About Us
The Wolastoqey Economic Development Corporation (WEDCo) is being established to foster long-term prosperity, harness innovation, and establish meaningful partnerships for Wolastoqey communities through economic development projects.
There is a national trend for project partners who are looking to work with Nation-led organizations. We want to take advantage of those opportunities and leverage them to support community-level prosperity.
WEDCo will create clear mechanisms for Wolastoqey community involvement in economic development while supporting Indigenous Treaty and Title rights. This important work will support growth and prosperity in the six Wolastoqey communities.
Our Next Steps Are
- Early engagement (WE ARE HERE)
- Hire CEO
- Fulsome community engagement on values, principles, and governance
- Use community feedback to establish governance systems, including attracting a Board of Directors, that brings together Wolastoqey leadership, industry partners, and community interests
- Staff up! Hire additional positions in HR, Finance, and Administration
- Formal launch and begin building national wealth!
Early Feedback
We want to hear from you. Your voice will help us shape our mission. Please respond to the following questions so we can learn more about your hopes and concerns about a Wolastoqey Economic Development Corporation.
This survey is just the beginning of our community engagement plans. We will have many opportunities for our community members to provide feedback as WEDCo develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WEDCo?
The Wolastoqey Economic Development Corporation (WEDCo) is being established to build prosperity for the Wolastoqey Nation and its communities. It will be governed by a Board of Directors.
What is the purpose of WEDCo?
WEDCo’s purpose is to lead and support economic development projects—either Wolastoqey-led or in partnership—that strengthen the Nation’s prosperity.
How will community members be involved with WEDCo?
WEDCo’s governance structure is under development. Its Board of Directors will include Wolastoqey leaders, ensuring decisions reflect the interests of the Nation and its six communities.
What is economic development?
Economic development improves a community’s economy and quality of life through policies and initiatives that support residents’ well-being.
Why is economic development important for a community?
It drives job growth, stability, and quality of life. By fostering new opportunities, economic development helps communities adapt to population growth, inflation, and other economic pressures.
Is WEDCo a part of the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick (WNNB) organization?
WNNB is supporting the launch of WEDCo, but it will be a completely separate corporation from WNNB with its own CEO and Board of Directors.
Where did the funding to build WEDCo come from?
We are receiving funding from federal and provincial governments to launch this corporation. In addition, WNNB is providing some in-kind support.
How will funds from economic development projects be distributed?
Fund distribution is a topic that will be discussed as part of our community engagement work. Sign up to receive updates to be informed about future opportunities to provide your feedback.
How will this benefit me as a community member?
By leveraging a Nation-owned economic development corporation, Wolastoqey members should see more employment and training opportunities, more wealth and prosperity, and stronger communities. How funds will be distributed is a topic that will be discussed as part of our community engagement work. Sign up to receive updates to be informed about future opportunities to provide your feedback.
Who will be on the hiring committee for new WEDCo employees?
Our first hiring committee will be made up of the six community Chiefs. Once senior leadership has been selected and more feedback is received, the hiring practices will be reviewed and a new system will be put in place.
How will WEDCo interact with different levels of government, including our Chiefs and Council?
For the purposes of setting it up, the six Chiefs are the Board of the corporation because they are the Board of WNNB (the applicant). After that, we anticipate an independent Board of Directors based on a structure that will be informed by our community engagement work.
How do I stay updated on WEDCo’s development?
You can provide your email address in our survey section to be added to a mailing list that will send periodic updates as engagement continues and the organization develops.
Why is it called the Wolastoqey Economic Development Corporation? What does the logo mean?
For now, the corporation is called the Wolastoqey Economic Development Corporation, or WEDCo, until we are able to conduct a fulsome community engagement process which will inform, among many other things, the future name and logo of the corporation.