MEDIA ADVISORY

A NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE IS A GATHERING PLACE TO REVIVE CULTURE, AND
THE FULFILMENT OF A DREAM. AND IT’S FINANCED BY AN INNOVATIVE FIRST
NATIONS LENDER

SALT RIVER FIRST NATION, NWT (April 1, 2019) — Today the Salt River First Nation announced
the Grand Opening of its new Community Centre, a $17.5 million project financed by the First Nations
Financial Authority (FNFA), a major First Nations lender, in partnership with National Bank of Canada.
The Grand Opening takes place in Salt River on Sunday April 7 at 6:30 pm.
Chief Frieda Martselos describes the new Centre as “a great economic opportunity for future
generations and a gathering place for our community to revive the language and culture.” Years in the
planning, the project fulfils a community dream and stands as a testament to Salt River First Nation’s
vision and determination. Chief Martselos adds that “it would not have happened without financing
from FNFA.”

Salt River First Nation is located at the Northern Alberta border in the spectacular South Slave region
of the Northwest Territories. The community neighbours Fort Smith, headquarters of the Wood Buffalo
National Park, a home to endangered species and the largest national park in Canada. The
Community Centre’s unique and modern design reflects the culture and surrounding territory of the
Salt River First Nation.

In partnership with National Bank of Canada, the FNFA has created a financing solution that cuts
borrowing costs for First Nations communities. Over the last four years, it has lent $500 million to close
infrastructure gaps and generate employment opportunities. The FNFA has helped finance projects
across Canada, including wellness centres, community housing, and biomass energy, empowering
First Nations to control their own economic development.

Last September, FNFA announced the opening of a $24 million state-of-the-art high school in Fisher
River First Nation, 200 kilometres north of Winnipeg. FNFA enjoys an “A2 Stable,” investment- grade
rating from Moody’s Investors Service and is the recipient of the Governor General’s Innovation Award
for its “exceptional, transformative, and positive impact on quality of life.”

“Our loan program is over half a billion dollars and rapidly growing,” said FNFA CEO, Ernie Daniels.
“If you’re looking for opportunities to borrow or invest, we’d love to hear from you.”
For more information, please visit the FNFA website at www.fnfa.ca.

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Media contact: Ernie R. Daniels, President and CEO, First Nations Finance Authority
Phone: (250) 768.5253 ext. 112, email: edaniels@fnfa.ca