Powering Yukon s Mining & Resource Sectors

Transcription

1 th Powering Yukon s Mining & Resource Sectors A Model for Engagement with FN s Presentation to Cando 23 rd Annual National Conference Partnerships for Prosperity: Change, Collaberation & Opportuinity

2 Established by the First Nations Fiscal Management Act 49. The purposes of the (Financial Management) Board are to: (c) assist first nations in the development, implementation and improvement of financial relationships with financial institutions, business partners and other organizations, to enable the economic and social development of first nations.

3 The First Nations Financial Management Board A First Nation institution Objective to support broader goals of the Fiscal Management Act- access to capital First Nations who achieve Financial Performance Certification may choose to enter a borrowing pool to access capital through the First Nations Finance Authority Core activities of the FMB: Capacity development - respond to First Nations Set standards: Financial administration law, financial performance, and financial management systems Upon request, certify that these standards have been met

4 First Nations Scheduled to the Fiscal Management Act

5 First Nations Major Project Coalition (Northern BC FN s) In 2014, the FMB responded to requests from First Nations in northern BC who asked for assistance to explore modeled options for equity participation in major projects Today, 23 participating First Nations have come together to form the Coalition to explore all options relating to ownership participation in major projects. First Nations have said they want to play a greater role in the business taking place on their traditional territories, with a strong focus on ownership. The Coalition was formed partly in response to the need for greater capacity for engagement with major projects impacting their territories. To inform business and environmental decisions First Nations make concerning major projects impacting their territories.

6 The Business of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition A first-of-its-kind non-political First Nation led initiative focusing on the sharing of technical information to inform business decisions at the community level. Economic technical work focus areas: Models to facilitate ownership through equity Models proposing corporate structures and benefit sharing Government Loan Guarantees to allow First Nations access to capital for equity in major projects Leveraging existing legislative tools such as the First Nations Fiscal Management Act Environmental stewardship technical work focus areas: Identifying a common region-wide approach to addressing cumulative environmental impacts Developing a framework to advance a First Nation led approach to environmental assessment Linking environmental interests as the gateway to economic participation

7 First Nation Communities Working Together The process has been inclusive - hereditary Chiefs, elected Chiefs, Elders and Youth have participated 23 First Nations have passed either a letter of support or a BCR in support of the process The Coalition recognizes the independence of First Nations to make their own decisions with their own governance structure; but where there are strategic common issues, the Coalition provides an opportunity to stand together The Coalition steering committee provides an opportunity to engage government with a stronger voice on these strategic common issues

8 As of June 30, First Nations communities in northern BC have participated in one or more meetings of the Major Projects Coalition 23 First Nations have formalized their support and are participating in the Coalition The Coalition s technical teams include First Nation members from participating communities who have education and experience in business, finance, land use planning, and environmental stewardship

9 Contact information For more information about the First Nations Financial Management Board, or the First Major Projects Coalition, please contact: Harold Calla, Executive Chair Tel: (604) Laurie Bonacci, Executive Assistant Tel: (604)