FNBC welcomes former AFN Chief Perry Bellegarde to its board of directors

By Chevi Rabbit, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(ANNews) – First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC) recently announced the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors.

The following four are the new board of directors: Perry Bellegarde, former Chief of Little Black Bear First Nation and two-time National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations;  Rod Hick, President and CEO of Atuqtuarvik Corporation and recently named Honourary Patron of the Arctic Inspiration Prize; Brenda LaRose, nationally recognized leader in Indigenous executive recruitment and former Managing Partner, National Diversity and Indigenous Board Practice with Leaders International Executive Search; Danika Littlechild, member of Ermineskin Cree Nation and Assistant Professor in the Department of Law and Legal Studies at Carleton University, formerly held positions with the Assembly of First Nations in the United Nations Development Program.

First Nations Bank of Canada is the first Canadian chartered bank to be independently controlled by Indigenous shareholders. The bank headquarters are located in Saskatoon.

“Our newly appointed board members represent the increasing diversity and broad interests of Indigenous and non-Indigenous customers across Canada,” said Kieth Martell, President and CEO of FNBC. “We are honoured by their commitment to help us ensure our continued success as a business and as a socially, environmentally, and economically responsible financial institution that aligns with the interests and values of its employees and external stakeholders.”

“We are celebrating our 25th anniversary this year and from the beginning, have focused on the growth of the Indigenous Economy and the economic well-being of Indigenous People in Canada,” added Martell.

“We would like to thank Mark Wedge and Ken Toner, who are retiring from the Board, for their many years of guidance and advice which has been instrumental in the success of the Bank,” says Bill Namagoose, the Chair of the Board of Directors.

“The continued growth of FNBC allows for increased financial and social contribution to previously underserved Indigenous People and Communities. With community partnerships grounded in trust and respect, FNBC is committed to strong and diverse leadership that reflects the strength and diversity of the customers and communities served by the Bank. Now 87% Indigenous-owned, the Bank continues to increase personal and business banking services for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, corporations and governments.”