, greater use of community-controlled land and resources, and more and larger community businesses.

In the Yukon Region, CEOP projects include:

• Taku River Tlingit Micro-Hydro Project - CEOP funds helped the First Nation negotiate an energy purchase agreement with British Columbia Hydro, complete an environmental assessment, and obtain project financing for the the first wholly-First Nation owned power-utility in Canada.
• Carcross Tagish First Nation's Carvers Training Initiative - CEOP funds helped provide training and employment for local carvers. They created several totem poles that will be placed outside the new carving facility (to be completed in 2008).

You must contact the Economic and Community Development office of INAC Yukon Region for application and reporting forms.