ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MISSION STATEMENT​

“The Economic Development Department provides information, advocacy, and technical expertise to empower Anishinabek Nation First Nations toward economic self-governance, sustainability, wealth creation, and financial independence.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2024 – 2027

The Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Department Strategic Plan 2024–2027 establishes the Department’s direction, priorities, and planned activities for the current leadership term. It provides a framework for supporting the economic goals of Anishinabek Nation member First Nations while responding to emerging opportunities, challenges, and changes in the economic landscape.
 
The Strategic Plan has three main objectives:
  • Provide clarity, direction, and focus for the Economic Development Department.
  • Align resources to maximize the Department’s strategic success.
  • Communicate the actions required to create short- and long-term sustainability.

The Department works closely with the Grand Council Chief, Deputy Grand Council Chief, Regional Chiefs, Chiefs Council on the Economy, technical committees, member First Nations, and external partners to ensure its activities reflect the priorities of Anishinabek Nation leadership and communities.

DEPARTMENT MANDATE

The Economic Development Department’s mandate is based on three main pillars:

The Department provides Anishinabek Nation leadership, member First Nations, businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals with information about economic development opportunities. This includes issuing recommendations and identifying practical strategies for addressing economic challenges.

The Department promotes community-level economic priorities and advocates for the development or amendment of government policies that affect Anishinabek First Nations. It also creates opportunities for First Nations to respond to government initiatives, participate in engagement processes, and be represented in discussions with government and industry.

The Department coordinates sector-specific projects, compiles and analyzes economic information, and works with subject-matter experts. It also develops briefing notes, discussion papers, templates, policy recommendations, and other technical resources to support informed decision-making.

CURRENT SECTOR SUPPORT

The Economic Development Department receives its direction through the strategic vision established by Anishinabek Nation leadership and resolutions passed by the Chiefs in Assembly.
 
The Department currently supports initiatives within the following sectors:
  • Business development, including retail, wholesale, distribution, procurement, and supply-chain opportunities
  • Resource development, including forestry, biomass, and mining
  • Agriculture and food-sector development
  • Tourism development
  • Infrastructure development, including telecommunications, energy, transportation, and housing

DEPARTMENT GOALS

The Economic Development Department’s goals for 2024–2027 align with the Wedokdodwin Action Plan and include:

  • Supporting revenue generation within Anishinabek First Nations
  • Encouraging investment throughout Anishinabek territory and promoting shared revenue-generation opportunities
  • Identifying opportunities to pool resources and achieve economies of scale
  • Advocating for federal and provincial governments to reduce barriers and expand economic opportunities for First Nations
  • Improving communication among leadership, communities, businesses, and economic development partners

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

The Strategic Plan identifies four interconnected priorities that guide the Department’s work:

Dismantling Roadblocks
Anishinabek First Nations continue to encounter economic barriers, including legislation developed without adequate consultation, infringement of Aboriginal and Treaty rights, limited financial and human resources, complicated government processes, and communities working in isolation.
 
The Department supports this priority by implementing the Economic Blueprint, engaging the Economic Development Officer Network and Working Group, identifying available programs and funding opportunities, delivering training, and developing resources that strengthen community-level capacity.
Building Relationships
Strong relationships are essential to the economic success of Anishinabek First Nations. The Department works to strengthen relationships among First Nations and with federal and provincial governments, municipalities, economic development corporations, Tribal Councils, Indigenous organizations, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
 
These relationships help Anishinabek First Nations access information, develop partnerships, participate in major economic opportunities, and advance shared priorities from a position of strength.
Empowering First Nations
Anishinabek First Nations must be fully informed, meaningfully engaged, and equipped with the tools necessary to assess opportunities and develop long-term economic strategies.
 
The Department supports this priority by implementing the Economic Blueprint, engaging the Economic Development Officer Network and Working Group, identifying available programs and funding opportunities, delivering training, and developing resources that strengthen community-level capacity.
Increasing Efficiency
The economic environment changes quickly, and the Anishinabek Nation must be able to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges.
 
The Department works through established leadership and advisory structures, including the Chiefs Council on the Economy, to advance economic priorities, improve internal processes, meet funding and reporting requirements, and ensure leadership receives timely information to support decision-making.

CHIEFS COUNCIL ON THE ECONOMY

The Chiefs Council on the Economy connects the Anishinabek Nation’s political vision with the implementation of the Economic Blueprint and other economic development priorities.
 
The Council’s responsibilities include:
  • Providing guidance and recommendations for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the Economic Blueprint
  • Seeking advice and direction from Anishinabek First Nations and citizens on economic issues
  • Supporting the development of economic opportunities within member First Nations
  • Responding to economic priorities identified by communities and regions
  • Overseeing recommendations related to economic initiatives
  • Advocating for the Economic Blueprint and other economic development priorities

The Chiefs Council on the Economy receives technical and administrative support from the Economic Development Department.

KEY AREAS OF WORK FOR 2024–2027

Throughout the 2024–2027 planning period, the Economic Development Department’s work includes:

  • Implementing the Anishinabek Nation Economic Blueprint and EDO Roadmap
  • Developing and implementing regional energy planning initiatives
  • Advancing First Nations participation in procurement opportunities
  • Supporting regional tourism strategy development
  • Strengthening advocacy concerning gasoline, tobacco, taxation, and revenue sharing
  • Supporting the Business Advisory Council and other economic advisory structures
  • Building relationships with government, industry, financial institutions, and Indigenous organizations
  • Developing economic information, digital tools, and resources for member First Nations
  • Hosting the annual Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Opportunities Forum
  • Seeking funding to advance community and regional economic priorities

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

Click the image below to download the complete Economic Development Strategic Plan:

Read Flipbook

HOW CAN I SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MY COMMUNITY?

Community members, entrepreneurs, businesses, and leadership are encouraged to learn about the Strategic Plan and discuss how its priorities can support their community’s economic goals.
 
You can also connect with your community’s Economic Development Officer or leadership to learn about current projects, business supports, funding programs, partnership opportunities, and ways to participate in building a sustainable local and regional Anishinabek economy.