Building knowledge about Trusts and Investments for Indigenous people by Indigenous people, to enhance the professionalism and accountability in the management of this important resource.

 

Mission Statement
NATOA is a charity organization, and is committed to providing Indigenous Peoples of Canada with the resources and information that will help them efficiently create, manage, and operate trusts as a means to ensure the seven generations yet unborn, can benefit from the goals and dreams of the present generation.

NATOA’s goal is to be a highly professional and relevant resource for Indigenous Peoples in becoming self-sustaining and vital economic communities.

 

Mandate
NATOA is committed to ensuring that the best possible information on areas relevant to Trusts, such as investing, Trust structures; accounting, tax, management, administration and legal issues is available through an internet-based research library website and national/regional workshops.

NATOA will concentrate on four main goals:

1. To provide opportunities for development of Indigenous Trust Officers and managers and for the sharing of knowledge among Indigenous communities and their advisors.
2. To develop and maintain an educational program for Indigenous Trust Officers, NATOA Members and others through online website(s) and national and regional workshops.
3. To engage in advocacy on issues impacting the management and operation of Indigenous Trusts.
4. To advocate and provide a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing for Indigenous Women and Youth where consistent with the needs and mandates of NATOA’s constituent communities.

As more and more Indigenous governments, organizations and communities establish trusts to hold and manage the funds obtained from their claims (land claims, treaty land entitlement, hydro claims) or business activities, it is critical to ensure these funds are prudently and responsibly managed and that structures are in place to reflect the particular aspirations and objectives of an individual community.

NATOA’s commitment to strengthening Indigenous communities and their ability to meet their own member needs and desires through financial opportunities utilizing trust funds and investing principles that are consistent with Indigenous Cultural traditions and values generally and those of individual communities specifically. Advancing the goals and opportunities of Indigenous Women and Youth is vital to the capacity and future success of our Trusts and communities.