“Whether we are a big community or small community we all have infrastructure needs. It has been slow for good infrastructure to come to our communities, it costs a lot of money and is not done very well.” Councillor Allan Claxton, Tsawout Nation and FNII Development Board Chair
The problems with First Nations infrastructure systems are well known
Infrastructure on reserve 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.
In response, First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA) agencies have proposed a First Nations-led initiative – the First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII) – that will support First Nations in the planning, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of their infrastructure projects. Check out our FAQ’s to learn more about what FNII is and what it isn’t.
FNII will be an optional fourth institution
FNII will be the fourth institution established by the FMA, and will work with the other three institutions to support interested First Nations implement their jurisdiction over their infrastructure assets. FNII will design and implement these required innovations to reduce the time and costs to plan, develop and maintain infrastructure that will ultimately foster healthier communities and economies. Once established with legislative approval, FNII will undertake a central role in supporting Indigenous economic development and will be in the vanguard of instruments that characterize the new fiscal relationship between First Nations and the Government of Canada. FNII, like the other FMA institutions, will be optional.
If adopted, FNII will be a national institution that works with First Nations, Tribal Councils, existing First Nation organizations and other groups in a coordinated manner to provide support for First Nations to efficiently plan, procure, construct, operate, maintain and own sustainable infrastructure.
FNII needs your support
To support the establishment of FNII as the fourth national institution we offer a support letter template which can be completed by your First Nation or Indigenous organization and returned to: info@FNII.ca