Community Economic Development Initiative

Cochrane, Stoney Nakoda First Nations and Stoney Tribal Administration continue on path of collaboration, relationship building. 


Cochrane, and the neighboring communities of Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, Goodstoney First Nation, along with Stoney Tribal Administration (STA), share a border to the west and a deeply intertwined history.

United in the view that better communication and collaboration would be mutually beneficial, the four communities, and Stoney Tribal Administration, worked together to successfully apply for a spot in the First Nations-Municipal Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) program, a joint effort between the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Cando, a national Indigenous organization that promotes community economic development. 

Group photo CEDI kick off
Official Commencement, March 2022

March 2022: Official commencement of Stoney Nakoda First Nation, STA and Cochrane participation in CEDI program commemorated with pipe ceremony and gift exchange. 

September 2022: CEDI Workshop with 30 elected leaders and senior staff from all four communities and STA to learn about each community’s history, culture, governance, legislation and jurisdiction.

March 2023: One-year celebration, signifying the commitment of each community to a new era of government-to-government partnerships. 

CEDI, One-year celebration March 2023One-year Celebration, March 2023

About CEDI

CEDI participation means the communities have embarked on a three-year First Nation-municipal collaboration to build respectful and equitable relationships, and to develop capacity for long-term planning for joint economic development. Communities participating in the program benefit from facilitated monthly working group meetings, bi-annual workshops, and wide practice activities and tools for relationship and capacity building. 

Elected officials and staff from all parties meet to explore potential opportunities for collaboration and information-sharing. 

The CEDI program 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 is funded by Indigenous Services Canada.  

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