Saugeen First Nation #29 and Town of Saugeen Shores

1. Hired a Working Group Coordinator 

Given competing priorities and limited staff capacity at Saugeen First Nation, the partnership identified the need for dedicated coordination support to advance collaborative initiatives. The partners jointly agreed to hire a Working Group Coordinator to help maintain momentum, organize meetings, and support the implementation of shared priorities. 

Initially, a short-term CEDI Working Group Coordinator was hired for the remainder of the partnership’s participation in the CEDI program. This role helped facilitate regular communication, coordinate meetings, and support progress on joint initiatives identified through the partnership’s four strategic pillars. Recognizing the value of this role, the partners planned to establish a long-term Working Group Coordinator position following their CEDI graduation to sustain collaboration and continue pursuing joint economic development initiatives. 

This dedicated coordination support also addressed one of the key challenges identified during the partnership, limited human resources and competing priorities, which had previously impacted the consistency of meetings and progress on joint initiatives. 

2. Developing a Joint Cultural History Map 

Building on their Friendship Accord and shared commitment to increasing cultural awareness, Saugeen First Nation and the Town of Saugeen Shores began developing a joint cultural history map. The map highlights culturally and historically significant sites from both communities, reflecting the interconnected histories, stories, and relationships across the territory. 

The map is intended to serve both residents and visitors by increasing awareness of Indigenous history, culture, and shared community spaces. The Friendship Accord will be printed on the reverse side of the map, reinforcing the partnership’s commitment to reconciliation and collaboration. This initiative also supports broader tourism development opportunities identified through the partnership’s economic development discussions, including cultural tourism and trail connectivity. 

3. Establishing 4 Pillars 

To guide their partnership moving forward, Saugeen First Nation and the Town of Saugeen Shores jointly established four pillars that provide strategic direction for collaborative initiatives in the short, medium, and long term. These pillars emerged from ongoing working group discussions, workshops, and identification of shared priorities throughout the CEDI process. 

1. Increasing Connection 
   This pillar focuses on building awareness of each community’s history and culture, hosting joint community events, recognizing sacred spaces, and renaming sites to reflect Indigenous language and heritage. This work supports reconciliation efforts and strengthens relationships between residents of both communities. 
2. Shared Tourism Initiatives 
   The partnership identified tourism as a key opportunity for economic growth. Joint initiatives include connecting community trails, developing and marketing recreational spaces, and promoting environmental stewardship. These initiatives build on the region’s existing strengths in tourism and outdoor recreation. 
3. Business Development Collaboration 
   Partners identified opportunities to collaborate on economic development initiatives, including healthcare partnerships, shared servicing and infrastructure, and development opportunities for available lands. These efforts aim to leverage regional assets and support sustainable economic growth for both communities. 
4. Building Complete Communities 
   This pillar focuses on enhancing quality of life through shared programming, networking opportunities, collaboration and incubation space, and redevelopment of the Training Centre. These initiatives aim to support workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community wellbeing. 

The four pillars provide a practical framework for advancing the partnership and reflect shared priorities identified through joint discussions, workshops, and working group meetings. Together, they serve as a roadmap for continued collaboration following the CEDI program and support long-term relationship building and economic development between Saugeen First Nation and the Town of Saugeen Shores.