The Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) and City of Yellowknife are partnering in a new opportunity to increase economic development in Yellowknife, Ndilo and Dettah.
The two governments have been chosen as successful joint applicants to the First Nations – Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative program.
According to a news release, the program is an initiative led by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
The council aims to improve the economic prosperity of First Nations and adjacent municipalities through joint community economic development planning and initiatives.
The city states that it and YKDFN were chosen out of 44 bidding partnerships, and they will be participating in an accelerated model of CEDI’s Stronger Together Approach over the next two years.
It’s projected that will result in achieving the program goals of developing and implementing a joint community economic development initiative while building a resilient, sustainable partnership.
“Working together with the City of Yellowknife on this joint economic strategy will bring economic prosperity for all our peoples and the region. We thank Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for having chosen our communities for this important initiative,” says Edward Sangris, Chief of Dettah.
“This initiative between the City of Yellowknife and our First Nation is a true example of economic reconciliation in action, as we seek to develop and implement a joint community economic development strategy for today and that future. We look forward to continuing our efforts building a strong relationship and partnership with the City of Yellowknife through this CEDI initiative,” says Ernest Betsina, Chief of Ndilo.
“We are fortunate to work, live and play in Chief Drygeese Territory, and working with the YKDFN on this strategy will continue to strengthen the relationship between both our communities and advance the economic development of our entire region,” says Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty. “We are grateful to have been chosen for this opportunity and are excited to get to work.”
More information on CEDI can be found on http://www.edo.ca/cedi.