First Nations Infrastructure Institute

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 J

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 Boar

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

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 d

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 Antigoni

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

Rose Paul, CEO of Bayside Development Corporation, received the 2023 Indigenous Women in Leadership Award from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.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 tw

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

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

LINKS:Contact Rose by email at [email protected] or [email protected] Development Corp. websitePaqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation websiteFirst Nations Infrastructure website