Partnership Background
Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and Ville d’Edmundton have found common ground in their desire to preserve their distinct cultural heritages – both Acadian and Maliseet. Their unique location along the Trans-Canada Highway offers a natural advantage to collaborative development at the “Gateway to Atlantic Canada”.
These two communities participated in CEDI Phase I from 2013-2016.
Key Milestones and Collaborative Community Economic Development Initiatives
Friendship Accord
On October 25, 2014, Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and the City of Edmundston signed a Friendship Accord during a formal ceremony. This Accord, written in three languages, established a framework for collaboration between the two communities to foster culturally inclusive, community-driven economic development, and shared interests. The agreement commits both councils to regular joint meetings, open communication, and mutual engagement in areas such as recreation, tourism, business, and wellness. With targets, benchmarks, and protocols to guide their efforts, the Accord promotes shared leadership, cultural respect, and environmental stewardship. As a living document, it reflects a long-term commitment to Reconciliation, unity, and collective prosperity. As noted by Brad Woodside, “This Accord will no doubt have tangible economic benefits. The partnership will reduce duplication, increase investor confidence and promote a strategic use of local resources.”
Joint Communications Strategy
Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and the Ville d’Edmundston developed a 2-year Joint Communications Strategy, supported by the CEDI Capacity Development Grant, to strengthen public awareness and understanding of their partnership. They first brought on a peer mentor, an expert in communications to help assist the communities in designing and delivering workshops and creating a proposal for capacity building funds. They then hired a consultant and did extensive community engagement, which focused on dispelling myths and sharing accurate information about their partnership across both communities. Aligned with their shared vision for economic growth and regional identity, the joint communications strategy was implemented from 2016 to 2018 as part of a broader effort to support entrepreneurship, attract investors, and promote tourism through unified branding. It was prioritized to build trust, attract long-term investment, and create sustainable employment. Progress continues, with the successful attraction of three new businesses to the MMFN Economic Development Corporation–owned Maliseet Mall, reinforcing its role as a regional hub and creating jobs for both communities’ members. Additionally, the reopening of the Madawaska Airport has advanced to accommodate recreational flights and air ambulances, further strengthening regional connectivity.
Small and Medium Enterprises Week
Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and Ville d’Edmundston held the small and medium enterprise week; a joint event about the Chamber of Commerce, where the Chief spoke about their provincial tax laws to explain to the business community the regulations related to businesses on reserve.
In the Media
Quotes
"Our Government is taking action to support partnerships that can advance economic improvements across Canada. I congratulate the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and the City of Edmundston for reaching this important agreement, with the potential to increase economic opportunities and ensure the long-term prosperity of both communities."
"Today is a historic day. In the past the City of Edmundston and MMFN usually only ever met because they needed something from each other. Today we are meeting to begin discussing our shared vision for the future and how to plan for it – this is the first time in history that we have done that together. "