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The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) and the Ontario First Nations Economic Development Association (OFNEDA) are proud to announce their collaborative spirits are bearing fruit designed to strengthen partnerships and support inclusive economic growth throughout Ontario. Through its collaboration with OFNEDA, EDCO continues to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous economic development professionals, promoting shared learning, mutual respect, and strategic collaboration.
As part of this commitment, EDCO is proud to be introducing a new membership category; First Nation Community Membership. This initiative is a powerful step towards reconciliation, both symbolically and practically, by ensuring equitable access to professional development, networking, and collaboration opportunities for all communities in Ontario. Creating a dedicated membership tier for First Nation communities, EDCO aims to deepen engagement, amplify Indigenous economic leadership, and ensure that First Nation economic developers are fully integrated into the province's broader economic development ecosystem.
"This new membership tier reflects EDCO's ongoing commitment to amplifying Indigenous economic leadership and creating a more inclusive economic development ecosystem" said Stephanie Crilly, EDCO Executive Director. "We are excited to continue to work alongside OFNEDA to provide meaningful opportunities for engagement and growth"
Founded in 1957, EDCO is Ontario's leading professional association for economic development practitioners. With a membership spanning municipalities, regions, private sector partners, and provincial ministries, EDCO provides training, resources, and advocacy to advance economic growth and resilience across the province.
The Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA) is a non-profit, membership driven organization that supports First Nations communities, their Economic Development Officers, and Indigenous businesses across Ontario through engagement, networking, research, mentorship and training.
"This new First Nation Community Membership is an important and meaningful step toward strengthening relationships and advancing Indigenous-led economic development across Ontario," said Peggy Domingue, Executive Director, Ontario First Nations Economic Development Association. "By working alongside EDCO, we are creating space for First Nation communities to share knowledge, build capacity, and participate fully in Ontario's economic development ecosystem in a way that respects our priorities, rights, and self-determination"
To learn more about the First Nation Community Membership or to apply, please visit www.edco.on.ca.
Laura DeMille
Marketing and Project Coordinator
Economic Developers Council of Ontario
laura.demille@edco.on.ca
