Communities use national CEDI program to huddle on economic development priorities, land-use plans
Mississauga First Nation and the Town of Blind River are teaming up for a government-to-government partnership focused on regional development and land use planning.
The two neighboring local governments in northeastern Ontario are involved in a national reconciliation initiative called the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). This program helps First Nations and municipalities collaborate by meeting, listening, and learning together as they work towards building respectful relationships and addressing common goals through joint economic development planning.
This initiative is delivered collaboratively by Cando (the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
Since its launch in 2013, CEDI has been supported by Indigenous Services Canada, Prairies Can, and the Mc Connell Foundation.
A news release from the Town of Blind River mentioned that this collaboration will involve facilitated monthly working group meetings, bi-annual workshops, practice activities, along with tools designed for relationship building and capacity enhancement.
The release stated that these two communities are among six partnerships participating in the latest cohort of this program.
“Blind River is eager to partner and learn with Mississauga First Nation,” said Mayor Sally Hagman in a statement. “We recognize that working together to address our economic challenges will strengthen our relationship and the regional economy and move our communities forward.”
The release indicated that this program will pave the way for both communities to “create economic and social advantages for all citizens.”
“I am confident that Mississauga First Nation and The Town of Blind River’s common goals for economic development will foster benefits that extend to many other aspects of community building,” said Mississauga Chief Brent Niganobe, “and CEDI is giving us the framework to work together to achieve strong local results.”
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