Get Started

Ready to work with us?

First Nation boy drumming

If you are ready to work with us, this page details what you should do first. We have also gathered important documents you might need, and some useful tips for working with us.

To see how we can support your First Nation, and to get an idea of what to expect, read about our services.

Step 1: Make sure your First Nation is scheduled to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA)

This is a very important first step. Please check if your First Nation’s official name is listed on the Schedule to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA). It just takes a couple of minutes to check online.

If your First Nation’s official name is not listed on the Schedule to the FMA, learn more about how to get scheduled or contact us if you have any questions.

Step 2: Contact the FMB team

Every Nation has different goals and works to their own timeline. That’s why the best thing to do next is to contact our team. We don’t provide “one-size-fits-all” support, so having an initial chat is a good place to start.

Even if you are not yet scheduled to the FMA, you can still start to work with us. We can arrange a telephone conference or community visit, talk to you about our services, and discuss how we can best support your First Nation.

What happens next?

If you decide to work with us, the next steps are:

  1. Agree to work with the FMB: This involves a Letter of Cooperation that is signed between your First Nation (by your Council) and the FMB. It sets out who does what.
    (Note: this is not legally binding)
  2. Pass a Council Resolution: Your Council then needs to pass a Council Resolution to enable the FMB to work with your First Nation.
     
  3. Develop your Finance Administration Law (FAL): Then you and your legal counsel can get to work writing your FAL, with our team’s support. We have a Sample FAL to make it easier.