First Nations Infrastructure Institute

"We are very aggressive in economic development."
David Kobliski is executive director of the Nelson House Development Corporation in northern Manitoba. He is also a firm believer in the long-term value of effectively-managed infrastructure project.
Band-owned business ventures employ more than 680 people and generate millions of dollars in annual revenue.
The work has not gone unnoticed. The Corporation was recognized nationally with an economic development award from Cando.
David shares success stories with host Richard Perry, recorded at the Leading the Way 5 conference in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg) Oct. 4-6, 2022.
Davis can be reached at (204) 679-5061 or by email at [email protected].
Nelson House Development Corporation website.
Free FNII resources at http://fnii.ca/resources.

Chief Crate is currently serving as the Chief for his community Fisher River Cree Nation (Treaty 5) which is located about 200 km north of Winnipeg. Chief Crate has focused on long-term planning, strategic partnerships, environmental stewardship and economic development.
His experience has shown that Indigenous groups that choose to assert their jurisdiction and move ahead with infrastructure projects are having success in closing the infrastructure gap.
Fisher River Cree has been using tools established by the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to help them do so including strengthening their financial management system with the First Nations Financial Management Board and getting access to capital through the First Nations Finance Authority.
Recorded live at the First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022.
Chief Cranes email at [email protected].
Fisher River Cree Nation website.
Free resources on the FNII website at https://fnii.ca/resources

Dana Francis has applied his contracting expertise in projects across Turtle Island. As co-founder of Red Island Contractors, Inc., and a FNII board member, he has a valuable perspective on the value of infrastructure development, and shares his ideas in this podcast conversation with host Richard Perry.
Red Island Contractors, Inc. builds on the knowledge and capacities of Mr. Dana Francis and Mr. Beaver Paul, who are both strong advocates for capacity development within First Nation communities. Together they have a combined 50 years of experience in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, and have all worked closely with First Nations in the completion of these types of projects. Learn more at https://redislandcontractors.com/
Recorded live at the First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022.
Visit Dana's home community of Tobique First Nation at https://tobiquefirstnation.ca/
For free resources, visit the FNII website at https://fnii.ca/resources.

Allan Claxton has seen first-hand what infrastructure can do to improve communities.
Allan served his community of Tsawout as Chief for twenty years and as councillor for ten years and is currently serving on Council. He has worked to develop infrastructure projects such as a multipurpose health and recreation facility and dealt with many challenges for roads and access to lands.
In order to overcome challenges associated with developing infrastructure, Tsawout used tools from the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. With this experience in mind, Allan believes that more can be done to support Indigenous groups in closing the infrastructure gap which is why he has stepped forward to serve as FNII Development Board Chair.
Recorded live at the First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022.
In this episode, he shares personal stories with host Richard Perry.
Visit https://tsawout.ca/ for more information on Tsawout.
Visit https://fnii.ca for free resources from the First Nations Infrastructure Institute.

Keith Matthew loves sharing stories about creating wealth and opportunity in First Nation communities.
Keith, who sits on the FNII development board, is a member of the Simpcw First Nation where he served five years as Chief and five years as councillor. During his time serving his community, he was responsible for economic development activities and sees the value of infrastructure in creating more prosperous communities – where Indigenous groups are less reliant on transfers and are able to develop projects that are more aligned to community priorities.
Recorded live at the 'First Nations 'Leading the Way 5' conference in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 4-6, 2022.
Reach Keith by telephone at (250) 318-3787 or by email at [email protected].
Visit the economic development page at the Simpcw website at https://www.simpcw.com/economic-development.htm
For free FNII resources, visit https://www.fnii.ca/resources/