In one of just eight similar partnerships across Canada, Humboldt and the George Gordon First Nation have joined forces to take part in the nation-wide Community Economic Development Initiative.

Humboldt’s mayor, Rob Muench, says the federal program aims to forge relationships between first nations and municipalities that result in economy development projects.

“We’ve been looking at ways that we can boost the housing in our community, and this is one of the ideas that we’re working on with George Gordon First Nation.”

The parties are also discussing the use of George Gordon’s solar energy to power Humboldt’s new wastewater treatment plant.

The collaboration program is slated to last for three years, but Muench hopes the partnership remains ongoing.

“It was interesting to get to know each other, and going forwards it’s a friendship that we’re going to nurture and develop over the next number of years.”

The CEDI initiative is funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities alongside Cando, or The Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers.