Explore every episode of the podcast First Nations Infrastructure Institute
Dive into the complete episode list for First Nations Infrastructure Institute. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Infrastructure at Tsawout First Nation
07 Jan 2025
00:13:29
Meet Dr. Christine Bird, CEO of Tsawout First Nation, along with COO Micah Claxton, as they share stories about infrastructure challenges and opportunities in their BC community.
Both were attending the Leading the Way 7 conference in Edmonton in November 2024.
With several projects on the go or under development, Tsawout is considered as a very progressive community as it seeks to expand without many of the limitations of current federal legislation, including the Indian Act.
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.
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
Building Capacity with Glenn Saganace, First Nations Financial Management Board
06 Dec 2023
00:09:50
Glenn Saganace has seen a lot when it comes to economic development and its connection to strong infrastructure.
Glenn is a Relationships Manager based in Saskatoon, SK with the First Nations Financial Management Board.
He says many First Nations aren't large enough to have the capacity to manage infrastructure projects on their own, or to hold contractors accountable. And that is the perfect role for FNII as an organization that can guide Nations through the process.
He told host Richard Perry that there are real opportunities for First Nations to use infrastructure to make great economic gains, for their benefit and the larger Canadian economy.
Recorded in Nov. 2023 at the Leading the Way 6 conference in the unceded Algonquin territory of Gatineau, QC.
Links: Glenn Saganace via toll-free: 1-877-925-6665 Glenn Saganace on LinkedIn First Nations Financial Management Board website FNII website
The Infrastructure Story with Tewanee Joseph, CEO, Tewanee Consulting Group
06 Dec 2023
00:13:25
Tewanee Joseph has a wealth of project management, branding and communications experience. His business started in 2001 in the Squamish Nation and he played a key CEO role in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Tewanee spent eight years on Squamish council so he understands the value of infrastructure and the value of storytelling to heighten interest and awareness. He also worked on the development of the Fiscal Management Act.
He spoke with host Richard Perry at the Leading the Way 6 conference in the unceded Algonquin territory of Gatineau, Quebec.
Housing Infrastructure with Darcy Gray, Mi'gma'gi Project Management and Consulting
05 Dec 2023
00:06:46
It started with helping a Mi'kmaq community deal with a housing backlog.
From there, Darcy Gray has joined a team including FNII to support Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation's goal of expanding its water and wastewater infrastructure.
The community is now developing reserve lands it was denied access to for decades. The south side of the TransCanada Highway #104 east of Antigonish, NS is now home to the award-winning Bayside Travel Centre, with future commercial and residential development in the works.
Darcy sat down with host Richard Perry to talk about his involvement at Paqtnkek and the value of collaboration with FNII.
Recorded in the unceded territory of the Algonquin at Gatineau, QC in November 2023.
Links: Darcy Gray email: darcy.gray@migmagi.ca Darcy Gray on LinkedIn Mi'gma'gi Project Management and Consulting website First Nations Infrastructure Institute website
Teamwork with John Dumbrell and Jason Reeves, FNII technical staff
04 Dec 2023
00:10:54
Host Richard Perry speaks with two of the 'behind-the-scenes' 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.
Recorded in the un-ceded Algonquin territory of Gatineau, QC. during the Leading the Way 6 conference, November 2023.
Links: John Dumbrell email: jdumbrell@urbansystems.ca Jason Reeves email: jason@fiscalrealities.com FNII website.
Collaboration on Infrastructure with Rose Paul, CEO, Bayside Development Corp.
She and her team at Bayside Development Corporation and Band staff at Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation, are working with FNII on future water and wastewater infrastructure to support residential and commercial growth.
It is one of two 'proof of concept' projects begun by FNII.
Rose knew several years ago that to fully take advantage of opportunities, her community would need to align with the Fiscal Management Act Institutions.
She spoke with host Richard Perry at the Leading the Way 6 conference in the unceded Algonquin territory in Gatineau, QC.
Links:
Rose Paul email: rose.paul@paqtnkek.ca or ceo@baysidecorporate.com Bayside Development Corporation website Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation website Bayside Travel Centre Facebook page Bayside LinkedIn page First Nations Infrastructure Institute website
Keith Matthew, Simpcw First Nation, Ep.9
24 Feb 2023
00:23:52
Keith Matthew loves sharing stories about creating wealth and opportunity in First Nation communities.
Keith, who sits on the FNII development board, is a member of the Simpcw First Nation where he served five years as Chief and five years as councillor. During his time serving his community, he was responsible for economic development activities and sees the value of infrastructure in creating more prosperous communities – where Indigenous groups are less reliant on transfers and are able to develop projects that are more aligned to community priorities.
Recorded live at the 'First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022.
Reach Keith by telephone at (250) 318-3787 or by email at reception@simpcw.com.
Carl Yates, CEO, Atlantic First Nations Water Authority, Ep.8
16 Nov 2022
00:28:31
Carl Yates is leading an organization that has made history as the first Indigenous water utility in Canada.
Once complete, the AFNWA will assume responsibility for water and wastewater services for as many as 4,500 households and businesses located in up to 17 participating First Nations. This represents approximately 60% of the on-reserve population of First Nation communities in Atlantic Canada.
In recent months, AFNWA has been collaborating with FNII and Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation in Nova Scotia on water and wastewater infrastructure needs for new residential and commercial development.
With a service approach based on social, economic, and environmental outcomes, AFNWA will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and capital upgrades of all water and wastewater assets in participating First Nations. AFNWA’s Board currently consists of nine (9) First Nations Chiefs and is chaired by Chief Wilbert Marshall of Potlotek.
AFNWA will apply First Nations traditional knowledge and culture emphasizing environmental stewardship, the spiritual aspects of water, and Two–Eyed Seeing. “Two–Eyed Seeing”, as defined by Albert Marshall Sr., “is an approach to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and to see from the other eye with the strengths of Western ways of knowing, and to use both of these eyes together.”
Elders play crucial roles in Indigenous communities, as First Nations have both formal and informal leadership. To ensure AFNWA always aligns with First Nations values, culture and knowledge, Elders will guide the Board through an advisory committee. The Elders Advisory Lodge (EAL) consists of five (5) Elders approved by the Board, with regional representation
AFNWA’s participating communities currently include:
Jason Calla, First Nations Infrastructure Institute, Ep.6
24 Oct 2022
00:22:26
Jason Calla is on a mission to help First Nations create successful, long-lasting infrastructure projects.
Jason has been guiding the developmental First Nations Infrastructure Institute, which is seeking inclusion in federal legislation called the First Nations Fiscal Management Act.
In this conversation, recorded after the First Nations Leading the Way 5 conference in Treaty 1 territory, he lays out the argument for new funding models and new approaches.
Céline Auclair, First People's Innovation Centre, Gatineau, PQ – Ep.5
24 Oct 2022
00:08:32
Céline Auclair is the founder of the First Peoples Innovation Center, a non-profit organization that assists the development of social innovation for the First People communities in Quebec.
As a development board member with FNII, she brings her international experience to discussions about infrastructure development among First Nations.
Céline serves as a commissioner with the First Nations Tax Commission and brings extensive background both domestically and abroad, in international development, micro-finance development, First Nation taxation, property rights, human rights issues and good governance practices.
She sat down for a conversation with host Richard Perry at the Leading the Way 5 conference in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg) Oct. 4-6, 2022.
Kathleen Stone, First Nations Financial Management Board
17 Dec 2024
00:06:36
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).
David Kobliski, Nelson House Development Corporation – Ep.4
24 Oct 2022
00:10:55
"We are very aggressive in economic development."
David Kobliski is executive director of the Nelson House Development Corporation in northern Manitoba. He is also a firm believer in the long-term value of effectively-managed infrastructure project.
Band-owned business ventures employ more than 680 people and generate millions of dollars in annual revenue.
The work has not gone unnoticed. The Corporation was recognized nationally with an economic development award from Cando.
David shares success stories with host Richard Perry, recorded at the Leading the Way 5 conference in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg) Oct. 4-6, 2022.
Davis can be reached at (204) 679-5061 or by email at davidkob@mymts.net.
Chief David Crate, Fisher River Cree Nation – Ep. 3
24 Oct 2022
00:13:43
Chief Crate is currently serving as the Chief for his community Fisher River Cree Nation (Treaty 5) which is located about 200 km north of Winnipeg. Chief Crate has focused on long-term planning, strategic partnerships, environmental stewardship and economic development.
His experience has shown that Indigenous groups that choose to assert their jurisdiction and move ahead with infrastructure projects are having success in closing the infrastructure gap.
Fisher River Cree has been using tools established by the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to help them do so including strengthening their financial management system with the First Nations Financial Management Board and getting access to capital through the First Nations Finance Authority.
Recorded live at the First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022.
Dana Francis has applied his contracting expertise in projects across Turtle Island. As co-founder of Red Island Contractors, Inc., and a FNII board member, he has a valuable perspective on the value of infrastructure development, and shares his ideas in this podcast conversation with host Richard Perry.
Red Island Contractors, Inc. builds on the knowledge and capacities of Mr. Dana Francis and Mr. Beaver Paul, who are both strong advocates for capacity development within First Nation communities. Together they have a combined 50 years of experience in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, and have all worked closely with First Nations in the completion of these types of projects. Learn more at https://redislandcontractors.com/
Recorded live at the First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022.
Allan Claxton, Tsawout First Nation and Board Chair – Ep. 1
24 Oct 2022
00:10:42
Allan Claxton has seen first-hand what infrastructure can do to improve communities.
Allan served his community of Tsawout as Chief for twenty years and as councillor for ten years and is currently serving on Council. He has worked to develop infrastructure projects such as a multipurpose health and recreation facility and dealt with many challenges for roads and access to lands.
In order to overcome challenges associated with developing infrastructure, Tsawout used tools from the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. With this experience in mind, Allan believes that more can be done to support Indigenous groups in closing the infrastructure gap which is why he has stepped forward to serve as FNII Development Board Chair.
Recorded live at the First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022.
In this episode, he shares personal stories with host Richard Perry.
Visit https://fnii.ca for free resources from the First Nations Infrastructure Institute.
Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation: Leveraging FMA Tools
17 Dec 2024
00:39:32
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Centre of Indigenous Economics 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.
This episode produced by Perry Podcast Productions.
Community Conversations: Kettle and Stony Point and Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation
07 Dec 2023
00:44:31
FNII Technical Lead Jason Calla leads a panel discussion at the recent Leading the Way 6 conference held in November 2023 in unceded Algonquin territory in Gatineau, QC.
Jason speaks with Chief Kimberley Bressette (Kettle and Stony Point, ON), Paula Pictou, Lands Manager at Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation, NS, as well as Darcy Gray of Mi'gma'gi Management and Consulting and James MacKinnon of the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority.
They discuss practical aspects of infrastructure planning in communities, the need for open communication, collaboration and meeting the tests for a business case for projects to go forward.
Please contact FNII to arrange for a community visit. And be sure to check out the website at https://fnii.ca for many free resources.
LINKS: Kettle and Stony Point website Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation website Atlantic First Nations Water Authority website Mi'gma'gi Management and Consulting website First Nations Infrastructure Institute website
Forward Progress with Jason Calla, Technical Lead, FNII
06 Dec 2023
00:09:09
Jason Calla and his technical team at FNII are expecting to be very busy in the days and months ahead.
Beginning with two 'proof of concept' projects, FNII has recently become a newly-legislation addition to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which will open opportunities to support new projects. On top of that, the process is underway to appoint a new Advisory Board and engage potential consulting partners.
Host Richard Perry caught up with Jason between sessions at the Leading the Way 6 conference in the unceded Algonquin territory of Gatineau, QC.
FNII is an optional service, "an extra tool in the toolbox" Jason likes to say. He also has an important message for Indigenous youth who are considering exploring trades and professions within the infrastructure space.