The FNTC, along with the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB) and the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) hosted a side event presentation on May 12, 2016, as part of the 15th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, held in New York during May 9 to 20, 2016. The side event, “A Successful Model of Indigenous Governance Through an Indigenous-led Institutional Framework,” was an opportunity to share the success of First Nations who supported the development of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act with the international community and to enhance the profile of the regime.
The 90-minute panel discussion focused on three themes:
• The First Nations Fiscal Management Act as a successful model of Indigenous governance.
• Asserting jurisdiction leads to better economic development outcomes and improved social well-being.
• This successful model can be replicated to support Indigenous self-sufficiency and greater self-reliance.
Chief Commissioner Jules, Mr. Harold Calla (Executive Chair, FMB) and Mr. Ernie Daniels (President and CEO, FNFA) each made brief presentations followed by a question and answer session. The event served to position the work of the institutions within the global discourse on Indigenous economic development.
In attendance were a number of Indigenous representatives, as well as the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Ms. Carolyn Bennett, and her officials.