PORT ALBERNI – Hupacasath First Nation, City of Port Alberni and Tseshaht First Nation are proud to announce their participation in the First Nation-Municipal 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).
Hupacasath First Nation, City of Port Alberni and Tseshaht First Nation are one of eight partnerships in Canada to participate in this three-year capacity development 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.
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.
The three governments are committed to working together for the benefit of all citizens in the region. Together they will utilize the CEDI program supports to strengthen pre-existing relationships and build a solid foundation in order to create economic and social advantages for all.
“The CEDI funding gives our three governments the opportunity over the next three years to work and learn from each other in order to create an opportunity that will benefit everyone,” said Chief Councillor Brandy Lauder, Hupacasath First Nation. “One strategic priority at the City of Port Alberni is to foster a complete community; one that is safe, healthy, and inclusive. Another is to enable the new economy. These priorities are intimately linked and only through respectful partnerships and creative approaches can they be achieved. With this joint initiative, we see great opportunity to build on these priorities as we look to foster a more collaborative economy that provides equal opportunity for all citizens of the Alberni Valley,” said Mayor Sharie Minions, City of Port Alberni.
“Tseshaht is excited to work hand-in-hand with fellow governments to benefit everyone in the region,” said Wahmeesh (Ken Watts), Elected Chief Councillor, Tseshaht First Nation.
Facilitated by CEDI, the three governments and their staff will meet for the first time in early June for a two-part workshop with the objectives to strengthen relationships, learn about one another’s economic development processes and priorities, and identify areas of shared interest and opportunity.