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 (Transcript).

For examples of CEDI's tangible impacts, see this 2-page infographic.

This initiative is implemented jointly with Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) and funded by Indigenous Services Canada.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Treaty 20–Greater Peterborough Area

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

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.

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.

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.

Join the online community

Join our growing Facebook community of professionals to stay up to date on their work in First Nations-municipal community economic development.

JOIN NOW

Subscribe to our e-newsletter

Sign up to receive our e-newsletter and learn about opportunities to contribute to FCM’s First Nations-municipal collaboration initiatives.

SIGN ME UP

Interested in participating in CEDI?

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

STAY IN THE LOOP

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).