The RM of Maple Creek, the Nekaneet First Nation, and the Town of Maple Creek have announced that they have formed a partnership and have been  selected from a pool of 28 applicants across the country to participate in a three year stream of the First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative Program.

This initiative aims to improve the economic prosperity  of participating First Nations and adjacent municipalities through joint community economic development planning and initiatives.

Over the next 3 years the group will attend six workshops through the program with provided funding, education and guidance for the development of a Licensed Day Care Centre and Youth Centre for their collective community.

 Maple Creek Economic Development Officer, Gillian Moch, said "So those workshops are going to focus on relationship building. So, they'll be workshops where the leadership of the 3 partners participate in, along with the staff. Maple Creek and the area, we've always had a really good working relationship. It's good to look forward to Economic Development initiative, and working together that way to make our community prosper."

Nekaneet First Nation Chief, Alvin Francis, spoke about how the initiative will benefit everyone saying, "This is just the first step. And as we continue to work together in the future it's going to benefit all. Being a role model to all citizens of Canada because the multiculturalism that goes on within Canada should, we as First Nations and the Town we must show and be basically a showcase for Canada to realize that we can cooperate."

This is the first time a small community in Saskatchewan has received the CEDI funding.