Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Region of Durham strengthen partnership through national community economic development initiative

Whitby, ON — Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation(MSIFN) and the Region of Durham are proud to announce their participation in the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI), a national program delivered jointly by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The partnership is one of six selected for the Accelerated Phase IV Cohort, which began in 2025 and runs until 2027.

CEDI supports 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 well 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.

A central part of the agreement is the creation of a joint workplan. CEDI supports this through 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.

With CEDI, MSIFN and the Region of Durham 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 placekeeping initiatives

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

“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. 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.”

- Chief Kelly LaRocca, Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

“Ultimately, we are creating a model of intergovernmental cooperation that may serve as a blueprint for other communities across Canada. 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.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

“The Region is committed to a transformative partnership with MSIFN that upholds their treaty and inherent rights while advancing our regional priorities. Participation in the CEDI program will amplify these efforts as we leverage their resources to achieve measurable outcomes in a condensed timeline.”

- Sandra Austin, Commissioner of Community Growth and Economic Development, Region of Durham

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Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

For more information, please contact MSIFN Consultation