LONG PLAIN FIRST NATION, DAKOTA PLAINS WAHPETON NATION, AND THE CITY OF PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE TO PARTICIPATE IN CEDI TO FOSTER JOINT ECONOMIC COLLABORATION
Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, September 17, 2024 – Long Plain First Nation, Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation and the City of Portage la Prairie are proud to announce their participation 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).
Long Plain First Nation, Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation and the City of Portage la Prairie are one of five partnerships in this prairies-region cohort to participate in the First Nation-municipal CEDI program between 2024 – 2027. 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 are honoured to engage in this pivotal initiative with Long Plain First Nation and Dakota Wahpeton Nation,” said Mayor Knox of the City of Portage la Prairie. “These partnerships are immensely valuable to us. Building strong working relationships with our Indigenous neighbours is a top priority for our council. Together, we are not only fostering mutual respect but also laying the groundwork for shared prosperity and sustainable growth. This collaboration is crucial for the future of our communities, ensuring that we thrive together in harmony and progress.”
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 happy that we have the opportunity to build these bridges and collaborate on a more official basis. I feel together, we can develop a strong relationship and create some opportunities. I will also add that each community has a difference in its successes and areas that need extra work. By sharing and working together, we can potentially make progress an easier thing, which in turn will help us all move forth at a faster pace.” Arrowhead Development Corporation CEO – Terry Myran on behalf of Long Plain First Nation.
Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation Chief Don Smoke shared that “Dakota Plains is thrilled about the chance to forge partnerships that can lead to significant economic development in and around Portage la Prairie. We are confident that by working together, we can build a strong relationship that opens numerous opportunities. The collaboration between Long Plains First Nation, the City of Portage la Prairie, and our community brings a rich diversity of perspectives and a wealth of strengths to the table. By combining our
resources, we can streamline our efforts, allowing us to make faster progress. This initiative represents a vital step towards economic reconciliation in the context of the ongoing truth and reconciliation process. We look forward to the positive impact our collaboration will have on the community and the region.”
Communities participating in the CEDI program benefit from facilitated monthly working group meetings, bi-annual workshops, and wise practice activities and tools for relationship and capacity building. This 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.
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 and this cohort is funded by PrairiesCan.
For More Information:
Long Plain First Nation
Chief David Meeches
Terry Myran, CEO of Arrowhead Development
(204) 903-6050
terrymyran@gmail.com
Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation
Chief Don Smoke
Ashley Ozunko, Band Manager
(204) 871-4345
ashleyozunko@gmail.com
City of Portage la Prairie
Mayor Sharilyn Knox
Nathan Peto, City Manager
(204) 239-8336
npeto@city-plap.com