Children running down snowy sidewalk at sunrise

Indigenous Partnerships

First Nation/Municipal Partnership

The First Nation/ Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) program is co-managed and co-delivered by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). CEDI aim is to improve the economic prosperity of participating First Nations and adjacent municipalities through joint community economic development planning and initiatives.

In the fall of 2021, Economic Development Staff at Saugeen First Nation #29 and the Town submitted a joint application to participate in the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) three-year program (2022-2025). In December of 2021, staff was notified of the acceptance into the three-year program stream, set to start in early 2022.

The three-year partnership program consisted of a working group made up of Council and staff from each community. Members worked together with the CEDI team to identify initiatives and opportunities for the two communities to jointly work together in order to further economic development goals.

CEDI Program Goals

1. To support communities to establish sustainable and resilient relationships between elected officials, senior administrators, land management and economic development staff and the broader communities.

2. To increase the capacity of communities to engage in and develop joint, long-term land use and community economic development plans and initiatives.

CEDI Program Outcomes

A stronger, united voice for engaging with businesses and other orders of government.
Increased ability to access funding from other orders of government.
Cost savings and more efficient program and/or service delivery.
More opportunities for local business development and jobs.
Ability to leverage the unique financial, human, and physical resources of each partner and
Coordinated planning efforts to improve land use, land management and environmental/resource protection.

CEDI’s approach is to convene, listen and unite. CEDI gives First Nations and municipalities a chance to come together, learn from each other and work on common priorities, all while building respectful and sustainable government-to-government partnerships.

On January 31, 2025 Saugeen First Nation and the Town of Saugeen Shores graduated from the CEDI program with a clear plan for the future in the form of signed Friendship Accord and Four Guiding Pillars that will inform the joint work for years to come.

Photo Gallery: CEDI Graduation Ceremony will appear here on the public site.

Four Guiding Pillars

Pillar 1: Increasing Connection

Launch the Moccasin Identifier Program with Carolyn King to celebrate and recognize Indigenous heritage.
Build connections through fun and friendly competition with an annual ball tournament between Councils and Staff.
Host joint events such as the Waase-yaa Park ceremony, round dance, Youth Summit, and community feast.

2. Shared Tourism Initiatives

Develop a water-focused tourism strategy that promotes cultural education and environmental stewardship.
Collaborate on a beach stewardship program and create a joint trails master plan with Ojibway trail names.
Celebrate culture with an annual regalia fashion show and distribute a Saugeen First Nation territory map.

3. Building Complete Communities Business Development Collaboration

Partner on the recruitment of healthcare professional to address local needs.
Ensure SFN's inclusion in the Town's water and sanitary sewer master planning.
Conduct a joint economic development partnership study to support long-term growth.

4. Business Development Collaboration

Host monthly joint economic development meetings to share ideas and opportunities.
Launch joint shop local campaigns to support community businesses.
Develop a centre for entrepreneurship and explore clean energy opportunities with Bruce Innovates.

Friendship Accord:

Wiijkiwenydiwaad Miinwa Zgaabiignigan (Friends with one another and we are connected)

On CEDI graduation day the Mayor and Chief furthered their commitment to working together by signing the Friendship Accord which outlines the shared vision, based on the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the guiding principles, and the areas of mutual interest.

It reflects an understanding between the Town and the Nation to work cooperatively in the best interests of both communities and the region as a whole.

Photo Gallery: CEDI Friendship Accord Signing will appear here on the public site.