Fisher River showed the business world Thursday it has the financial chops to make investors feel secure about investing in developments on its reserve: the Cree community has landed a national certification in financial management.
The financial management system certification indicates the community’s financial and administrative practices are in line with provincial and federal business practices, along with policies that meet best-practice standards for leadership, financial management and transparency.
The designation is separate from obligations First Nations must meet regarding accountability to the federal government under the Indian Act for government-funded services, which range from school boards to housing.
The First Nations Financial Management Board, a not-for-profit financial agency based in British Columbia, works with hundreds of Canada’s First Nations to meet business standards through a multi-tier system of accountability.
Fisher River is reported to be the first in Manitoba and only the sixth First Nation in Canada to achieve the certification, which is the top designation the board awards.
Fisher River announced the achievement Thursday in the community located 170 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Fisher River Chief David Crate hosted a celebratory event with Harold Calla, the executive chairman of the B.C.-based board.
