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About the First Nations
Fiscal Management Act (FMA)

The First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA) is a law that provides First Nations with support and tools to strengthen your community and build your economy. First Nations can choose whether or not to participate in the FMA.

All of our First Nations clients must be scheduled under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA).

FMA Institutions

What is the FMA?

All First Nations have the option and the authority to pass by-laws related to financial administration and taxation of land under the Indian Act. The FMA now provides First Nations governments with authority outside of the Indian Act over:

  • Financial Administration Laws
  • Local revenues
  • Financing for infrastructure and economic development

Note: Not all of these areas may apply to the First Nations participating in the FMA, and doing any or all of the above is optional.

What does being scheduled to the FMA mean?

It means accessing the services of the FMA institutions which are the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB), the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA), the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC), and the First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII).

More than 350 First Nations are Scheduled to (or participating in) the FMA. Many of these Nations have done, or plan to do in future, the following:

  • get independent validation from the FMB that the Nation is following good governance and finance practices.
  • get independent validation from the FMB that the Nation is in good finance health.
  • apply for a loan from the FNFA.
  • collect local revenues under the FMA.

Is my Nation participating in the FMA?

Get scheduled to the FMA

Questions?

  • If you have any questions or need help with getting scheduled to the FMA, please contact us.