Lheidli T’enneh Achieves Financial Management System Certification!

Lheidli T’enneh Nation Achieves Financial Management System Certification!

On March 30, 2021, Lheidli T’enneh Nation (the “Nation”) received a Financial Management System (FMS) Certificate from the First Nations Financial Management Board (“FMB”). This means their finance and administrative governance practices now meet FMB Standards, which are based on internationally recognized standards of financial management.

About Nation: The Lheidli T’enneh Nation is an indigenous community of people in and around the city of Prince George, British Columbia.  The name “Lheidli” means “The People from the Confluence of the River” in the Carrier language, referring to where the Nechako River meets the Fraser River and their traditional territory.

Within this territory, Lheidli T’enneh works hard to develop economic opportunities but also to practice and preserve traditional activities.  Through various programs and services, Lheidli continues to maintain and protect its culture and history for its 400 plus members while improving their quality of life.

Today, the Lheidli T’enneh Nation moves forward as a motivated, educated, and determined Nation with standard asset and financial management practices meeting global standard, one that connects the lessons of the past with the hopes and dreams of the future.

On their journey towards FMS Certification, the Nation developed a Financial Administration Law (FAL) and also received a Financial Performance Certificate making the Nation eligible to apply for long term affordable financing from the First Nations Finance Authority. To achieve FMS certification, the Nation began working closely with the FMB staff to bring their FAL to life.

“We wanted to empower our community by ensuring the finest asset management practices and moving forward with the very best financial management system with accountability. This certification provides an evidence of professionalism and creates confidence among our partners and stakeholders.”

• Chief Dolleen Logan

The FMB acknowledges the strong leadership of Lheidli T’enneh Nation’s Chief and Council and the dedication of their staff that were key into achieving FMS Certification.

The FMB recognizes Lheidli T’enneh Nation on this major accomplishment!

About FMB: The Financial Management Board 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 www.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

Media Contacts:

First Nations Financial Management Board
Harold Calla, Executive Chair
P: (604) 925-6665

Lheidli T’enneh Nation

Zawad Abedin, Manager, Capital Projects & Asset Management,
P: (250) 562-0847, C: (778) 890-1083
E: zabedin@lheidli.ca