Honourable senators, this week marks the annual Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa. This important occasion presents an opportunity to meet with representatives of First Nations governments and to spotlight Indigenous Peoples, organizations and politics in this country.

In recognition of this, I am privileged to rise today to highlight the important work of the First Nations Finance Authority, or FNFA. The FNFA is a non-profit organization, owned and governed entirely by First Nations governments with a vision “. . . to build safe, healthy, and prosperous communities” — by First Nations, for First Nations.

Since 2005, the FNFA has provided investment options, capital planning advice and access to long-term loans that support First Nations governments across the country. FNFA financing has made possible critical infrastructure, social and economic development, land purchases, independent power projects, community housing and so much more. These investments have helped drive economic growth in Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast.

In my province of Newfoundland and Labrador, FNFA loans have generated $96.6 million in economic output and created approximately 396 jobs for Mi’kmaq and Innu communities as of September of this year.

The FNFA has successfully raised over $4 billion in financing for projects, resulting in more than $8.5 billion in economic impact for Canada’s economy and has created over 39,000 jobs. This was done through financing economic development projects that support long-term community prosperity.

One of the driving forces behind this success is Mr. Ernie Daniels, President and CEO of the FNFA. Mr. Daniels grew up in the Northwest Territories and is a member of the Salt River First Nation.

Under his leadership, the FNFA enabled seven Mi’kmaq communities to acquire a 50% equity stake in Clearwater Seafoods, the largest seafood company in North America. This was truly a transformational Indigenous economic achievement.

Mr. Daniels, your decades of service to First Nations organizations have strengthened communities nationwide and set a new international standard for Indigenous-led economic development — work unmatched anywhere else in the world.

I would like to extend my congratulations to you, the FNFA and, especially, my friend and fellow Newfoundlander and Labradorian René Jeddore, for your vision, leadership and transformative contributions that are improving the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples in this country.

Wela’lin. Thank you.