Closing the Gap

High-quality public infrastructure is critical to the health and sustainability of Indigenous communities. The First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII) is an Indigenous-led initiative that will support Indigenous communities and organizations to plan, procure, own and manage their infrastructure assets on their lands.

Just as your home is more than a house…

Community Infrastructure is more than a collection of buildings and the roads that connect them. These are places of learning, belonging, sustainment, and healing.

FNII is an Indigenous-led organization designed to help Indigenous communities and organizations plan, procure, own and manage the places that have meaning to you.

Walking alongside Indigenous communities and organizations, our experienced roster of engineers, project managers and financial experts provide support services, workshops, templates and advice. All services are provided free of charge.

To learn more about the First Nations Infrastructure Institute download our free resources, watch this introductory video or book a workshop.

Our Communities Deserve Better Infrastructure

The current approach is unsustainable and First Nations and Indigenous organizations expect and deserve better results.

Planning projects that get funded

Our four-step approach covers planning, procuring, and building and managing.

FNII services are free of charge

Indigenous communities and organizations can access FNII services at no cost.

Learn how FNII can help your communities projects

The problems with the current First Nation infrastructure system are well-known – infrastructure on reserves takes too long to develop, costs too much to build, and does not last long enough. This contributes to a series of poor health, social and economic outcomes. A new Indigenous-led institution, backed by legislation is envisioned to tackle these issues.

ORGANIZATION UPDATES

News

05.10.2023

NEWS

Shovel Ready – The Steps To Break Ground on an Infrastructure Project

The term “shovel ready” indicates an infrastructure project is ready to start construction. But what does it take to get to that state? The short answer is: a lot! Technical advisors and Development Board members from the First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII) can elaborate on that. “What we think about when we think shovel ready...

05.10.2023

NEWS

Progress at Paqtnkek – FNII’s East Coast Development Project

The leaders of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation (pronounced BUCK-in-keg MEEG-maw) in Nova Scotia are excited about being in on the ground floor working with the First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII). During the past two years, FNII technical director Jason Calla and colleagues have participated in a working group on a strategy for a robust water and...

05.10.2023

NEWS

Let’s Get Social! Check Out FNII on Social Media Channels

FNII’s on Facebook! Have a look and be sure to “like” us and share our posts so more people can learn about the First Nations Infrastructure Institute. FNII also has a YouTube channel where we have posted introductory videos about the institute as well as a series of webinar recordings that cover the steps to...

04.5.2023

NEWS

FNII’s Podcast Channel – New Technology Amplifies Indigenous Storytelling

Did you know that almost 40 per cent of Canadians have listened to a podcast in the last month? Podcasts are digital audio content distributed over the Internet using a podcast hosting service. They are a hugely popular method of sharing stories because listeners can tune in whenever it’s convenient to them. Podcasts are particularly...

04.5.2023

NEWS

Making Waves With Canada’s First Indigenous Water Utility

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority, Carl Yates is leading an organization that has made history as the first Indigenous water utility in Canada. In June 2020, Indigenous Services Canada and the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) signed a framework agreement to transfer responsibility for water and wastewater...

04.5.2023

NEWS

Federal Legislation Introduced to Establish First Nations Infrastructure Institute

The First Nations Infrastructure Institute marked an important milestone toward its official formation with the introduction March 23 of amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. Some amendments will formally establish the institute under the Act as a First Nations-led organization that will support interested First Nations and other Indigenous groups and organizations with...

03.20.2023

NEWS

Building Self-Determination With Better Infrastructure

When the topic of First Nations self-determination comes up – infrastructure isn’t usually what comes to mind. However, a number of Indigenous leaders are working to change that. They are the people guiding the development of a new organization: the First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII), and they say good infrastructure is central to enabling First...

03.20.2023

NEWS

Resources For Building Better FN Infrastructure

The First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII) may not be formally established through legislation yet – but that doesn’t mean it’s not offering services! FNII offers a suite of free tools and templates to help First Nations at any stage of their infrastructure projects. Resources include a business case template, a project charter drafting tool, a...

03.20.2023

NEWS

First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII) Development Board calls for individual and collective action

Tk’emlups te Secwepemc [Kamloops, BC] The First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII) Development Board adds our voice to the growing chorus of First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations calling for individual and collective action in the wake of the discovery of remains of 215 children on the former grounds of Kamloops Indian Residential School. As an...