Natoaganeg First Nation and City of Miramichi complete CEDI Program
Graduation certificates were presented to Natoaganeg First Nation and City of Miramichi for the completion of the First Nation-municipal collaboration program.
From left, CEDI Program Officer Ryan Walker-Melton, Chief George Ginnish, Natoaganeg First Nation, Mayor Adam Lordon, City of Miramichi, and Tanya Tourangeau, CEDI Reconciliation Lead | Anti-Racism, Equity & Inclusion.
Joint economic collaboration fostered after three-year partnership
NATOAGANEG FIRST NATION, November 22, 2024 — Natoaganeg First Nation and City of Miramichi are proud to celebrate their graduation from 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).
Natoaganeg First Nation and City of Miramichi were one of eight partnerships in Canada to embark on the three-year First Nation-municipal collaboration program between 2022 - 2025. CEDI seeks to support First Nations and neighbouring municipalities to build respectful and equitable partnerships, and to develop capacity for long-term planning for joint community economic development and land use.
“We have had a successful partnership with the Mayor Adam Lordon, Council and City staff,” said Chief George Ginnish of the Natoaganeg First Nation. “We have laid the groundwork for future shared development projects.”
Both communities recognize that working together to address economic challenges will strengthen relationships and the regional economy and move the communities forward.
From left, Miramichi Bay-Neguac MLA Sam Johnston, Natoaganeg First Nation Chief George Ginnish, former regional Chief Roger Augustine, Elder Tulley Paul, City of Miramichi Mayor Adam Lordon, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Keith Chaisson.
“Our common goals for local economic development have produced benefits that extend to many other aspects of community building, and we will continue to work together to achieve strong local results”, said Mayor Adam Lordon of the City of Miramichi.
The two communities participated in monthly meetings and facilitated workshops to build capacity for joint economic development planning. This work built and strengthened inter-community relationships and improved the quality of life for all residents. This CEDI partnership helped to address local challenges, with local solutions.
About CEDI
The First Nation–Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) aims to improve the economic prosperity of participating First Nations and municipalities through joint community economic development and land use planning. CEDI is a joint initiative of Cando and FCM.