After nearly two years, the District of Kitimat and Haisla Nation Council (HNC) reflect on a rewarding process through the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) program.

CEDI is a national program delivered jointly by Cando (the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

The program in Kitimat, launched in March 2022, is a facilitated, collaborative process to address economic development challenges through a respectful, equitable partnership involving the District of Kitimat and Haisla Nation Council.

The program was set to run two years, ending this March, but it will be extended to late Spring this year to allow time for the formal program to conclude and to plan for a public event to mark the program’s successful end.

“This program has meant the Haisla Nation is more involved in the work of the municipality than it ever has before,” says Chief Councillor Crystal Smith. “This is really good for our communities, and for the Haisla people who can see our Nation reflected more in the work being done by the District.”

Mayor Phil Germuth also commends the program for advancing the community.

“This program puts Haisla Nation Council and the District of Kitimat on the same page for many initiatives,” says Germuth. “The public is already seeing the benefits of this process take shape in the community.”

In Kitimat, the program is being guided by a Working Group of both District and HNC councillors and staff, further supported by sub-committees in more specific areas of collaboration. All is facilitated by CEDI staff.

Since this program launched, there have been a number of successes, including:

  • Strengthened inter-governmental relationship through monthly Working Group meetings.
  • Launch of an Indigenous Hiring Program at the District, and the creation of a new Indigenous Relations Manager position at the District.
  • Deep collaboration for the installation of Haisla art panels and a totem pole at Haisla Bridge.
  • Haisla cultural programs run at the Riverlodge Recreation Centre.
  • Work taking place towards a formal relationship agreement and strategic plan that will support the work and relationship building well beyond the CEDI program itself.

Meanwhile, work also continues on other initiatives, including development of a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the feasibility of a shared Museum and Cultural Facility in Kitimat, and refinement of land processes to ensure future road access to Minette Bay West Park.

The District and HNC look forward to completing the facilitated portion of this program and for work to continue well into the future for projects and initiatives that will benefit both residents of the municipality and members of the Haisla Nation.

Highlights of recent District and Haisla collaborations and celebrations
Photo Gallery: CEDI will appear here on the public site.

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