Frog Lake First Nation and City of Lloydminster join Community Economic Development Initiative

Lloydminster, AB/SK— Frog Lake First Nation and the City of Lloydminster are proud to announce their participation in the 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).

Frog Lake First Nation and the City of Lloydminster are among five partnerships in the Prairies-region cohort selected to participate in the First Nation-Municipal CEDI program from 2024 to 2027. The program supports First Nations and neighbouring municipalities in building respectful and equitable partnerships while developing capacity for long-term joint community economic development and land use planning.

“The City of Lloydminster is one of the top local cities that our community members go to often for goods and services. I look forward to our partnership with Lloydminster through the CEDI program and pray that this initiative will have a positive long-lasting impact for Frog Lake First Nation community members,” said Chief Greg Desjarlais.

The CEDI program provides an opportunity for communities to collaborate and create economic and social benefits for all citizens.

“The City of Lloydminster values the opportunity to partner in CEDI with our friends and neighbours in Frog Lake. This program provides a structured framework that supports collaboration and helps us work toward shared economic and community development goals,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

Communities participating in the CEDI program benefit from facilitated monthly working group meetings, bi-annual workshops, wise practice activities, and relationship and capacity-building tools. This support helps the participating communities develop capacity for joint community economic development planning, build and strengthen government-to-government partnerships and inter-community relationships, and improve the quality of life for all in the region. By working together, CEDI partners are better able to address local challenges with local solutions. 

About CEDI
The First Nation–Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) 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 this cohort is funded by PrairiesCan.