Partnership Background
Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), the Town of The Pas, and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey are located in northern Manitoba on Treaty 5 Territory and on the Traditional Territory of Opaskwayak Cree Nation. These communities are closely interconnected, with OCN sharing a direct border with The Pas and lying just across the Saskatchewan River from the RM of Kelsey. Together, they form a tri-community region approximately 625 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg.
These three communities participated in CEDI Phase I from 2013-2016.
Key Milestones and Collaborative Community Economic Development Initiatives
In August 2014, during Opaskwayak Days, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, the Town of The Pas, and the RM of Kelsey signed the Tri-Community Friendship Accord. Rooted in mutual respect and recognition, the Accord aims to strengthen political, economic, social, and cultural relationships. It establishes a shared vision of building a better future for the next generations through trust, cooperation, and open dialogue. The agreement outlines regular joint meetings, the formation of working groups and a joint committee, and promotes economic vibrancy, cultural celebration, youth opportunity, and public safety. As a living document, the Accord is designed to evolve alongside the partnership. This signing was a significant and symbolic step toward Reconciliation and collaboration and inspired local youth to create a high school-to-high school Friendship Accord.
Regional Development Plan
A Tri-Council between the three communities was created to enable the community leaders to work together and jointly plan for future economic development in the region. They collaborated to develop a Joint Investor Attraction Package, including a regional website, investment brochure, and site selector strategy, supported by the CEDI Capacity Development Grant. The brochure and website were created to demonstrate the quality of relationship between leaders in the region and to display the unique benefits of investing in their region. This initiative was a response to increasing interest from companies such as Canada Goose in the local manufacturing and labour potential of the region. During CEDI workshops and Tri-Council meetings in 2015, the communities shared their land use plans and regional economic data, and created a regional economic development strategy, governing body (building on the Pas Community Development Corporation) and planning district. They also jointly hired a site selection consultant to help market their region to potential investors. Completed within the CEDI program timeline, the investor package was launched and promoted through local channels and events.
The Tri-Council has their own terms of reference and meets quarterly and as a result is currently working on a regional waste management initiative, has completed a Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) property purchase and launched a joint investor attraction website to bring site selectors and new investors to their region.
In the Media
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Quotes
"The Friendship Accord and our continued Tri-Council meetings have given us a shared voice. We are no longer working in isolation — we are planning our future together."