For Immediate Release<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$350 million-dollar FNFA debenture covers 22 First Nations <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11364,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","filesize_raw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[44],"class_list":["post-11324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archives","tag-press-release"],"acf":{"title_replace":null,"banner_image":null},"yoast_head":"\n
LARGEST DEBENTURE EVER BY FIRST NATIONS FINANCE AUTHORITY WILL HELP
FINANCE LANDMARK CLEARWATER DEAL AND OTHER CRITICAL PROJECTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$350 million-dollar FNFA debenture covers 22 First Nations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Westbank, British Columbia (January 14, 2021) <\/em><\/strong>The largest debenture ever issued by the
First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) will help seal the landmark Clearwater Seafoods deal
and finance a host of other projects that will change lives in Indigenous communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The $350 million debenture is the eighth by the FNFA issued on international financial markets.
Since its inception, the debentures have allowed the FNFA to provide over one billion dollars
in loans to finance initiatives that build the Indigenous economy even amid a crippling
pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMore and more First Nations throughout Canada are turning to the FNFA to finance loans that
will help improve the quality of life in their communities,\u201d said Ernie Daniels, President and
CEO of the FNFA. \u201cThere is a huge infrastructure gap between First Nations and the rest of
Canada. We have an opportunity to work with the financial markets and Governments to close
that gap now.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among other initiatives, a portion of this debenture will fund a $250 million loan to the Mi\u2019kmaq
First Nations for the purchase of the offshore fishing licenses as part of the $1 billion purchase
of Clearwater Seafoods. These licenses are leased to Clearwater under contract. The Mi\u2019kmaq
community\u2019s equity share was financed by Premium Brands (the other equity owner).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAcquiring the largest seafood company in North America with support from the FNFA
represents the dawn of a new day for the seven communities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland
who are part of this agreement,\u201d said Chief Terry Paul of Membertou First Nation. \u201cThis
investment builds on our Mi\u2019kmaq traditions and is truly a transformational moment for our
people.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The debenture is backed by own-source revenues from the 22 borrowing First Nations and will
assist to finance a community wellness centre, housing, and other economic and social
development projects. The loan through FNFA has also helped the Sheshegwaning First
Nation in Northern Ontario acquire a Growcer Hydroponic Garden System.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFood security has been a real challenge for our people especially during the COVID-19 crisis,\u201d
said Sheshegwaning Chief Dean Roy. \u201cWith this project supported by a loan from FNFA we can
have access to fresh and nourishing produce all year around, which will improve overall health
in our community, while helping to control food costs locally.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are seeing real progress working with our First Nations\u2019 partners to create jobs and build
the Indigenous economy, \u201csaid FNFA Chair Chief Warren Tabobondung of Wasauksing First
Nation. \u201cWe are calling upon the Canadian government to work with us to explore new ways
to close the infrastructure gap and ensure that First Nations people have the same quality of
life that the rest of Canada enjoys.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA)<\/em><\/strong>
The FNFA is a not-for-profit First Nation institution that plays a crucial role in the social and
economic development of First Nations across Canada by providing qualifying First Nations
with access to the capital markets at competitive rates. All First Nations are eligible to become
FNFA members. Established by the federal First Nations Fiscal Management Act in 2005, FNFA
is by First Nations, for First Nations. The FNFA will continue to expand and diversify, looking to
strengthen its credit rating and increase the financial benefits to its growing membership.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information Contact:<\/strong>
Leanne Hunter, FNFA Senior Advisor
Telephone: 613.853.2612
Email: lhunter@fnfa.ca<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"