Region, First Nation sign economic partnership in Durham Region

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Region of Durham will be working together on a national economic program that could serve as a “blueprint” for other community partnerships across the country.

The First Nation and Durham Region have signed on to the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI), a national program delivered jointly by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

The partnership is one of six selected for the Accelerated Phase IV Cohort, which began in 2025 and runs until 2027.

“Ultimately, we are creating a model of intergovernmental cooperation that may serve as a blueprint for other communities across Canada,” said Durham Region Chair John Henry. “One where reconciliation is not only a principle but a practice, and where economic development is a shared journey toward a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. The CEDI program is an important catalyst to help us achieve that goal.”

Durham Region Chair John Henry

CEDI has a goal of supporting First Nations and neighbouring municipalities in building “respectful, equitable and long‑term” partnerships focused on joint community economic development and land use planning.

For MSIFN and the Region, the timing for the initiative is aligned with their shared priorities. In May 2025 both parties achieved a significant milestone when they signed a Bilateral Agreement committing to a government‑to‑government relationship grounded in mutual respect, reconciliation, and shared prosperity.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to building a strong government-to-government relationship with the Region of Durham – one rooted in respect, trust, and shared responsibility,” said Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Chief Kelly LaRocca. “Through CEDI, we are creating meaningful opportunities to align our priorities, honour our communities and advance economic, cultural, and environmental outcomes that benefit the region as a whole.”

A central part of the agreement is the creation of a joint workplan with a structured framework for collaboration, including facilitated monthly working group meetings, bi‑annual workshops, and providing access to tools that strengthen capacity and deepen inter‑community relationships.

The two parties will work together to advance shared priorities such as:

• Joint economic development, tourism and cultural initiatives
• Clean energy and infrastructure planning
• Land stewardship, ecological restoration and integrating Indigenous knowledge and municipal expertise to protect and enhance local ecosystems
• Public art, placemaking and place keeping initiatives

By the end of 2027, MSIFN and Durham Region expect to have an action-focused partnership in place supported by the fully developed annual workplan and open, consistent communication.

“The region is committed to a transformative partnership with MSIFN that upholds their treaty and inherent rights while advancing our regional priorities,” said Sandra Austin, Durham’s Commissioner of Community Growth and Economic Development. “Participation in the CEDI program will amplify these efforts as we leverage their resources to achieve measurable outcomes in a condensed timeline.”