What is Capacity Development?
The FMB’s Capacity Development (CD) team supports First Nations and Indigenous NPOs to build their financial management and administrative capacity through a variety of services, training, guidance, and tools. This includes support in drafting and implementing good internal controls, strategic planning, and developing .
How Capacity Development Supports Clients
CD is responsive to client needs, building relationships based on trust, accountability, and transparency to:
- enhance internal capacity in financial management, financial governance, , and information management;
- improve and enhance internal controls;
- prepare clients who will undergo the Agreed Upon Procedures Review for the NFR 10-year Grant; and
- prepare clients that are pursuing FMS Certification and NPO Compliance Opinions.
These supports are designed to encourage, equip, and enable First Nations to establish strong financial management capacities, processes, and practices that meet FMB-established .
Our Capacity Development supports include the Default Management Prevention Pilot Program to assist Nations in getting out and staying out of default management and our Support Services program, which provides remote support along with training and capacity development in areas such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting.
Research shows that when Indigenous communities have the tools to develop their economies, they achieve better outcomes than are achieved through government programs.
Default Management Prevention Pilot Project
Reclaiming Financial Well-Being Through Nation-Led Solutions
The Default Management Prevention Pilot Project (DMPPP) is a transformative initiative of the FMB, developed to support First Nations in preventing and exiting financial default through culturally safe, capacity-focused services. Since 2016, the DMPPP has grown from working with five communities to serving over 40 Nations across Canada, helping to build governance strength, restore financial autonomy, and uphold Nation-led decision-making.
What We Do
The DMPPP delivers tailored, hands-on support designed to reflect each Nation’s unique priorities and cultural worldview. This includes:
- financial management and policy development;
- strategic governance planning;
- leadership coaching and organizational development;
- empowering your workforce (human resource / people and culture management support); and
- embedded financial mentorship and systems training.
Rooted in the principle of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), the FMB blends Indigenous knowledge systems with Western financial tools to create solutions that are practical, sustainable, and culturally aligned.
Our Impact
The DMPPP has led to significant measurable outcomes, including substantial projected cost savings, smoother processes for participating Nations, and the successful transition of multiple communities out of default. In 2024-2025 alone, the program supported 141 engagements, which included more than 100 hands-on working sessions and strong participation from Chiefs, Councils, and senior administrators.
But the real success of DMPPP lies in what cannot be quantified: restored trust, empowered leadership, and communities equipped to lead their own financial futures – on their own terms.
Community Survey: Redefining “Default”
In 2025, the FMB launched the DMPPP Community Survey, a national, trauma-informed initiative that invites Indigenous communities to redefine the concept of “default.” This is more than a survey, it is a movement to co-develop a new financial management framework grounded in Indigenous teachings, self-determination, and long-term wellbeing.
With input from up to 250 Nations, the survey explores:
- how communities understand and experience “default”;
- the root causes of financial stress;
- the cultural and emotional impacts of colonial financial ;
- Indigenous-led strategies for financial wellness and governance renewal; and
- a new community-based business plan, informed by survey results – one that centres Indigenous voices and guides the evolution of future services.
Watch the Survey Introduction Video
We invite you to learn more about the DMPPP Community Survey through this short video, which shares the heart behind the work and why your voice matters.
Financial Management System Support Services
Through FMS Certification, communities can strengthen their financial management laws and practices, unlocking better opportunities for loans and under more favourable terms.
However, smaller and remote First Nations often encounter significant barriers in accessing the qualified financial administration professionals necessary to pursue certification. These challenges can slow the journey toward financial and limit access to resources that support community development.
How the FMB Can Help Support You
