Meeting #1: Fort Smith, February 1-2, 2023
The first Fort Smith leaders’ meeting focused on Phase 1: Establishing the Convenor of the Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI) by establishing the groundwork. This included an introduction to the CLI focused on shared regional priorities and collaboration in Fort Smith. Leaders emphasized the strength of a unified voice among the four governments and acknowledged the need to challenge external decision-making by the GNWT that often overlooks local leadership. Discussions underscored the importance of working together as one community, rejecting arbitrary jurisdictional divisions, and setting a foundation for addressing critical priorities such as water protection, conservation-based economic opportunities, Aurora College’s future, and an all-season road to Fort Chipewyan. The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) proposed its role in facilitating collaboration, offering support to help unify efforts and advance joint action. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and trust-building.
Meeting #2: Fort Smith, May 10, 2023
The second Fort Smith leaders’ meeting advanced the Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI) process, moving into Phase 2: Building the Foundation for Reconciliation of the CLI, building the foundation for relationships and reconciliation. Leaders shared personal insights and reflected on what guides them as leaders. The session emphasized the importance of government-to-government dialogue and introduced key symbols like the Treaty 8 Medal and talking stick, tying them to the region’s context. Leaders shared their reactions to the CLI process video and reflections on the significance of working together to address shared challenges. They identified initial priorities, including addressing gaps in expertise, involving Elders through an Elders Table, and framing key questions for future meetings. The meeting set the stage for building trust, exploring regional opportunities, and establishing a roadmap for collaboration moving forward.
Meeting #3: Fort Smith, January 11, 2024
This meeting of Fort Smith leaders aimed to advance regional collaboration. Leaders reviewed key regional issues, explored opportunities for collective action, and visited the Treaty 8 vellum to discuss its significance. Focused on identifying conditions for collaboration and addressing priority information gaps, this session marked the transition between Phase 2: Building the Foundation for Reconciliation and Phase 3: Formalizing a Commitment to Work Together of the CLI process where leaders began planning next steps to strengthen partnerships and guide future meetings.
Meeting #4: Fort Smith, March 20-21, 2024
Entering Phase 3: Formalizing a Commitment to Work Together of the CLI process, formalizing a commitment to work together, this two-day meeting aimed to finalize a draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to support regional collaboration and advance the conservation economy. Leaders reviewed the MOA, brainstormed solutions for shared challenges, and explored next steps for a Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative. Activities strengthened networks, built trust, and outlined priorities for sustainable regional development.
Meeting #5: Fort Smith, June 21, 2024
On National Indigenous People’s Day, 2024, the elected leaders from four governments – Salt River First Nation, Smith’s Landing First Nation, Fort Smith Métis Council, and the Town of Fort Smith, as well as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Thebacha – entered a new era of collaboration with the signing of a historic Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in Fort Smith.
The table also began developing the forecast for the future, including the development of Regional Tourism Plan, marking the transition into Phase 4: Moving from Ideas to Action of the CLI process.
Meeting #6: Fort Smith, June 26, 2024
Building on the momentum of the previous meeting, leaders reconvened shortly after the MOA signing as part of the transition between Phase 4: Moving from Ideas to Action and Phase 5: Embedding within the System of the CLI process to begin drafting the terms of reference, defining guidelines and protocols for effective collaboration and initiate the process of implementing initiatives that will benefit the region. This included a review of the Regional Tourism Strategy and a presentation on the Curriculum of Aurora College, among other agenda items set by the leaders.
