The City of Lloydminster has taken another step toward strengthening its relationship with Frog Lake First Nation after council approved the signing of a Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) Friendship Agreement during its Sept. 21 regular meeting.
The agreement is intended to support ongoing collaboration and partnership between the two communities after their participation in the First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative concludes in 2027.
Lloydminster and Frog Lake First Nation are one of five partnerships in a Prairie-region cohort participating in the CEDI program between 2024 and 2027. The initiative is delivered jointly by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
According to information presented to council, the Friendship Agreement is designed to help First Nations and neighbouring municipalities continue building respectful and equitable relationships after formal CEDI programming ends.
Ongoing partnership since March 2025
The two communities announced their participation in the program in March 2025 and have since held monthly working group meetings, bi-annual workshops and relationship-building activities focused on economic development and capacity building.
City administration recommended approval of the agreement, noting it aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and regional partnerships.
Frog Lake owns land in Lloydminster
The partnership also reflects a growing economic relationship between the two communities. City officials have previously noted that Frog Lake First Nation owns significant land holdings within Lloydminster, including a parcel that became part of the city when Lloydminster annexed land from the County of Vermilion River in 2022. The CEDI program provides a framework for discussions around future development opportunities, land use planning and mutual economic growth.
Council voted in favour of signing the Friendship Agreement, formalizing a commitment to continued collaboration between Lloydminster and Frog Lake First Nation beyond the life of the CEDI program.
Economic Partnership Summit
There will be a presentation highlighting the agreement between the City of Lloydminster and Frog Lake First Nation. The growing partnership will be in the spotlight at the Economic Partnership Summit at the Lloyd Ex on Thursday, Sept. 24.
