Ernie Daniels
Salt River First Nation, NWT
CPA, CGA, CAFM
As First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) reflects on a historic year, we must acknowledge the visionary leadership of our member communities who are working to improve the quality of life in their Nations.
We are proud to be the only organization in the world leveraging private capital to finance First Nations projects through a pooled-borrowing model – this is true economic reconciliation in action.
During a time of economic uncertainty and significant political change, the need for innovative solutions and collaborative action has never been more urgent. One critical priority must be a renewed focus on Indigenous economic development. Empowering First Nations to build strong, selfsustaining
communities not only strengthens Indigenous economies but also contributes to the prosperity of the Canadian economy as a whole. The opportunity—and responsibility—to invest in Indigenous-led growth is clear. It’s a path toward a more equitable and resilient future for generations to come.
FNFA remains steadfast in our mission to support First Nations across Canada to build strong and prosperous Nations by providing access to affordable capital. On March 31, 2025, FNFA’s loan portfolio exceeded $3.3 billion in financing for its members resulting in an estimated 33,000 job opportunities.
This isn’t just prosperity for First Nations—with a national economic output of approximately $7.1 billion to date, the success of FNFA member communities means prosperity for all Canadians.
Fiscal year 2024-25 was another year of celebration for FNFA members, its Board of Directors and staff: S&P Global Ratings upgraded FNFA’s longterm issuer credit and issue-level ratings to ‘AA-’ from ‘A+’. This significant achievement underscores FNFA’s growing strength and importance as a leading public sector lender to First Nation communities across Canada.
From clean energy projects to schools for our children and housing for our Elders, projects being undertaken are creating jobs and prosperity for our communities while also contributing to the economy of Canada. The vision and mission of FNFA remains – to help First Nations build their own futures on their own terms.
Mahsi cho.