Strengthening Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples requires a long-term, national effort from all orders of government. Municipal leaders are doing their part to foster reconciliation while building respectful new partnerships with Indigenous communities.

FCM works with Indigenous organizations to increase collaboration between First Nations communities and neighbouring municipalities. Our Community Economic Development Initiative helps create joint economic development and land management partnerships to boost prosperity and create stronger nation-to-nation relationships. Across the country, city and town councils are taking the lead in implementing the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation commission.

Local governments know that tomorrow’s Canada must unfold at a four-cornered table—with federal and provincial/territorial governments, alongside municipalities and Indigenous communities as equal partners. It’s the only way to truly unlock our potential as a country.


Featured news & resources

See featured resources, news, events and training related to Indigenous partnerships.
Resources
Stronger Together: A Toolkit for First Nations-Municipal Community Economic Development Partnerships

The Stronger Together Toolkit offers step-by-step guidance on how First Nations and municipalities can find new ways to work together for mutual prosperity. 

News
Municipal leaders call for action on Canada’s residential schools legacy

In wake of the tragic discovery of the remains of 215 children found on the former site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, FCM and its Big City Mayors’ Caucus recommitted to urgently advancing the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

Resources
Financial resources available for COVID-19

In response to the known and unknown economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the First Nation – Municipal CEDI program has identified an opportunity to create a Knowledge Product/Tool to support First Nation – municipal neighbours to collaborate on economic stimulus and recovery action.

Resources
CEDI Graduates: Enoch Cree Nation and the City of Edmonton

In 2016, Enoch Cree Nation and the City of Edmonton became partners with the support of the CEDI program, and began to foster mutual understanding, respect, and trust in order to achieve joint economic development initiatives.

Resources
CEDI Graduates: Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish

Over the past three years, Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish have proudly participated in the First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) program.

Resources
Case Study: Quebec partnership develops shared tourism strategy

In 2017, CEDI staff visited one of the partnerships located in western Quebec. Through CEDI (Phase 1), Kebaowek First Nation (formerly Eagle Village First Nation), the Town of Témiscaming and the Municipality of Kipawa developed a tripartite friendship, agreed to pursue a shared tourism strategy and started to explore a coordinated approach to regional economic development.

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2016
FCM launches Pathways to Reconciliation in response to the TRC calls to action
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partnerships created through FCM’s Community Economic Development Initiative
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Indigenous growth rate in Canada, compared to the non-Indigenous population
Related focus areas
Explore the topics we’re working on related to Indigenous partnerships.

Inclusive communities

Canada works better when everyone can achieve their potential. We help build inclusive communities that ease the economic and social barriers people face in their everyday lives.
Related programs
Learn more about FCM’s programs related to Indigenous partnerships.
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