Why are assurance services necessary for my First Nation? Financial reporting is required by First Nation memberships, funders, banks, lenders, investors, etc. For example, as a result of funding agreements, First Nations are required to have an audit engagement completed on an annual basis. An external audit is the process by which an independent 3rd party professional arrives at an 'opinion' on the financial statements. Whether the First Nation, or its related economic development entities require our services, we can help provide the level of assurance you need, including audit and review engagements.

What value does having a strong financial foundation serve? Chief and Council, Program Management, and Finance Staff have financial obligations that must be discharged. Understanding the financial environment, processes, terminology and reporting specific to Indigenous Governments is critical in providing service delivery to members and meeting funding agreement requirements.

What is the purpose of a Comprehensive Operational Assessment? First Nation governments are complex, so functional areas often exist (Finance, Housing, etc.). But these areas can become siloed, and program/service delivery through these silos may have ingrained inefficiencies. The purpose of a Comprehensive Operational Assessment is to examine and diagnose inefficiencies. Then a Capacity Development Plan can be created to address and enhance these areas.

Why should I care about delinquent Indigenous Services Canada reporting? Abiding by the terms and conditions of funding agreements is not only mandatory, but it is critical to maintaining cash flow! ISC has reinstated halts and recoveries on funding. To help a First Nation catch up on these reports we can: • Triage outstanding reports • Train Program Management on reporting requirements • Work with the Nation's FSO to understand funding halts and how to reduce this risk • Submit outstanding reports to ISC on the Nation's behalf • Provide an 'ISC Report Training' seminar

My First Nation received a significant settlement, now what? The Government of Canada is settling Agricultural Benefits, Land Claims and other Specific Claims as part of its reconciliation strategy. The financial windfalls that often accompany this usually have terms and conditions on the funds. Navigating this process can be a significant undertaking. The following services may be of help: • With legal, create a corporate structure implementing the terms & conditions of the Trust agreement • Provide Capacity Development services to the Board of Trustees • Work with Boards of Trustees to select 3rd party managers • Create procedures & controls to allow for access to funding under the Trust • Ensure Per Capita Distributions are appropriate under the terms while meeting expectations of the Nation

What are the roles and expectations of Chief and Council? Knowing everything immediately once elected is an unrealistic expectation! Let us assist in this on boarding process including training on: • Governance roles & responsibilities • Financial literacy training • Understanding funding agreements

Why should I care about the policies in place at my First Nation? Policy brings certainty and consistency to government operations! Consider the following services we offer: • Review & provide feedback on existing policies • Conduct workflow analysis • Draft new & updated policies • Create organizational & workflow charts • Develop job descriptions

Why do Executive Management Services matter for my First Nation? Executive Management Services are the services that program & executive managers perform to ensure their departments run efficiently and executes deliverables. E.g. the responsibilities of a Band Manager or CFO. On a contract basis our firm can assist with: • Capacity building with staff & management • Strategic & operational planning • Review corporate structures • Implement debt retirement strategies • Work with Chief & Council on governance matters • Develop organizational charts • Staffing recruitment • Proposal writing

What role does tax play in my economic entities and structures? When it comes to First Nations and the tax environment, there is often reliance on 'general rules of thumb'. Though these are helpful, business development is not a 'one-size fits all'. Our firm can assist in the following areas: • File tax and partnership returns for economic development entities • Assess optimal organizational structure & set-up for taxation and liability purposes • Collaborate with legal teams to establish businesses (incorporation, partnership agreements, etc.) • Assist with compliance filings

Am I prepared and ready for my First Nation's audit this year? A requirement of funding agreements is a First Nation must have an annual audit engagement done by an independent 3rd party. The work to prepare for this can be extensive, and may not be something the finance department is ready for to meet a July 29th deadline. Here's how we can help: • Review and provide feedback on the readiness of the Finance Department • Help reconcile banks, A/R and A/P • Ensure ISC funding is captured properly • Work with audit partners to understand any previous deficiencies found and how to overcome them • Assist with Schedules of Remuneration, CMHC, and other statements