SIPEKNE'KATIK FIRST NATION ACHIEVES FMB'S HIGHEST LEVEL OF FINANCIAL SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION
SIPEKNE'KATIK FIRST NATION ACHIEVES FMB'S HIGHEST LEVEL OF FINANCIAL SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION
Sipekne'katik First Nation in central Nova Scotia has received Financial Management System (FMS) Certification from the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB). This means the Nation's finance and administrative governance practices now meet FMS standards, which are based on internationally recognized standards of financial management.
"On behalf of council, I am honoured to inform our members that we have achieved Financial Management System certification from the First Nations Financial Management Board," says Chief Michelle Glasgow. "This milestone is in keeping with requests of us to have greater accountability, transparency and responsibility around our collective financial management. In addition to the benefits to our members directly, this also sends a strong signal to our business partners, now and to come, that we are open for business and are fiscally responsible - a key to our future economic growth and success. I wish to thank the community for its direction and patience and the team of staff and council who worked hard to bring to reality this important achievement."
The chief and council of the Mi'kmaq community, which consists of nearly 3,000 members, are dedicated to promoting economic development for the benefit of their community and their people. With enterprises in tobacco sales, fuel sales, fishing, and gaming, the Nation is excited to continue its growth by developing a 95-hectare plot of land adjacent to the 102 TransCanada Highway with plans for significant economic projects. They also operate Sipekne'katik Entertainment Centre in Hammonds Plains, Treaty Truckhouse on the Halifax Waterfront, and Tidal Bore Rafting Resort in Urbania.
About Sipekne'katik First Nation:
Sipekne'katik First Nation was officially founded in 1820 as a parcel of land established as a reserve, and at the time, was given the name 'Indian Brook.' In 2013, the name was changed to the traditional name, Sipekne'katik, which means "where the wild potatoes grow." According to Mi'kmaq oral history, this area may have been used for centuries prior as a sacred site to prepare for ceremonies, as well as hunting, gathering, and fishing trips. Sipekne'katik First Nation belongs to the wider Mi'kmaq Nation known as Mi'kma'ki that stretches from Atlantic Canada to the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec.
About the First Nations Financial Management Board:
The First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB) is 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