Let's Bond

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Chief Derek Epp from Ch’íyáqtel First Nation shares insights on economic self-determination, the evolution of fiscal tools, and the future of Indigenous-led projects in Canada. Discover how smaller Nations are leveraging innovative strategies to build sustainable economies and reshape their futures. Host: Jody Anderson, First Nations Finance Authority Guest: Chief Derek Epp, Ch’íyáqtel First Nation, British Columbia FNFA Website Ch’íyáqtel First Nation Website Keywords: Indigenous economic development, First Nations self-governance, fiscal management, major projects, economic reconciliation, SPV, community wealth, infrastructure, Indigenous leadership

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Jody Anderson connects with a powerhouse leader who embodies her sacred commitment to community, culture, and the generations yet to come, one rooted in responsibility, deep relationships, and service that goes far beyond any election cycle. Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer is the former Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. She is a leader in 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy and First Nations rights. Kahs and Jody talk about connection to culture, community, and how true leadership means taking initiative, having passion, and mobilize others to make positive change. Host: Jody Anderson, First Nations Finance Authority Guest: Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, CEO and President of Sky-Deer Consulting FNFA Website Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer on LinkedIn Key words: Indigenous economic development, community infrastructure, self-sufficiency, First Nations, financial tools, leadership, wealth creation, community investment

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Let’s Bond, host Jody Anderson connects with Chief Gordon BlueSky of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation—who also serves as Chairperson on FNFA Board of Directors. Chief BlueSky shares insights on community development, economic growth, and leadership within the Broken Head Ojibwe Nation, highlighting the importance of self-determination and strategic investment. Host: Jody Anderson, First Nations Finance Authority Guest: Chief Gordon BlueSky, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Treaty 1, Manitoba FNFA Website BON Website Keywords: First Nations, economic development, self-determination, FNFA, community infrastructure, Treaty One, Manitoba, Indigenous leadership, capital markets, SPV tools

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Let's Bond, we explore a groundbreaking international collaboration aimed at fostering Indigenous economic empowerment. Host Jody Anderson sits down with Ernie Daniels, President and CEO, FNFA and Professor Peter Yu, inaugural Vice-President (First Nations) at The Australian National University to discuss how Canada and Australia are working together to share knowledge and best practices. We delve into the recent landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the creation of a new Australian Centre for Indigenous Economic Transformation, and the shared vision for building a future of self-determination and intergenerational prosperity. Links and Resources Jody Anderson on LinkedIn Professor Peter Yu on LinkedIn FNFA Website Australian National University Website Indigenous-led organizations in Canada, Australia sign MOU Press Release Follow FNFA on LinkedIn , YouTube , Facebook and Instagram Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter Music/Production Credits: Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Let's Bond, host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA has a conversation with Chief Jenny Brake, the first woman and third elected Chief of Qalipu First Nation. Chief Brake shares her remarkable personal journey, which comes full circle with the historic Indigenous-led acquisition of Newdock (St. John's Dockyard Ltd.). We explore the strategic partnership between Qalipu and Membertou First Nations, the pivotal role of FNFA financing, and the profound economic, social, and cultural impacts this landmark investment is already having and will continue to have for generations. Links and Resources Jody Anderson on LinkedIn Chief Jenny Brake on LinkedIn FNFA Website Qalipu First Nation Website Membertou First Nation Website Newdock (St. John's Dockyard Ltd.) Website Follow FNFA on LinkedIn , YouTube , Facebook and Instagram Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter Music/Production Credits: Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we pivot our focus to one of the most pressing issues facing First Nations today: the housing crisis. On today’s episode we are talking to Travis Seymour, CEO of the First Nations Market Housing Fund (FNMHF), a national organization based in Ottawa, Ontario, on how we can address the challenges and find solutions and access to safe and affordable housing for First Nations in Canada. Host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA explores the vital roles of FNFA and FNMHMF in empowering communities to build safe and affordable housing. Join us as we examine how these institutions are working to create lasting impact and move beyond the crisis. Links and Resources Jody Anderson on LinkedIn Travis Seymore on LinkedIn FNFA Website First Nations Market Housing Fund Website Follow FNFA on LinkedIn , YouTube , Facebook and Instagram Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter Music/Production Credits: Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail Rejoignez Nadia Robertson, responsable des services aux membres de l’AFPN, et son invité, le conseiller Patrick Courtois de la Première Nation des Pekuakamiulnuatsh, pour découvrir comment l’AFPN aide les communautés des Premières Nations à travers le Canada. Cet épisode met en lumière la structure de gouvernance unique de l’AFPN, son rôle dans la promotion de l'autodétermination et son offre de capitaux abordables et flexibles grâce à des prêts à des conditions avantageuses. Découvrez comment l’AFPN favorise l’édification des nations en soutenant les infrastructures, la création d'emplois et l'indépendance économique, reflétant ainsi sa vision durable pour l'avenir des Premières Nations. Liens et ressources Nadia Robertson sur LinkedIn Site Web de l’AFPN Site Web de la Première Nation des Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Mashteuiatsh) Suivez l’AFPN sur LinkedIn , YouTube , Facebook et Instagram Restez connecté, abonnez-vous à l’infolettre de l’AFPN . Crédits musique/production : Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions sur LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a conversation with Host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA and Dr. Tim Raybould, a key figure in FNFA's journey, to explore its origins, the pivotal role of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act , and the broader context of economic reconciliation. We delve into the significance of governance agreements and their evolving impact on Indigenous peoples across Canada Links and Resources Jody Anderson on LinkedIn Dr. Tim Raybould on LinkedIn FNFA Website First Nations Fiscal Management Act Follow FNFA on LinkedIn , YouTube , Facebook and Instagram Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter Explore the First Nations Gazette Music/Production Credits: Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail This episode takes a global perspective as we explore the developing movement of international Indigenous economic development. We speak with Dennis Meeches, President of Tribal Council Investments Group & Vice President of Business Relations, a key figure in this arena, about his experiences at the World Indigenous Business Forum and the emerging patterns of collaboration and opportunity. We delve into how current global economic shifts, including tariffs, are influencing this movement and explore the significance of new international investors. Host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA also shares insights from a recent trip to England, highlighting the potential for uniting the Commonwealth in response to these changes. We connect these international trends back to work FNFA and address why this global engagement is essential for Indigenous economic sovereignty. Links and Resources Jody Anderson on LinkedIn Dennis Meeches on LinkedIn FNFA Website Tribal Council Investments Group Website Worlds Indigenous Business Forum Website Follow FNFA on LinkedIn , YouTube , Facebook and Instagram Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter Music/Production Credits: Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Let's Bond, we explore the groundbreaking potential of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in driving Indigenous-led economic development. Host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA sits down with Chief Derek Epp of the Ch’íyáqtel First Nation to discuss how First Nations can use SPVs to accelerate major infrastructure projects, create jobs, and build intergenerational prosperity. We talk about what an SPV is, why they are an important tool for financial sovereignty, and how the FNFA is working to expand its role to directly support these powerful new ventures. Links and Resources Jody Anderson on LinkedIn Chief Derek Epp on LinkedIn FNFA Website Ch’íyáqtel First Nation’s Website Follow FNFA on LinkedIn , YouTube , Facebook and Instagram Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter Music/Production Credits: Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail Canada has a promise to close the infrastructure gap in First Nations communities, but progress is falling drastically short. This episode delves into the staggering $349.2 billion gap and explores a powerful, Indigenous-led solution. Join host Jody Anderson, VP, Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs, FNFA and guest Ernie Daniels, President and CEO, FNFA as they unpack the FNFA Blueprint and a game-changing strategy called monetization. We discuss how First Nations can leverage their assets and partnerships to unlock capital, accelerate infrastructure projects, and drive genuine economic reconciliation for the benefit of all Canadians. Links and Resources Jody Anderson on LinkedIn FNFA Website Follow FNFA on LinkedIn , YouTube , Facebook and Instagram Let’s Connect, subscribe to FNFA’s Newsletter Visit Assembly of First Nations’ Closing the Gap Website to learn more Production Credits: Richard Perry, Perry Podcast Productions on LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail Patrick Courtois, conseiller de la Première Nation des Pekuakamiulnuatsh, Québec et membre du conseil d’administration de l’AFPN. Animée par Nadia Robertson et Patricia Debassige de l’AFPN, cette septième et du balado « Créons des liens » est présentée en français et met en vedette le membre du conseil d’administration de l’AFPN, Patrick Courtois. Il explique comment sa communauté de la Première Nation des Pekuakamiulnuatsh a noué une relation de collaboration pour réaliser un projet énergétique. La Première Nation des Pekuakamiulnuatsh est une réserve des Premières Nations située dans la région du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean au Québec, au Canada, à environ six kilomètres au nord du centre de Roberval. Durée de l'épisode: 31.59 CONTACT INFORMANTION Patrick Courtois, FNFA Board of Directors Website: Mashteuiatsh First Nation Email: info@mashteuiatsh.ca

Send us Fan Mail On the fourth episode of Season Two of the Let’s Bond podcast, host Jody Anderson is joined by Suzanne Trottier, recently appointed President of First Nations Bank of Canada Trust, a Canadian chartered bank that is more than 80 per cent Indigenous owned and controlled, and is primarily focused on providing financial services to the Indigenous marketplace in Canada. Episode run time: 23:31 CONTACT INFORMATION Suzanne Trottier, President, First Nations Bank of Canada Website: First Nations Trust Email: FNBC.service@fnbc.ca

Send us Fan Mail The lack of access to sureties and bonding is a huge impediment to Indigenous construction companies. On the sixth episode of Season Two of the Let’s Bond podcast, host Jody Anderson explores possible solutions to these challenges with Tim Laronde, National Director of Indigenous Strategies at Chandos Construction, and Steve Berna, (former) Chief Operating Officer of FNFA. Episode run time: 21:13 CONTACT INFORMATION Tim Laronde, National Director of Indigenous Strategies, Chandos Construction Website: Chandros Construction Email: hello@chandros.com Steve Berna, (former) Chief Operating Officer, FNFA Website: First Nations Finance Authority Email: info@fnfa.ca

Send us Fan Mail Chief Terry Paul joins host Jody Anderson on the third episode in Season Two of the Let’s Bond podcast to discuss the massive purchase of 50 per cent of Clearwater Seafoods, the largest seafood company in the world. He was head of the coalition of seven communities that became equity owners of Clearwater. The deal was made possible with support from FNFA. Chief Terry Pau l has been leading Membertou First Nation in Una'ma'ki (Cape Breton, NS) for more than 37 consecutive years. During this time, he has guided his Mi'kmaq community and administration into one of the most efficient and economically flourishing Indigenous communities in the country. Employment, once stagnant, now tops 80 per cent. Episode run time: 16:46 CONTACT INFORMATION Terry Paul, Chief, Membertou First Nation Website: Membertou First Nation Email: communications@membertou.ca Additional information: Membertou Development Corporation Every Loan Tells a Story (FNFA video) Landmark Clearwater Seafood purchase (FNFA news release)

Send us Fan Mail A powerful second episode of Season Two of the Let’s Bond podcast, as Dawn Madahbee-Leach joins host Jody Anderson to talk about the shifting and growing influence of women in finance leadership positions. Dawn joined Waubetech Business Development Corporation in 1988 and has gone to play a huge role as a national influencer. In 2018 she was chosen as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women . She also chairs the National Indigenous Economic Board while sitting on numerous corporate boards and government advisory panels. Episode run time: 25:46 CONTACT INFORMATION: Dawn Madahbee-Leach, General Manager, Waubetech Business Development Corporation Website: Waubetech Business Development Corporation Email: waubetek@waubetek.com Additional Information: National Indigenous Economic Development Board NACCA Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program

Send us Fan Mail On this first episode of Season Two of the Let’s Bond podcast, Jason Calla talks with host Jody Anderson about a new report released by the Assembly of First Nations, which estimates there is a shortfall of $349.2 billion dollars in First Nations infrastructure - the necessary buildings to support the health and prosperity of our communities. Jason has been leading the First Nations Infrastructure Institute, a small but remarkable team of project managers and engineers, who have been in 'development' mode while lobbying the government to be included in the First Nations Fiscal Management Act with its sister national organizations. Episode run time: 29:11 CONTACT INFORMATION: Jason Calla, Technical Director, First Nations Infrastructure Institute Website: First Nations Infrastructure Institute Email: info@fnii.ca

Send us Fan Mail Host Jody Anderson, Director of Business Development for FNFA, speaks with Don Morin, Senior Business Analyst (FNFA) and Deputy Chief Derek Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou First Nation in Ontario on the sixth and final episode of season one of the Let’s Bond podcast. In the finance world, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) is the umbrella that many investments fit under. FNFA’s bonds fit entirely into these SDG and ESG categories as members’ projects focus on green energy projects financing (environmental), communities (social), and administrative (governance). Episode run time: 20:16 CONTACT INFORMATION: Derek Archibald, Deputy Chief, Taykwa Tagamou First Nation Website: Taykwa Tagamou First Nation Email: derek@taykwatagamou.com Don Morin, Senior Business Analyst , FNFA Website: First Nations Finance Authority Email: dmorin@fnfa.ca

Send us Fan Mail Chief Derek Epp of Tzeachten First Nation in B.C. joins host Jody Anderson on the fifth episode of the Let’s Bond podcast to share his community's housing upgrades and what they mean to members. He says it's not the size of the loan that matters, but what counts is the value it brings to the community. First Nations communities don’t have to start big. Many, such as Tzeachten, started small with sustainable housing developments. Over time, your community will grow and thrive. With FNFA borrowing capacity, communities can expand their housing developments in ways that truly meet their requirements. Episode run time: 21:54 CONTACT INFORMATION Derek Epp, Chief, Tzeachten First Nation Website: Tzeachten First Nation Email: derek@tzeachten.ca Additional information: Every Loan Tells a Story: Tzeachten First Nation Housing Project (FNFA video)

Send us Fan Mail Host Richard Perry is joined by Jody Anderson, Director of Business Development for FNFA and Annmarie Garby, National Practice Leader, Indigenous Services with BFL Canada in the fourth episode of the Let’s Bond podcast. Together with BFL Insurance, FNFA is exploring the concept of a pooled insurance model, hoping that such an approach will be beneficial both in costs and in coverage to participating First Nations. The severe challenges within the global insurance market over the past few years have highlighted how underserved, siloed, and excluded the Indigenous community is by the insurance industry, resulting in tremendous uncertainty and inequity. Episode run time: 22:46 CONTACT INFORMATION: Jody Anderson, Director of Business Development, FNFA Website: First Nations Finance Authority Email: janderson@fnfa.ca Annmarie Garby, National Practice Leader, Indigenous Services with BFL Canada. Website: BFL Canada Email: agarby@bflcanada.ca