First Nations Infrastructure Institute
This podcast is for First Nations leadership planning critical infrastructure projects for community and economic development. Recorded live at the First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022. Host: Richard Perry
First Nations Infrastructure Institute
Panel: Creative FMA Tools for Infrastructure Development
"You can stand in line at the Department of Indian Affairs to help finance your programs, or you can look to do it yourself."
That comment by Brian Jones, General Manager of Sumas First Nation, captures the essence of a very informative breakout session at the Leading the Way 8 Conference.
The discussion "Creative Optimization of FMA Tools to Support Infrastructure Development" offered several concrete examples of what can be accomplished locally with the support of the national organizations under the umbrella of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act.
The discussion was moderated by the First Nations Infrastructure Institute at LTW8, held on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat Peoples.
Panelists:
- Jason Reeves, moderator, Urban Systems Ltd.
- John Dumbrell, John Dumbrell Consulting.
- Brian Jones, GM, Sumas First Nation
- Greg Diemer, CFO, Tsawaut First Nation
- Dr. André Le Dressay, Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics
Recorded on October 7, 2025.
LINKS:
First Nations Infrastructure Institute
YouTube video: How FNII Supports First Nations
Agenda – First Nations Leading the Way 8 Conference
About the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMB website)
