OUR MISSION
Pawgwasheeng Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) is a 100% owned indigenous corporation by Pawgwasheeng, Pays Plat First Nation (PPFN). PEDC creates and maximizes economic development and business op- portunities that promote the growth of our community and membership. We are committed to upholding our values, while maintaining dignity and respect for our traditional territory and ways of life.
Our VISION
Pays Plat First Nation will prosper from the many opportunities in our area. PEDC will grow sustainable and meaningful opportunities for the Pays Plat community and our region that embrace our rich culture of respecting the land.
Our HISTORY
The creation of PEDC was the direct result of the East West Tie transmission project and the formation of Supercom Industries. Ginny Michano was appointed as one of the founding board members of Supercom Industries. With PPFN is one of the smallest, and less experienced members in terms of economic development, it was an eye opener to see the capabilities of the other partnering First Nations. As Supercom Industries progressed, it was quickly apparent that change was needed for PPFN, if they wanted to further participate in projects within their region.
It started with conversations between Ginny Michano, Mary Hardy (PPFN Consultation), and Douglas Moses (PPFN Economic Development Officer). The small group exercised a few internal mini strategic planning sessions and spoke of projects coming into the PPFN territory. They created the Pays Plat First Nation Economic Development Committee whose goal was to maximize the economic benefits for the First Nation and its members.
How was this accomplished? By reaching out and creating partnerships with local and regional proponents.
In March 2018, a funding application was submitted to the Indigenous Economic Development Fund, under Ontario’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. As a result of the internal mini strategic planning sessions, it was determined that PPFN needed to create an economic development corporation (EDC) and pursue partnerships and joint ventures, which this proposal would support. Pays Plat First Nation’s funding application was successful, and Ginny Michano became the Partnership Coordinator for the First Nation.
Throughout the fiscal year, the Pays Plat First Nation Economic Development Committee engaged in several meetings with industry and potential partners. Early on, there were a few local companies that stood out, and would form a close relationship with the Committee. These companies would end up being the first signed MOUs.
Through a lot of hard work and with the support of the Chief and Council of PPFN, the Pawgwasheeng Economic Development Corporation was created on February 15, 2019. The inaugural and current Board of Directors are as follows: