How can I explore working with the First Nations Infrastructure Institute? Do we need a Band Council Resolution? Are there size or financial limits to projects? Where can I find more information on new Board openings at FNII?
Those and other topics were covered in this conversation between Jason Calla, FNII Technical Lead and podcast host Richard Perry.
It was recorded shortly after the very successful Leading the Way 7 conference in Edmonton in late November 2024.
LINKS:
Jason Calla e-mail: jcalla@fnii.ca
Website e-mail: info@fnii.ca
Phone: Toll-free: +1 855-682-3682
First Nations Infrastructure Institute
Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation
Leadership openings:
FNII – Chairperson: https://lnkd.in/g4ZiuSZJ
FNII – Directors: https://lnkd.in/gEc_fHzU

Additional information on the opportunities and how to apply can be accessed on the Government of Canada Governor in Council Appointments website: https://lnkd.in/g54EKsV

Kathleen Stone and her colleagues at FNFMB work hard to make sure communities have their finances in order before they tackle major projects, including new infrastructure.
As a CPA, she manages capacity development at FNFMB. And regardless of the project scope, she says mapping of existing community assets is critical to laying a proper foundation.
Host Richard Perry caught up with her at the Leading the Way 7 conference held in Nov. 2024 in Treaty Six territory (Edmonton).
LINKS:
First Nations Financial Management Board
First Nations Infrastructure Institute

This is an informative panel discussion recorded at the Leading the Way 7 conference in November 2024.
Moderator Jason Calla was joined by Evan Roberts, Councillor, Roseau River First Nation; Kathleen Stone, Manager, Capacity Development FNFMB; Jesse James, Regional Outreach Manager, FNFA; and Ian Bear, Member Services Manager, FNFA.
LINKS:
Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation
First Nations Infrastructure Institute
First Nations Financial Management Board
First Nations Finance Authority

Chief Derek Epp speaks passionately about what new infrastructure has done for his community of Tzeachten First Nation in British Columbia. He was a featured speaker at the Leading the Way 7 conference in Treaty Six Territory (Edmonton) in November 2024.
Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten) has established strategic economic development goals to expand its sources of revenues and reduce financial dependence on government funding for its members’ social, cultural, and economic well-being.
In this podcast conversation with host Richard Perry, he shares examples of what has been accomplished and what might be on the horizon.
LINKS:
Tzeachten First Nation
First Nations Infrastructure Institute

Listen to an insightful panel discussion recorded on day one of the Leading the Way 7 conference in Treaty Six territory (Edmonton), Alberta.
Host Jason Calla, FNII Technical Advisory, moderates a panel with Alanea Holmstrom, Tax Administrator at Osoyoos Indian Band in BC, and Evan Roberts, Councillor at Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation in Saskatchewan. (Brian Jones, GM at Sumas First Nation was unable to attend.)
Jason, Alanea and Evan share powerful stories of planning and building critical infrastructure such as roads, storm water management and utilities…projects that support community and economic development.
The session, called “Building Futures: Infrastructure Strategies and Support for Community Development” highlighted FNII’s collaborative efforts with First Nations through strategic planning, innovative tools, and best practices.
LINKS:
First Nations Infrastructure Institute
Osoyoos Indian Band
Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation

Membertou First Nation in Una’ma’ki (Cape Breton, NS) is a rapidly growing, progressive urban reserve. Its infrasture growth has been phenomenal during the past two decades. Once deep in poverty and bankrupt, the transformation of Membertou has led to huge corporate successes, including the massive billion dollar buyout of half of Clearwater Seafoods.
In this episode, host Richard Perry speaks with Melissa MacDonald, Manager of Taxation and Lands, to learn more about the community’s success. Recorded at the Leading the Way 7 conference in Treaty Six territory, Edmonton, Alberta.
Links:
First Nations Infrastructure Institute
Membertou First Nation
Melissa MacDonald Linkedin profile

Melissa MacDonald and Alanea Holmstrom are two dynamic young women who are quickly becoming catalysts for change in their communities.

MacDonald, of Membertou First Nation in Nova Scotia, is currently Lands Director and Tax Administrator for the Band. She began her Tulo education in 2022 and completed her certificate this year.

Holmstrom is currently Tax Administrator at Osoyoos Indian Band in southern B.C. She started with Tulo in 2018 in the Tax Certificate program, took Applied Land Management in 2019 and the First Nations Applied Economics program in 2024.

Both women took part in a once-in-a-lifetime exchange program with fellow Tulo Centre students and Maori communities in New Zealand. (Read news release.)

They both credit the trip and other program elements as a launching pad for their own career growth, and for supporting economic development and infrastructure growth in their home communities.

FNII podcast host Richard Perry caught up with them earlier this summer.

Last summer FNII became a newly-legislated addition to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which will open opportunities to support new projects in addition to the institute’s two ‘proof of concept’ projects. On top of that, the process is underway to appoint a new Advisory Board and engage potential consulting partners. FNII is an optional service, “an extra tool in the toolbox” as Jason likes to say. He also has an important message for Indigenous youth who are considering exploring trades and professions within the infrastructure space. Here’s his interview with podcast host Richard Perry.

Host Richard Perry speaks with two of the technical staff that play a hugely vital role in supporting FNII partnerships. John Dumbrell of Urban Systems Ltd. and Jason Reeves of Fiscal Realities talk about relationship building and the value of listening carefully to community members as they discuss their current or future infrastructure needs.

What are the practical aspects of planning for infrastructure growth in communities? This episode looks at the experience in two communities working with FNII – Kettle and Stony Point in Ontario and Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation in Nova Scotia. This is an on-stage panel discussion moderated by Jason Calla.