First Nation - Municipal CEDI Partnership Panel

First Nation - Municipal CEDI Plenary Panel

Many First Nations, municipalities and/or regional organizations would like to collaborate on joint community economic development initiatives but often aren’t sure where to start. In part, this is because there are significant differences in the communities’ legal rights and governance structures, economic conditions, demographics and cultures; however, often First Nations, municipalities and regional organizations share many of the same hopes, and they struggle with similar issues and challenges.

While collaboration requires an investment of time to build the relationship, it provides significant return as communities gain access to broader range of skills, ideas, funding, and assets. Perhaps the most compelling reason to engage in joint First Nation – municipal community economic development (CED) is simple: communities are stronger together.

Delivered in partnership by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the CEDI program supports First Nations and adjacent municipalities to develop and implement joint community economic development or land use initiatives while building a resilient, sustainable partnership.  

On October 30th, join Working Group Champions from a current CEDI partnership as they share their experiences and lessons learned gained through collaborating with their neighbours on joint community economic development.

  • Sheldon Louis, Okanagan Indian Band
  • Kevin Poole, City of Vernon
  • Tanya Tourangeau, Cando
  • Marissa Lawrence, Cando
 
Kevin PooleKevin Poole
City of Vernon
 
Kevin Poole is the Manager of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Vernon in British Columbia. Kevin began his career in Economic Development in 1998 and has held positions in Kamloops and in the Fraser Valley prior to moving to the Okanagan. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Business Degree from Thompson Rivers University. He is a past Chair of the British Columbia Economic Development Association, the Chair of the Okanagan Valley Economic Development Society and the Treasurer of the Economic Development Association of Canada. He is a past recipient of the BC Economic Developer of the Year award along with the Chairman’s award from the BC Economic Development Association for his significant contribution to the association, the profession and Economic Development throughout BC. Kevin strongly believes in giving back and has volunteered for Economic Disaster Recovery projects in High River, Alberta and Grand Forks, BC.
 
TanyaTanya Tourangeau
Cando
 
Tanya has been an integral part of the CEDI team since September 2017. She joined the Cando family from the Government of the Northwest Territories from where she brings valuable corporate public service knowledge as a strategic specialist with experience in many government-wide initiatives that impacted workforce development, talent management, and succession planning. Tanya has extensive experience designing and developing University and College Business Administration programs and delivering them online and face-to-face to Indigenous students across Canada.  As an adult educator for over 10 years, she has the ability to transfer knowledge effectively and instill motivation and confidence in the learner. Tanya has achieved PAED & Land Management Certifications and has a strong background in continuous improvement methodologies, change management, project management, and information and communication technology (ICT) initiatives. Tanya is passionate about joint community economic development and loves sharing her knowledge and experience to build capacity.
 
SheldonSheldon Louis
Okanagan Indian Band

Sheldon Pierre Louis, a member of the syilx nation on the Okanagan Indian Band Reserve #1. He is currently in his 2nd term as a Councillor for Okanagan Indian Band. In this role, Sheldon participates on the Aboriginal Education Committee for School District 22 and School District 23, the Greater Vernon Cultural Plan Implementation Advisory Team, and the Okanagan Rail Trail Committee. Sheldon is also a Director of the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives. Okanagan Indian Band is a participating community in the First Nation - Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) with the City of Vernon; Sheldon is an active member of the CEDI working group and is driven to build a new, more inclusive relationship with the city and its staff. Sheldon is also a professional multi-disciplinary syilx artist. Sheldon sits in his 3rd year on the board of directors for the Arts Council of the North Okanagan. Sheldon works throughout the community, with local art galleries, and local schools as a youth arts mentor where he helps build the growth and capacity of young artists.
 
 
MarissaMarissa Lawrence
Cando
 

Marissa works for Cando as the Senior Program Officer for the First Nation – Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). As a member of the CEDI team, Marissa works with First Nation – municipal partnerships across Canada to establish sustainable and respectful relationships and to build capacity to develop joint community economic development initiatives and land-use plans. Marissa has a rich background of designing and convening community-bridging intercultural dialogue and educational programming. Marissa holds a BA in Communications, Minor in Dialogue from Simon Fraser University (SFU), Dialogue and Civic Engagement Certificate from SFU, and is a Cando-certified Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED).