Collaborative Leadership Initiative

CLI Mayors and Reeves gathered in March, 2019 with Sandy Bay First Nation Chief Lance Roulette; Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Deborah Smith; Long Plain First Nation Chief Dennis Meeches; Gambler First Nation Chief David Ledoux; Sagkeeng First Nation Chief Derrick Henderson; Roseau River Anishinabe Nation Chief Craig Alexander; SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels; Pine Creek First Nation Chief Karen Batson; and Swan Lake First Nation Chief Francine Meeches; when an historic MOU was signed recognizing the considerable political value of First Nation and municipal governments formally agreeing to work together on common goals and interests.

SCO First Nation Chiefs and elected leaders in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region have met and agree there needs to be a better way to work together and that status quo is not enough. They have agreed to pursue a collaborative and strategic approach that will allow them to tackle shared social issues, create good jobs and a strong economy and pursue the complex issues of protecting our land, water, and air.

The leaders have committed to a pathway forward that includes clearly defining our common interests, identifying obstacles to progress, and dispelling myths with the fact-based dialogue of mutual respect.

This initiative begins with learning about the systems, institutions, histories, and world views of each of the leaders; all in the pursuit of understanding how to establish mutually beneficial and shared decision-making mechanisms between First Nation and municipal governments. These efforts are all focused on delivering Good Growth, Good Governance, and Good Stewardship for our territory.

The Collaborative Leadership Initiative partners include the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR) and the Centre of Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), to implement a process that will ensure enhanced relationships and good decision-making.

For more information on the Collaborative Leadership Initiative, visit their website.

CLI Participants