First Nations Infrastructure Institute

Carl Yates is leading an organization that has made history as the first Indigenous water utility in Canada.
Once complete, the AFNWA will assume responsibility for water and wastewater services for as many as 4,500 households and businesses located in up to 17 participating First Nations. This represents approximately 60% of the on-reserve population of First Nation communities in Atlantic Canada.
In recent months, AFNWA has been collaborating with FNII and Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation in Nova Scotia on water and wastewater infrastructure needs for new residential and commercial development.

With a service approach based on social, economic, and environmental outcomes, AFNWA will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and capital upgrades of all water and wastewater assets in participating First Nations. AFNWA’s Board currently consists of nine (9) First Nations Chiefs and is chaired by Chief Wilbert Marshall of Potlotek.

AFNWA will apply First Nations traditional knowledge and culture emphasizing environmental stewardship, the spiritual aspects of water, and Two–Eyed Seeing. “Two–Eyed Seeing”, as defined by Albert Marshall Sr., “is an approach to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and to see from the other eye with the strengths of Western ways of knowing, and to use both of these eyes together.”

Elders play crucial roles in Indigenous communities, as First Nations have both formal and informal leadership. To ensure AFNWA always aligns with First Nations values, culture and knowledge, Elders will guide the Board through an advisory committee. The Elders Advisory Lodge (EAL) consists of five (5) Elders approved by the Board, with regional representation

AFNWA’s participating communities currently include:

New Brunswick

• Elsipogtog
• Esgenoôpetitj
• Kingsclear
• Oromocto
• Tobique
• St. Mary’s

Prince Edward Island

• Abegweit
• Lennox Island

Nova Scotia

• Acadia
• Eskasoni
• Glooscap
• Membertou
• Millbrook
• Paqtnkek
• Pictou Landing
• Potlotek
• Sipekne’katik
• We’koqma’q
• Wagmatcook

LINKS:
Atlantic First Nations Water Authority website
Email: [email protected]
First Nations Infrastructure Institute website
Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation website

LINKS:
Contact Rose by email at [email protected] or [email protected]
Bayside Development Corp. website
Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation website
First Nations Infrastructure website

Jason Calla and his technical team at FNII are expecting to be very busy in the days and months ahead.
Beginning with two 'proof of concept' projects, FNII has recently become a newly-legislation addition to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which will open opportunities to support new projects. On top of that, the process is underway to appoint a new Advisory Board and engage potential consulting partners.
Host Richard Perry caught up with Jason between sessions at the Leading the Way 6 conference in the unceded Algonquin territory of Gatineau, QC.
FNII is an optional service, "an extra tool in the toolbox" Jason likes to say. He also has an important message for Indigenous youth who are considering exploring trades and professions within the infrastructure space.
Links:
Jason Calla by email: [email protected]
FNII website: https://fnii.ca
FNII on LinkedIn
FNII on Facebook

Glenn Saganace has seen a lot when it comes to economic development and its connection to strong infrastructure.
Glenn is a Relationships Manager based in Saskatoon, SK with the First Nations Financial Management Board.
He says many First Nations aren't large enough to have the capacity to manage infrastructure projects on their own, or to hold contractors accountable. And that is the perfect role for FNII as an organization that can guide Nations through the process.
He told host Richard Perry that there are real opportunities for First Nations to use infrastructure to make great economic gains, for their benefit and the larger Canadian economy.
Recorded in Nov. 2023 at the Leading the Way 6 conference in the unceded Algonquin territory of Gatineau, QC.
Links:
Glenn Saganace via toll-free: 1-877-925-6665
Glenn Saganace on LinkedIn
First Nations Financial Management Board website
FNII website

Meet Dr. Christine Bird, CEO of Tsawout First Nation, along with COO Micah Claxton, as they share stories about infrastructure challenges and opportunities in their BC community.
Both were attending the Leading the Way 7 conference in Edmonton in November 2024.
With several projects on the go or under development, Tsawout is considered as a very progressive community as it seeks to expand without many of the limitations of current federal legislation, including the Indian Act.
LINKS:
Tsawout First Nation website
FNII website
Dr. Christine Bird on Linkedin
Micah Claxton on Linkedin