In this episode of Let's Bond, we explore a groundbreaking international collaboration aimed at fostering Indigenous economic empowerment. 

Host Jody Anderson sits down with Ernie Daniels, President and CEO, FNFA and Professor Peter Yu, inaugural Vice-President (First Nations) at The Australian National University to discuss how Canada and Australia are working together to share knowledge and best practices. 

We delve into the recent landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the creation of a new Australian Centre for Indigenous Economic Transformation, and the shared vision for building a future of self-determination and intergenerational prosperity.

Links and Resources

Jody Anderson on LinkedIn

Professor Peter Yu on LinkedIn

FNFA Website

Australian National University Website

Indigenous-led organizations in Canada, Australia sign MOU Press Release

Follow FNFA on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter

Music/Production Credits:
Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

In this powerful episode of Let's Bond, host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA has a conversation with Chief Jenny Brake, the first woman and third elected Chief of Qalipu First Nation. 

Chief Brake shares her remarkable personal journey, which comes full circle with the historic Indigenous-led acquisition of Newdock (St. John's Dockyard Ltd.). We explore the strategic partnership between Qalipu and Membertou First Nations, the pivotal role of FNFA financing, and the profound economic, social, and cultural impacts this landmark investment is already having and will continue to have for generations.

Links and Resources

Jody Anderson on LinkedIn

Chief Jenny Brake on LinkedIn

FNFA Website

Qalipu First Nation Website

Membertou First Nation Website

Newdock (St. John's Dockyard Ltd.) Website

Follow FNFA on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter

Music/Production Credits:
Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

In this episode, we pivot our focus to one of the most pressing issues facing First Nations today: the housing crisis. On today’s episode we are talking to Travis Seymour, CEO of the First Nations Market Housing Fund (FNMHF), a national organization based in Ottawa, Ontario, on how we can address the challenges and find solutions and access to safe and affordable housing for First Nations in Canada. 

Host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA explores the vital roles of FNFA and FNMHMF in empowering communities to build safe and affordable housing. Join us as we examine how these institutions are working to create lasting impact and move beyond the crisis.

Links and Resources

Jody Anderson on LinkedIn

Travis Seymore on LinkedIn

FNFA Website

First Nations Market Housing Fund Website

Follow FNFA on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter

Music/Production Credits:
Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

Rejoignez Nadia Robertson, responsable des services aux membres de l’AFPN, et son invité, le conseiller Patrick Courtois de la Première Nation des Pekuakamiulnuatsh, pour découvrir comment l’AFPN aide les communautés des Premières Nations à travers le Canada. 

Cet épisode met en lumière la structure de gouvernance unique de l’AFPN, son rôle dans la promotion de l'autodétermination et son offre de capitaux abordables et flexibles grâce à des prêts à des conditions avantageuses. Découvrez comment l’AFPN favorise l’édification des nations en soutenant les infrastructures, la création d'emplois et l'indépendance économique, reflétant ainsi sa vision durable pour l'avenir des Premières Nations.

Liens et ressources

Nadia Robertson sur LinkedIn

Site Web de l’AFPN

Site Web de la Première Nation des Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Mashteuiatsh)

Suivez l’AFPN sur LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook et Instagram

Restez connecté, abonnez-vous à l’infolettre de l’AFPN.

Crédits musique/production : 

Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions sur LinkedIn

Join us for a conversation with Host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA and Dr. Tim Raybould, a key figure in FNFA's journey, to explore its origins, the pivotal role of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, and the broader context of economic reconciliation. 

We delve into the significance of governance agreements and their evolving impact on Indigenous peoples across Canada

Links and Resources

Jody Anderson on LinkedIn

Dr. Tim Raybould on LinkedIn

FNFA Website

First Nations Fiscal Management Act

Follow FNFA on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter

Explore the First Nations Gazette

Music/Production Credits:
Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

This episode takes a global perspective as we explore the developing movement of international Indigenous economic development. We speak with Dennis Meeches, President of Tribal Council Investments Group & Vice President of Business Relations, a key figure in this arena, about his experiences at the World Indigenous Business Forum and the emerging patterns of collaboration and opportunity. We delve into how current global economic shifts, including tariffs, are influencing this movement and explore the significance of new international investors. 

Host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA also shares insights from a recent trip to England, highlighting the potential for uniting the Commonwealth in response to these changes. We connect these international trends back to work FNFA and address why this global engagement is essential for Indigenous economic sovereignty.

Links and Resources

Jody Anderson on LinkedIn

Dennis Meeches on LinkedIn

FNFA Website

Tribal Council Investments Group Website

Worlds Indigenous Business Forum Website

Follow FNFA on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter

Music/Production Credits:
Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

In this episode of Let's Bond, we explore the groundbreaking potential of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in driving Indigenous-led economic development. 

Host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA sits down with Chief Derek Epp of the Ch’íyáqtel First Nation to discuss how First Nations can use SPVs to accelerate major infrastructure projects, create jobs, and build intergenerational prosperity. 

We talk about what an SPV is, why they are an important tool for financial sovereignty, and how the FNFA is working to expand its role to directly support these powerful new ventures.

Links and Resources

Jody Anderson on LinkedIn

Chief Derek Epp on LinkedIn

FNFA Website

Ch’íyáqtel First Nation’s Website

Follow FNFA on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter

Music/Production Credits:
Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn 

Canada has a promise to close the infrastructure gap in First Nations communities, but progress is falling drastically short. This episode delves into the staggering $349.2 billion gap and explores a powerful, Indigenous-led solution. 

Join host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA and guest Ernie Daniels, President and CEO, FNFA as they unpack the FNFA Blueprint and a game-changing strategy called monetization. 

We discuss how First Nations can leverage their assets and partnerships to unlock capital, accelerate infrastructure projects, and drive genuine economic reconciliation for the benefit of all Canadians.

Links and Resources

Jody Anderson on LinkedIn

FNFA Website

Follow FNFA on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter

Visit Assembly of First Nations’ Closing the Gap Website to learn more

Production Credits:
Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

Patrick Courtois, conseiller de la Première Nation des Pekuakamiulnuatsh, Québec et membre du conseil d’administration de l’AFPN.

Animée par Nadia Robertson et Patricia Debassige de l’AFPN, cette septième et du balado « Créons des liens » est présentée en français et met en vedette le membre du conseil d’administration de l’AFPN, Patrick Courtois. Il explique comment sa communauté de la Première Nation des Pekuakamiulnuatsh a noué une relation de collaboration pour réaliser un projet énergétique. La Première Nation des Pekuakamiulnuatsh est une réserve des Premières Nations située dans la région du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean au Québec, au Canada, à environ six kilomètres au nord du centre de Roberval.

Durée de l'épisode: 31.59

CONTACT INFORMANTION
Patrick Courtois, FNFA Board of Directors
Website: Mashteuiatsh First Nation
Email: info@mashteuiatsh.ca 

On the fourth episode of Season Two of the Let’s Bond podcast, host Jody Anderson is joined by Suzanne Trottier, recently appointed President of First Nations Bank of Canada Trust, a Canadian chartered bank that is more than 80 per cent Indigenous owned and controlled, and is primarily focused on providing financial services to the Indigenous marketplace in Canada.

Episode run time: 23:31

CONTACT INFORMATION
Suzanne Trottier, President, First Nations Bank of Canada
Website: First Nations Trust
Email: FNBC.service@fnbc.ca 

The lack of access to sureties and bonding is a huge impediment to Indigenous construction companies.

 On the sixth episode of Season Two of the Let’s Bond podcast, host Jody Anderson explores possible solutions to these challenges with Tim Laronde, National Director of Indigenous Strategies at Chandos Construction, and Steve Berna, (former) Chief Operating Officer of FNFA.

Episode run time: 21:13
 
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tim Laronde, National Director of Indigenous Strategies, Chandos Construction
Website: Chandros Construction
Email: hello@chandros.com 

Steve Berna, (former) Chief Operating Officer, FNFA
Website: First Nations Finance Authority
Email: info@fnfa.ca 

Chief Terry Paul joins host Jody Anderson on the third episode in Season Two of the Let’s Bond podcast to discuss the massive purchase of 50 per cent of Clearwater Seafoods, the largest seafood company in the world. He was head of the coalition of seven communities that became equity owners of Clearwater. The deal was made possible with support from FNFA.

Chief Terry Paul has been leading Membertou First Nation in Una'ma'ki (Cape Breton, NS) for more than 37 consecutive years. During this time, he has guided his Mi'kmaq community and administration into one of the most efficient and economically flourishing Indigenous communities in the country. Employment, once stagnant, now tops 80 per cent.

Episode run time: 16:46

CONTACT INFORMATION
Terry Paul, Chief, Membertou First Nation
Website: Membertou First Nation
Email: communications@membertou.ca 

Additional information:
Membertou Development Corporation
Every Loan Tells a Story (FNFA video)
Landmark Clearwater Seafood purchase (FNFA news release) 

A powerful second episode of Season Two of the Let’s Bond podcast, as Dawn Madahbee-Leach joins host Jody Anderson to talk about the shifting and growing influence of women in finance leadership positions.

 Dawn joined Waubetech Business Development Corporation in 1988 and has gone to play a huge role as a national influencer. In 2018 she was chosen as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women. She also chairs the National Indigenous Economic Board while sitting on numerous corporate boards and government advisory panels.

Episode run time: 25:46

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Dawn Madahbee-Leach, General Manager, Waubetech Business Development Corporation
Website: Waubetech Business Development Corporation
Email: waubetek@waubetek.com

Additional Information:
National Indigenous Economic Development Board
NACCA Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program 

On this first episode of Season Two of the Let’s Bond podcast, Jason Calla talks with host Jody Anderson about a new  report released by the Assembly of First Nations, which estimates there is a shortfall of $349.2 billion dollars in First Nations infrastructure - the necessary buildings to support the health and prosperity of our communities.

 Jason has been leading the First Nations Infrastructure Institute, a small but remarkable team of project managers and engineers, who have been in 'development' mode while lobbying the government to be included in the First Nations Fiscal Management Act with its sister national organizations.

Episode run time: 29:11

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jason Calla, Technical Director, First Nations Infrastructure Institute
Website: First Nations Infrastructure Institute
Email: info@fnii.ca 

Host Jody Anderson, Director of Business Development for FNFA, speaks with Don Morin, Senior Business Analyst (FNFA) and Deputy Chief Derek Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou First Nation in Ontario on the sixth and final episode of season one of the Let’s Bond podcast.

 In the finance world, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) is the umbrella
 that many investments fit under. FNFA’s bonds fit entirely into these SDG and ESG categories as members’ projects focus on green energy projects financing (environmental), communities (social), and administrative (governance).
 
Episode run time: 20:16

CONTACT INFORMATION:
 Derek Archibald, Deputy Chief, Taykwa Tagamou First Nation
Website: Taykwa Tagamou First Nation
Email: derek@taykwatagamou.com

Don Morin, Senior Business Analyst , FNFA
Website: First Nations Finance Authority
Email: dmorin@fnfa.ca 

Chief Derek Epp of Tzeachten First Nation in B.C. joins host Jody Anderson on the fifth episode of the Let’s Bond podcast to share his community's housing upgrades and what they mean to members. He says it's not the size of the loan that matters, but what counts is the value it brings to the community.

 First Nations communities don’t have to start big. Many, such as Tzeachten, started small with sustainable housing developments. Over time, your community will grow and thrive. With FNFA borrowing capacity, communities can expand their housing developments in ways that truly meet their requirements.

Episode run time: 21:54
 
CONTACT INFORMATION
Derek Epp, Chief, Tzeachten First Nation
Website: Tzeachten First Nation 
Email: derek@tzeachten.ca

Additional information:
Every Loan Tells a Story: Tzeachten First Nation Housing Project(FNFA video) 

Host Richard Perry is joined by Jody Anderson, Director of Business Development for FNFA and Annmarie Garby, National Practice Leader, Indigenous Services with BFL Canada in the fourth episode of the Let’s Bond podcast.

Together with BFL Insurance, FNFA is exploring the concept of a pooled insurance model, hoping that such an approach will be beneficial both in costs and in coverage to participating First Nations.

The severe challenges within the global insurance market over the past few years have highlighted how underserved, siloed, and excluded the Indigenous community is by the insurance industry, resulting in tremendous uncertainty and inequity. 

Episode run time: 22:46

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jody Anderson, Director of Business Development, FNFA
Website: First Nations Finance Authority
Email: janderson@fnfa.ca

Annmarie Garby, National Practice Leader, Indigenous Services with BFL Canada.
Website: BFL Canada
Email: agarby@bflcanada.ca 

This third episode of the Let’s Bond podcast discusses the people and significant events that led to the creation of First Nations Finance Authority, and the overarching First Nations Fiscal Management Act.

 Policy consultant Tim Raybould joins host Richard Perry for a look back at FNFA’s origin story and the legislation that made its existence possible. Raybould acted as a policy consultant, contractor and served as chief negotiator for Westbank First Nation in British Columbia from 1990–2002.

Episode run time: 28:37
 
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Tim Raybould, policy consultant, contractor and served as chief negotiator for Westbank First Nation from 1990–2002.
Email:  timraybould@jwrgroup.ca

Additional information:
First Nations Fiscal Management Act 

This episode of the Let’s Bond podcast discusses monetization as a solution to closing the $60 billion infrastructure gap that exists between First Nation communities and the rest of Canada. 

Host Jody Anderson is joined by Steve Berna, Chief Operating Officer of FNFA, and Steven Johnston, Councillor for Mistawasis Nehiyawak and Board Director for FNFA, for a discussion on the need for transformational change to close the infrastructure gap in First Nation communities.

Learn how leveraging annual cashflows (monetization) into long-term debt can unlock federal funds to build critical infrastructure in First Nation communities now. 

 
Episode Runs 25:15

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Councillor Steven Johnston (Mistawasis Nehiyawak)
Website: https://mistawasis.ca/

Steve Berna, Chief Operating Officer, FNFA
Website: First Nations Finance Authority
Email: info@fnfa.ca

Additional information:
Monetization: A solution to Close the Infrastructure Gap (FNFA video)
First Nations Fiscal Management Act 

This inaugural episode of the Let’s Bond podcast explores the role and vision of the member-owned First Nations Finance Authority. 

FNFA provides financing, investment, and advisory services for First Nation governments under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which mandates FNFA to raise short- and long-term funding for its borrowing members.

Ernie Daniels, President and CEO of FNFA, joins host Richard Perry to share his personal journey and philosophy of economic self-sufficiency and community prosperity. 

Episode runs 38:48

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ernie Daniels, President and CEO, FNFA
Website: First Nations Finance Authority
Email: info@fnfa.ca