Partnership Background
Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation and Goodstoney First Nation (Stoney Nakoda Nations) and the Town of Cochrane are located west of Calgary, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Southern Alberta. These three Nations and the Stoney Nakoda people are signatories to Treaty No. 7. The Stoney Nakoda Nations are about 40 minutes west of the Town of Cochrane.
The three Stoney Nakoda Nations and Town of Cochrane participated in the CEDI Phase III from 2022-2025.
Key Milestones and Collaborative Community Economic Development Initiatives
Pipe Ceremony and Collaborative Media Announcement (again at 1-year anniversary)
On March 15, 2022, in the spirit of building a new relationship based in truth, understanding and respect, elected leaders and staff from all four communities, staff from Stoney Tribal Administration and members from the CEDI team gathered for a pipe ceremony signifying the commitment of each community to a new era of government-to-government partnerships with one another. This ceremony was likened to an agreement between all parties, and one year later, this partnership came together to share in another pipe ceremony, reflect on the partnership’s accomplishments from the first year of partnership and program participation, and learn about each other’s land-use planning processes, policy, and legislation through community-prepared presentations.
Proclamation Signing and Pipe Ceremony
As the communities’ CEDI participation ended, it was important to the four governments to sign a non-binding Proclamation agreement that outlines the ongoing commitment of each signatory government to continue to pursue strengthened relationships with the following purpose:
- Formalizing the commitment by the parties to continue their efforts in maintaining a lasting relationship.
- Strengthening the cooperation between councils to promote the wellbeing of all community members and the next generations.
- Supporting meaningful and effective communication on issues of mutual interest.
The agreement does not prevent parties from collaborating directly with each other bilaterally or trilaterally. By way of the agreement, the signatory governments commit to their Councils meeting annually, for their senior administrative staff to identify mutually beneficial opportunities and to establish protocols to foster transparent and respectful communication with each other and our communities. On March 4, 2025, Pipe Holders, Helpers, Elders, and elected Chiefs and Council members, and staff from all three Nations, Mayor and Council members and staff, Stoney Tribal Administrative staff and the CEDI team gathered to participate in a pipe ceremony. The pipe ceremony was requested to recognize the significance of the Proclamation signing, and ongoing commitment of all four governments to strengthen their relationships and improve the lives for all people in the region.
Exploration of a Collaborative Land-use Project and Co-governance Model
This partnership also completed a successful exploration of a jointly owned and collaborative land-use project and co-governance models. Together, the communities hired a consultant, utilizing the CEDI Capacity Development Grant, to complete a feasibility study for the potential collaborative land-use project and ownership structure. This included a baseline analysis of lands, high level servicing assessment (water, sanitary, transportation, storm), land entitlement, governance, financing, and funding. In addition, they completed a land appraisal, highest and best use analysis and an overview of planning and approvals, and development costs on-site and off-site. Upon graduation from CEDI, the technical sub-committee was awaiting a sale price from the land seller; with this, each respective CEO/CAO would take this forward for Council consideration, respectively.
Jointly hosted Odagugiciye Apîîciyabic/ Building Relationships Powwow
The jointly hosted Powwow was held on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2023, in Cochrane and was well attended by community members from the Stoney Nakoda Nations, other regional First Nations and Cochrane residents. Approximately 270 dancers registered for the Powwow, which was intentionally inclusive and educational. The four elected Chiefs and Mayor exchanged gifts with one another, and the MC shared information on each of the dances and encouraged non-Indigenous attendees to join in. They shared information on historical and modern-day injustices against Indigenous peoples in Canada. In the end, the partnership had a donated remaining revenue from the Powwow to the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank Society.
In the Media
- March 17, 2022: CEDI program offers opportunity to build relationships
- March 17, 2022: Cochrane and Stoney Nakoda to foster collaboration via CEDI program
- March 17, 2023: Cochrane-Stoney Nakoda Nations bond continues to strengthen
- March 17, 2023: Local CEDI Program Celebrates One Year Of Collaboration & Relationship Building
- September 25, 2023: National Truth and Reconciliation Day powwow coming to Cochrane
- March 4, 2025: Proclamation: Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, Goodstoney First Nation and Town of Cochrane commit to continued collaboration
- March 4, 2025: Stoney Nakoda, town take major step in building relationship
Photo Gallery
Quotes
"It so happens that we're coming into spring, and spring means new growth. This relationship between Cochrane and Stoneys will grow our prosperity and allow each other to enhance our economic development endeavors."
"In the past, the town would try to reach out to our nations, and they didn't really know who to call, and now they do. And today we kind of know how the town's government structure works, how the mayor and his council work, and vice versa, so there's a little bit of a better understanding of some of the processes that are in place."
"We did a pipe ceremony today and I think that shows a lot that the working relationship and respecting and honoring each other's areas. Moving forward, learning to work together in coexistence, I think that's the key here, but also to talk about economic development."
"I was reluctant to reach out to people. I'd worried that I'd say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing. Essentially, we broke that down and we got to know each other as human beings and learn about one another's protocols and culture, and just who to pick up the phone and talk to when we need something."