By Rosalind Russell – Mississauga First Nation and the Town of Blind River have come together to work with a national project for long-term planning for joint economic development and land use. The two communities are participating in the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI), a national program delivered jointly by Cando (the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The two are one of six partnerships in this Accelerated Phase IV Cohort to participate in the First Nation-municipal CEDI program between 2025 – 2027. Communities participating in the program benefit from facilitated monthly working group meetings, bi-annual workshops, practice activities, and tools for relationship and capacity building. Officials say the support helps the participating communities to develop community capacity for joint community economic development planning, build and strengthen the government-to-government partnerships and inter-community relationships, and improve the quality of life for all in the region. By working together, CEDI partnerships are better able to address local challenges, with local solutions. “Blind River is eager to partner and learn with Mississauga First Nation,” says Mayor Sally Hagman.
“We recognize that working together to address our economic challenges will strengthen our relationship and the regional economy and move our communities forward. Together we recognize that long-term partnerships are anchored in a solid foundation, the CEDI program opens the way for our 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, and CEDI is giving us the framework to work together to achieve strong local results”, adds Chief Brent Niganobe.
Photo provided by Town of Blind River
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