First Nations Infrastructure Institute

First Nations Infrastructure Institute
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This podcast is for First Nations leadership planning critical infrastructure projects for community and economic development. Recorded live at the First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022. Host: Richard Perry

  1. 11/13/2025

    Dawn Francois and Julie John – Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw

    Councillor Dawn Francois likes to tell the story of how she discovered the First Nations Infrastructure Institute. And how it started a path that could pay big dividends for her community of Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band), in British Columbia. In this conversation, she is joined by fellow councillor Julie John, to talk about infrastructure needs and the value to community. Recorded at the Leading the Way 8 conference in Markham, Ontario in October 2025. LINKS: Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw website First Nations Infrastructure Institute video (YouTube) Tulo Centre for Indigenous Economics

    7 min

  2. 11/13/2025

    Steve Doucette, Nipissing First Nation

    Steve Doucette and his team at Nipissing First Nation manage water and wastewater treatment, including waterline installations, well-monitoring and pump house upgrades, and maintenance.   As Director of Community Infrastructure and Planning, he's responsible for managing ongoing infrastructure and capital planning processes. At the Leading the Way 8 conference in October 2025, Doucette spoke with Richard Perry about water and wastewater projects and the potential for learning more about how the First Nations Infrastructure Institute could help. LINKS: Nipissing First Nation website (Infrastructure & Planning) Steve Doucette Linkedin profile First Nations Infrastructure Institute

    3 min

  3. 11/13/2025

    Greg Diemer – CFO, Tsawout First Nation

    "Show me the money" made for a great movie line, but it's also a common refrain in many First Nations communities planning infrastructure projects. Greg Diemer, CFO for Tsawout First Nation knows all about capital financing. Where a Band can find it, and where it can't. Particularly challenging is when a First Nation can't get infrastructure financing if a significant part of the population is non-Indigenous. He spoke with host Richard Perry at the Leading the Way 8 conference in October 2025. LINKS: Tsawout First Nation community projects Greg Diemer's Linkedin profile First Nations Infrastructure Institute resources About the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMB website)

    8 min

  4. 11/13/2025

    Chief Abraham Pelkey – Tsawout First Nation

    Tsawout First Nation is one of many communities working with the First Nations Infrastructure Institute. Chief Abraham Pelkey and Council members have a list of current and future projects to advance the Nation's interests. Chief Pelkey spoke with host Richard Perry after appearing on a panel at the Leading the Way 8 conference in Markham, Ontario in October 2025. LINKS: Tsawout First Nation community projects Chief Abraham Pelkey Linkedin profile First Nations Infrastructure Institute resources About the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMB website)

    6 min

  5. 11/13/2025

    Sharlene Gale – First Nations Major Projects Coalition

    Sharlene Gale is on a mission to promote infrastructure projects in First Nations. As Executive Chair of the First Nations Major Project Coalition, she has been involved in massive energy projects, but has seen the merits of small, community-based infrastructure as well. Host Richard Perry spoke with Ms. Gale during a break at the recent Leading the Way 8 conference in Markham, Ontario. (Apologies for the intermittent hallway noise!) She says it's critical that Canada recognize and address the massive infrastructure gap in communities across the land. LINKS: First Nations Major Projects Coalition Fort Nelson First Nation Sharlene Gale Linkedin profile First Nations Infrastructure Institute

    8 min

  6. 11/13/2025

    Panel: Using FMA Tools in Tsawout and Sumas First Nations

    Two progressive First Nations in British Columbia are among 50 Nations and/or organizations that have begun relationships with the First Nations Infrastructure Institute. Join moderator Jason Calla as he explores how Tsawout and Sumas First Nations are using similar tools to advance their individual economic, social and cultural interests. Panel: "Unlocking Infrastructure Potential: Creative Use of FMA Tools in Tsawout and Sumas First Nations" With: Jason Calla, moderator, FNII technical leadBrian Jones, General Manager, Sumas First NationChief Abraham Pelkey, Tsawout First NationGreg Diemer, CFO, Tsawout First NationThe Leading the Way 8 Conference was held Oct. 7-9, 2025 on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat Peoples. LINKS: First Nations Infrastructure Institute YouTube video: How FNII Supports First Nations Agenda – First Nations Leading the Way 8 Conference About the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMB website)

    35 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    Panel: Creative FMA Tools for Infrastructure Development

    "You can stand in line at the Department of Indian Affairs to help finance your programs, or you can look to do it yourself." That comment by Brian Jones, General Manager of Sumas First Nation, captures the essence of a very informative breakout session at the Leading the Way 8 Conference.  The discussion "Creative Optimization of FMA Tools to Support Infrastructure Development" offered several concrete examples of what can be accomplished locally with the support of the national organizations under the umbrella of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act.  The discussion was moderated by the First Nations Infrastructure Institute at LTW8, held on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat Peoples. Panelists:  Jason Reeves, moderator, Urban Systems Ltd.John Dumbrell, John Dumbrell Consulting.Brian Jones, GM, Sumas First NationGreg Diemer, CFO, Tsawaut First NationDr. André Le Dressay, Tulo Centre of Indigenous EconomicsRecorded on October 7, 2025. LINKS: First Nations Infrastructure Institute YouTube video: How FNII Supports First Nations Agenda – First Nations Leading the Way 8 Conference About the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMB website)

    33 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Allan Claxton – Infrastructure for Community Prosperity

    Allan Claxton is a former chief of Tsawout First Nation on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. As the inaugural Development Board Chair of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute, he speaks nationally about the value of successful infrastructure growth to community prosperity. He also helped kick off the Leading the Way 8 Conference held on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat Peoples. This episode is a recording of Allan's opening remarks to more than 700 delegates from First Nations across Canada, on October 7, 2025. LINKS: First Nations Infrastructure Institute YouTube video: How FNII Supports First Nations Agenda – First Nations Leading the Way 8 Conference About the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMB website)

    8 min
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About

This podcast is for First Nations leadership planning critical infrastructure projects for community and economic development. Recorded live at the First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022. Host: Richard Perry

Information

  • Creator
    First Nations Infrastructure Institute
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 First Nations Infrastructure Institute
  • Show Website
    First Nations Infrastructure Institute