The Doig River First Nation (DRFN) has received a Financial Management System (FMS) Certificate from the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB). This means their finance and administrative practices now meet FMB , which are based on internationally recognized standards of financial management.
The Nation has worked hard to build systems for transparent and equitable management of lands, resources, and business opportunities by implementing internal , guidelines, and frameworks to support decision-making that balances traditional values with the modern economy. In 2017, Doig was awarded the AFOA Award of Excellence for First Nation leadership and administration.
One of DRFN’s primary goals is to become economically and financially self-sufficient, reducing financial dependence on social transfers from federal and provincial governments. Achieving this goal supports DRFN to make better community-specific decisions for community enhancement, health, wellness, employment, education, culture, language, and recreation. In working towards these goals, DRFN has implemented the financial and strategic planning initiatives through the FNFMB system certification process.
“Having gone through the process with the FMB, DRFN is now well positioned to implement the community’s vision of building an urban reserve, protecting, and restoring their lands and resources and building businesses that reflect the values and culture of the community,” DRFN Council. “The DRFN Council is very proud and excited for achieving this milestone with the FNFMB system certification, it is a significant accomplishment for our administration and community. We look forward to maintaining and building on these systems as we can move towards wealth creation and building a strong and sustainable future for our membership.”
The FMB acknowledges the strong leadership of the Doig River First Nation Council and the dedication of their staff that were key to achieving FMS Certification. The FMB recognizes the Doig River First Nation on this major accomplishment!
About Doig River First Nation
Doig River First Nation (DRFN) is a Tsááꞌ ché ne dane (Beaver) nation located 70 kms northeast of Fort St. John in British Columbia. DRFN, as part of the original Fort St. John Beaver Band adhered to Treaty #8 in 1900. As with many First Nations in northeast BC, DRFN has experienced significant displacement from their traditional territories by way of heavy resource development and agriculture. In June 2022, DRFN recently voted to approve the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) agreement with Canada and BC. TLE will provide financial compensation and land to DRFN to make the Nation whole from this 123-year-old injustice. In anticipation of TLE, DRFN began working with the FNFMB and other First Nation institutions to prepare for the settlement and the creation of their new urban reserve within the City of Fort St. John.
About FMB
The FMB is a First Nations-led nonprofit organization that supports First Nations in developing sound finance 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.
Working with FMB and seeking FMS certification provides several benefits including:
- Increased transparency and accountability to members and future business partners
- Building skillset and reputation for strong finance and administrative governance practices
- Provides council members and staff the tools they need to better manage the Nation’s finances
- Increased stability and continuity through finance and governance practices
- Improved risk management