The City of Edmonton and neighbouring Enoch Cree Nation share an 8 km border on the west edge of the city. Beginning formally in 2016, Mayor Don Iveson and City Council, with Enoch Cree Nation Chief and Council, have taken steps to build a new collaborative, neighbour-to-neighbour relationship based on mutual respect and focused on collaboration for regional prosperity.
Since that time, elected officials and staff from both governments have met to explore potential opportunities for collaboration and information-sharing in a wide range of community economic development themes. These have included recreation, parks, housing, public transit, land-use planning, and shared services. Each government maintains its own distinct rights and jurisdiction while focusing on unique opportunities created by this new relationship.
Relationship highlights include:
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2016-2019: Participated in the First Nation — Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI), a joint program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Cando
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2016-present: A joint working group of staff and elected officials is created and meets to foster the relationship and explore potential areas for collaboration
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2017: Signed an Memorandum of Understanding outlining the intent to build a new relationship as neighbours
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2018: At the one-year anniversary of the MOU signing, the City of Edmonton Youth Council and Enoch Cree Nation Youth Advisory Council meet and share ideas for future collaboration among local youth
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2020: A series of 3 short videos are produced showcasing the past, present and future of the evolving relationship
