Esquimalt First Nation achieves Financial Management System Certification

Esquimalt First Nation achieves Financial Management System Certification

ESQUIMALT FIRST NATION – Esquimalt First Nation, located on Esquimalt Harbour at what is now Victoria, B.C., has achieved Financial Management System (FMS) Certification from the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB). This means that Esquimalt First Nation’s finance and administrative governance practices now meet the standards of FMB’s highest level of financial certification, based on internationally recognized standards of financial management.

“We are proud to be recognized through the Financial Management System Certification as a fiscally responsible Nation,” says Esquimalt Chief Jerome Thomas. “We are continuing to grow our community, build our capacity, and work towards a new future of self-determination for the xʷ̣sepsəm people. Through FMS Certification, we will continue to demonstrate our responsible growth and development towards self-government and self-determination.”

As part of its journey in achieving FMS Certification, Esquimalt First Nation developed a Financial Administration Law and received FMB’s Financial Performance Certificate, making the First Nation eligible to borrow from the First Nations Finance Authority.

A Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) developed by the Nation in 2020 is the cornerstone of its strategic planning and development process. The CCP reflects the Nation’s Sacred Trust, which embodies the important relationship between the land, water, and resources; community, family and individual; the cultural and spiritual path; and the Esquimalt Nation land treaty.

The FMB congratulates Esquimalt First Nation on the significant achievement of FMS Certification.

About Esquimalt First Nation:

Esquimalt First Nation’s connection with the land and the resources of its large territory goes back thousands of years. A small, urban Nation located in what is now Victoria, B.C., Esquimalt is committed to building a legacy for present and future generations by ensuring its work is rooted in the teachings and natural laws that flow from its Sacred Trust. Esquimalt promotes the holistic health, self-sufficiency, and safety of its citizens by offering meaningful programs and services, and working with partners for mutually beneficial goals.

About 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 www.fnfmb.com

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Media Contacts:

Helen Murphy
Senior Communications Manager
First Nations Financial Management Board
P: (343) 598-2606
helen_murphy@fnfmb.com

Samuel Saunders
Director of Operations
Esquimalt Nation
P) (250)-381-7861
Samuel@esquimaltnation.ca

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