First Nations-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative

Supporting First Nations and neighbouring municipalities who want to create a shared vision for joint economic development.

Many municipalities and First Nations want to collaborate as neighbours, but don’t know where to begin. Since 2012, the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) has helped neighbouring municipalities and First Nations develop partnerships that establish and support their mutually beneficial economic development. Each community partnership promotes reconciliation and collaboration. They help coordinate local action to address regional issues and build a more sustainable economy for all.

For a better understanding of how CEDI works, watch this short video.

For examples of CEDI's tangible impacts, see this infographic.

This initiative is implemented jointly with Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers).

Photo: City of Vernon/Sproing Creative

Newsletter

We publish a newsletter that features unique partnerships between First Nations and municipalities. Subscribe to receive it in your mailbox.

READ THE LATEST ISSUE HERE

Featured resources

See featured resources, news, events and training related to First Nations-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative.

Tool

Guide: Economic recovery and resilience

A guide offering solutions for First Nations and municipalities collaborating on emergency preparedness and economic recovery after the pandemic.

Tool

Joint Working Group Tool for partners

How to organize and manage a dynamic working group with First Nation and municipal partners

Guide

Guide: Collaboration between First Nations and municipal economic development organizations

This tool offers tips, best practices and examples of successful collaboration between First Nations and economic development organizations.

Tool

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.

Tool

First Nations-Municipal Newsletter

Are you interested in First Nations — municipal collaboration?

Participating communities

Read about our CEDI partnerships and what they’ve accomplished.

Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, Municipality of the County of Antigonish

Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation and County of Antigonish share a meaningful relationship rooted in a shared vision to create prosperity for the entire region.

View case study

Okanagan Indian Band and City of Vernon

Okanagan Indian Band and City of Vernon continue to strengthen the community to community partnership and collaborate on land-use planning and educational initiatives.

View case study

Fort William First Nation and the City of Thunder Bay

Collaboration between economic development corporations to service, design, and market industrial lands owned by Fort William First Nation.

View case study

Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs and City of North Battleford

Tribal Council and municipality identify Urban Reserve Guidelines, including benefits and considerations for Urban Reserves in Saskatchewan.

View case study

Enoch Cree Nation and City of Edmonton

Large urban First Nation – municipal partnership with culturally significant MOU and commitment to a range of community development initiatives.

View case study

Treaty 20–Greater Peterborough Area

Strong regional partnership in Greater Peterborough Area focussing on economic development, tourism, consultation, and community education.

View case study

Dene Tha’ First Nation and Town of High Level

This Northwest Alberta based partnership is committed to improving their relationship, while building shared infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

View case study

Yellowknives Dene First Nation and City of Yellowknife

Yellowknives Dene First Nation and City of Yellowknife prioritize the development of a Joint Economic Development Strategy to benefit the regional economy.

View case study

Shuswap Band and the District of Invermere

Located in the Columbia Valley, this partnership shares a vision for increased social and economic connection between their two communities.

View case study

Join the online community

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Interested in participating in CEDI?

The program is not currently accepting applications, but you can be the first to learn about new opportunities.

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Partnering Organization

This program is funded by the Government of Canada and implemented in partnership with Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers).