Partnership Background
The City of Miramichi is located on the unceded and Traditional Mi’kmaq Territory. Natoaganeg First Nation, also known as Eel Ground First Nation, is a Mi’kmaq community located on the Miramichi River in northern New Brunswick. It is comprised of three reserves, including Eel Ground #2, Big Hole Tract #8, and Renous #12. Natoaganeg First Nation and the City of Miramichi are approximately 14km apart, and an hour and a half north-west of Moncton, NB.
Natoaganeg First Nation and City of Miramichi participated in the CEDI Phase III Accelerated 2-year Stream from 2022 – 2024.
Key Milestones and Collaborative Community Economic Development Initiatives
Peace and Friendship Policy
This policy formalized the City’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and established a framework for cooperation and mutual understanding between the City of Miramichi and Natoaganeg First Nation. The development of the policy was a collaborative process led by the CEDI Working Group, which worked over several months to draft the document and gather input from neighbouring Mi’kmaq Nations, including Metepenagiag and Esgenoôpetitj, who are also signatories to the existing Peace and Friendship Accord.
The policy was identified as a shared priority during CEDI Workshop 2 in May 2023, where partners began developing a common vision for reconciliation and collaboration. Natoaganeg First Nation played a key role in guiding the policy’s development and facilitating engagement with neighbouring Nations to ensure the policy reflected shared values and commitments. Following this collaborative process, the Peace and Friendship Policy was officially adopted by the City of Miramichi in March 2024.
The Mi’kmaq flag was permanently raised in Miramichi’s Council Chambers following the signing of the Peace and Friendship Policy. This action signified the City’s commitment to Indigenous representation, cultural inclusion, and strengthening the relationship between the two communities.
1. Inclusion of Land Acknowledgement on City’s Welcome Signs
The new City welcome signs include the City of Miramichi logo, the word “welcome” in English, French, and Mi’kmaq, and a land acknowledgement recognizing the location as traditional unceded Mi’kmaq territory. This initiative reflects the partnership’s commitment to increasing Indigenous visibility, promoting cultural awareness, and educating residents and visitors about the shared history and ongoing relationship between the communities. The signage also supports broader tourism and reconciliation goals identified through the CEDI process.
2. New Street given a Mi’kmaq Name
Chief George Ginnish advised Elders in Natoaganeg First Nation that the City was seeking a Mi’kmaq name for a new street name within Miramichi. The Elders proposed Tupsi, the Mi’Kmaw word for alder. Alders are considered good medicine for various ailments and have been traditionally used to make eating utensils, smoking meats and building fires. The new street to the multiplex will be named Tupsi Drive, reflecting the integration of Mi’kmaq language and cultural knowledge into municipal infrastructure.
3. Commissioning a Commemorative Art Piece
As part of their shared commitment to reconciliation and tourism development, both governments committed to earmarking funds in their 2025 budgets to commission a commemorative art piece or statue on the waterfront. This initiative was identified as a tangible opportunity to celebrate the partnership and commemorate the Peace and Friendship relationship between the communities.
The partnership agreed to commission an Indigenous artisan to create a rendering based on their shared vision. The City of Miramichi will lead funding and project coordination, while Natoaganeg First Nation will provide cultural guidance and assist in identifying a well-known Indigenous artist from the territory. The project is expected to take approximately two years to complete and will culminate in a community celebration event planned for 2026.
4. Re-development of the Former UPM Site
The redevelopment of the former UPM site represents one of the most significant collaborative economic development opportunities between Natoaganeg First Nation and the City of Miramichi. The site, a decommissioned pulp and paper mill located between the two communities, was identified early in the CEDI process as a shared priority for joint planning and long-term economic development.
Through ongoing discussions and CEDI workshops, the partners developed a shared vision for the site that includes green energy projects, commercial and recreational spaces, housing, wellness areas, cultural spaces, and the revitalization of green space. This mixed-use development aims to meet the growing and diverse needs of both communities while supporting long-term economic sustainability.
The planning process has involved coordination across multiple government departments, as well as engagement with the province and other external stakeholders. The partnership has emphasized that their proposal does not require ownership of the land, but rather shared ownership of the vision and development approach. The communities are working toward consolidating visioning work and existing information to support a formal bidding process and broader community consultation.
Jointly-hosted Every Child Matters Walk and Flag Raising
Natoaganeg First Nation and the City of Miramichi have jointly hosted the Every Child Matters Walk and Flag Raising annually for the past three years. The event features local drummers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders sharing their culture, stories, and history with residents and visitors.
These events have strengthened community relationships and created opportunities for cultural learning and reconciliation. They also reflect broader partnership goals identified through the CEDI process, including increasing inclusive cultural events and enhancing community awareness of Indigenous history and culture.
The continued collaboration on these events demonstrates the growing relationship between the two communities and their shared commitment to reconciliation, education, and community engagement.
In the Media
Quotes
“It is important not just to do reconciliation in words, but in actions. We’re hoping that this will become a policy that other communities across the province and across the country will want to replicate into their own communities. I am proud of getting to this moment and I am filled with hope and optimism. This is certainly a day that we will remember and be thankful for, for a long time.”
“We have had a successful partnership with the Mayor Adam Lordon, Council and City staff. We have laid the groundwork for future shared development projects.”