Lower Similkameen Indian Band achieves highest level of FMB’s financial systems certification
Lower Similkameen Indian Band achieves highest level of FMB’s financial systems certification
December 15, 2023
LOWER SIMILKAMEEN INDIAN BAND – Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB), located in the South-Central Interior of British Columbia, recently received Financial Management System Certification from the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB). This means their finance and administrative governance practices now meet FMB Standards, which are based on internationally recognized standards of financial management.
“I acknowledge the great work of our Council, senior staff and finance department in achieving the FMB Financial Management System Certification,” says Chief Keith Crow. “This will enable LSIB to move forward with confidence in our Fiscal Management Systems.”
Band leadership worked diligently over the past five-plus years to ensure the LSIB membership that the Nation’s Financial Management System is safe, secure, and in good standing. The current LSIB Finance Department embraces a philosophy of “Spend it now and it’s gone forever; invest it now and you can spend it forever,” says Frank E. Wilson, LSIB’s Director of Finance.
The Nation uses proceeds from investments to better fund education, language preservation, the proposed fire department, climate change mitigation, and infrastructure development. Wilson acknowledges the contributions of Chief and Council as well as the staff of LSIB in achieving the FMB’s highest level of financial certification. “Their patience, guidance, and input toward adopting sound Financial Management Systems has been immeasurable,” he said. “Their dedication and ability to manage the steep learning curve has enabled me to apply the time and resources needed to design, develop, and implement an FMS that is state-of-the-art.”
About Lower Similkameen Indian Band:
The Sovereign Smalqmix of the Sukwnaqin-x is committed to preserving its land, history, culture, and traditions to enhance the quality of life for today’s members and future generations. With a population of 657, the land base of the LSIB is a combination of distinctive desert lands, luscious valley lands, mountainous alpine and fertile wetlands. The mountainous region contains various streams, creeks, rivers and lakes. The First Nation generates own-source revenue (OSR) from forestry, mining, vineyards, property rentals, taxation, and gaming.
About FMB:
The First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB) is a 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
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Media Contacts:
Helen Murphy
Senior Communications Manager
First Nations Financial Management Board
P: (343) 598-2606
Frank E. Wilson
Director of Finance
Lower Similkameen Indian Band
Office: 250.499.5528 (ext.149)
Office: 250.499.5528 (ext.149)
C: 250.485.2054
NT5
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