Economic Development

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The RHW Economic Development (ECDEV) function supports treaty leadership in identifying economic opportunities, organizing regional participation, and advancing treaty-based economic initiatives that contribute to long-term economic self-determination for the Anishinaabe Council Fires.

Mandate and operating context 

Working within the principles of the 2020 RHW Declaration and Protocol, RHW advances treaty-level collaboration among the Anishinaabe Council Fires of the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. These foundational documents affirm the inherent sovereignty of the Council Fires and guide how communities come together through shared decision-making, coordinated action, and mutual respect for each Nation’s autonomy.

Recent developments in the Treaty relationship create an opportunity for RHW and its member communities to explore long-term economic initiatives that support economic self-determination. Advancing these opportunities requires coordinated engagement across 21 communities and multiple governance bodies, reflecting both the scale of the territory and the importance of working collectively while respecting community priorities.

Our approach

To support this work, the ECDEV function operates across three interconnected areas:

Governance and coordination

Supporting alignment with RHW leadership and governance structures by organizing discussions, facilitating engagement, and ensuring economic development efforts reflect treaty-level priorities and decision-making processes.

Opportunity development and intelligence

Building a stronger understanding of emerging economic opportunities through sector research, environmental scanning, and economic intelligence, while helping shape initiatives that reflect community needs and regional potential.

Partnerships and implementation pathways

Exploring partnerships, financing models, and other mechanisms that can help advance initiatives toward implementation, including engagement with governments, external partners, and potential funding opportunities.

Administrative overview

RHW operates as a non-political coordination body, providing technical, administrative, and event management support to the Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations. During this reporting period, the secretariat maintained staffing capacity across its core functional areas including governance support, event management, information technology, and financial administration.

This area focuses on developing the planning and policy tools needed to guide economic development across the treaty territory. 

Examples of activities explored include: 

  • Development of economic development strategic planning and policy frameworks
  • Compilation of economic and sector intelligence
  • Exploration of approaches to performance and impact tracking

This area focuses on supporting leadership discussions and strengthening coordination across the treaty territory. This includes convening technicians, facilitating alignment across communities, and creating spaces for shared learning and collaboration in areas of emerging economic opportunity. 

Examples of activities explored include: 

  • Exploration of a regional RHW Economic Development Officer (EDO) network or working group
  • Facilitating coordination and information sharing across communities in specific sectors, such as supporting discussions between subregions on energy corridor developments
  • Exploring the potential for sector-specific coordination mechanisms, such as working groups or advisory tables, where alignment and shared approaches may be beneficial

This area focuses on monitoring and exploring emerging energy-related opportunities. 

Examples of activities explored include: 

  • Research on regional energy infrastructure and regulatory developments
  • Engagement with project proponents and sector partners
  • Exploration of participation pathways such as partnerships or equity opportunities

This area focuses on exploring opportunities related to housing and community infrastructure development. 

Examples of activities explored include: 

  • Exploration of financing models and investment approaches 
  • Engagement with technicians to understand implementation considerations

This area focuses on building relationships and exploring opportunities with external and international partners. 

Examples of activities explored include: 

  • Relationship-building with international Indigenous partners and organizations
  • Identification of areas of mutual interest
  • Exploration of potential economic collaboration and knowledge exchange opportunities

Let’s connect

Reach out to us for more information on our work.

  • Barret Dokis
    Barret Dokis

    Director of Operations

    • 705 885 1480 ext. 210