The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), in partnership with Cando, developed a toolkit that shares the stories and lessons learned from 16 communities across Canada that are part of the joint First Nations-municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). In Alberta, the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River, the Town of Slave Lake and Sawridge First Nation partnered to develop a joint communications policy and a regional tourism marketing strategy that included a focus on cultural tourism, and pooled their resources to hire a joint economic development officer to implement their plans.
The toolkit, Stronger Together, includes many examples of how First Nations and municipalities partnered to improve economic development in their regions. Some examples of tools in the toolkit include:
- Assessment tool for readiness for joint community economic development;
- How to write an easy and appropriate invitation letter;
- Coordinating joint key messages; and
- Creation of a friendship accord.
The toolkit also includes a useful glossary in Appendix D. Here are a few examples of the terms:
- Aboriginal self-government: A government that has been designed and implemented by Aboriginal peoples.
- Band: A body of Indians as defined under the Indian Act and declared to be a band by the Governor General in Council for the purposes of the Act. The term First Nation is often used in place of band.
- Band council resolution: A written decision made by a band council. The decision is made during a council meeting and must have the majority support of council members
- Friendship Accord: A type of agreement that publicly declares two or more communities’ commitment to maintaining a long-term friendship.
- Treaty: An agreement between the federal government and a First Nation that defines the rights of the First Nation with respect to lands and resources over a specified area and may also define the self-government authority of a First Nation
While CEDI is not currently intaking any more applications for funding under the program, there are more resources to help you get started if you are interested – and they are only 8 pages each!
If you have any questions about the program, contact Helen Patterson, CEDI Program Manager, hpatterson@fcm.ca or 613.907.6320.
Enquiries may be directed to:
Chelsea Parent
Policy Analyst
587.671.0124
Tasha Blumenthal
Director, Advocacy & Communications
780.955.4094