SHAWANAGA FIRST NATION – Shawanaga First Nation on the eastern shore of Ontario’s Georgian Bay 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.
“Achieving FMS Certification is a proud and significant milestone for Shawanaga First Nation,” says Chief Adam Pawis. “It reflects our commitment to strong governance, transparency and financial accountability to our members. As our Nation continues to grow, this certification provides us with a clear financial roadmap to guide responsible decisions, create new opportunities and build a strong, sustainable future for our community and generations to come.”
Shawanaga First Nation is in the early stages of establishing an Economic Development Corporation and creating a five-year Economic . It is one of five First Nations that recently entered a partnership with the Ontario government on construction of a major new transmission line to take power to Northern Ontario. Recently completed or near-completion capital projects on reserve include a new water treatment plant, skating rink, and splash pad.
“Through the certification process, Shawanaga Frist Nation has strengthened its financial and internal controls, establishing a solid framework that supports sustainable growth,” says FMB Executive Chair Harold Calla. “This achievement reflects the Nation’s commitment to excellence in financial governance. We congratulate the Chief, Council, CAO, Finance Manager and the rest of the team at Shawanaga First Nation on reaching this important milestone on their journey to economic self-determination.”
About Shawanaga First Nation
Shawanaga First Nation is an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) First Nation located on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay in Ontario, 30 kms northwest of Parry Sound. The Nation’s reserve lies within its traditional territory along Lake Huron, an area that has sustained Anishinaabe peoples for generations through fishing, hunting, gathering, and trade. Shawanaga First Nation is a signatory to the Robinson–Huron Treaty of 1850 and prioritizes the preservation of Anishinaabe language, knowledge, and traditions, while actively engaging in environmental stewardship and regional partnerships.
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.