KITSELAS FIRST NATION – Kitselas First Nation in Northwest British Columbia recently achieved Financial Management System (FMS) Certification from the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB). This means the Nation’s financial management and administrative practices meet the of the FMB’s highest level of financial certification, based on internationally recognized standards of financial management.
“The Kitselas Band Council is incredibly proud to announce that we have officially reached our next level of certification with the FMB,” says Chief Councillor Glenn Bennett. “This milestone is a powerful reflection of our Nation’s commitment to strong governance, financial accountability, and long-term prosperity.
“We extend our warmest congratulations and deepest gratitude to our exceptional Finance Department and First Nations Financial Administration Law team. This achievement would not have been possible without the outstanding leadership of our Finance Consultant Cameron Marshall, our Finance Manager Isabelle Majore, and our Chief Administrative Linda Morven. The Council deeply appreciates your immense hard work, tireless dedication, and professional excellence. Thank you for your continued service in building a strong, transparent, and sustainable future for the Kitselas community.”
Kitselas is now in the final stages of implementing its treaty as a self-governing First Nation. The Nation’s traditional territory is a key hub for major projects across sectors including energy, logistics, transportation, and other major projects. The Kitselas Development Corporation actively fosters relationships with investors and partners to drive these projects forward, creating economic opportunities and sustainable growth.
“Kitselas First Nation has demonstrated a deep commitment to good governance,” says FMB Executive Chair Harold Calla. “They pursued FMS Certification because they care about living by their Financial Administration Law. This milestone achievement is also linked to the transformative work of the late Mel Bevan, a leader of Kitselas First Nation for more than 50 years. On the national stage, Hereditary Chief Bevan played a vital role in the development of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, including as an advisory panel member for the development of the FMB ‘s section of the legislation. “We congratulate Kitselas First Nation on this significant achievement.”
About Kitselas First Nation
With a population of approximately 700 people, Kitselas traditional territory is located in Northwest British Columbia. Our reserves and territory surround the City of Terrace and the Skeena River. About half of our people live on the Kitselas reserve of Gitaus, a 15-minute drive east of Terrace. Others in the area live in Kulspai, a smaller reserve west of Terrace. The rest of our population is spread throughout Vancouver, Prince George, Prince Rupert and other places.
About the FMB
The First Nations Financial Management Board is a First Nations-led non-profit organization that supports First Nations in developing sound financial and administrative governance practices. The FMB was created under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA) in 2006. Services offered are at no cost to First Nations. For more information on all products and services, visit fnfmb.com.