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
The organizers of NATOA are 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 and website.

NATOA will concentrate on three 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 an accreditation program for Trust Managers and Member Trustees.
3. To engage in advocacy on issues impacting the management and operation of Indigenous Trusts.

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.

 

Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for all policy and operational decisions of the Association. The Board currently consists of nine members, however, each year the Board will elect four members to two-year terms. The maximum number of Executive Board members is twelve (12). Click here for more information about the Board of Directors.

1. Jason Campbell
2. Leith Cardinal
3. Alanna Jones
4. Maxine Netro-Fehr
5. Mark Sevestre
6. Max Skudra
7. Leslie Walkus
8. Vickie Whitehead

 

Committees
NATOA has developed several committees of members to meet the needs of the entire membership. The Committees that are currently operating and/or forming are:

1. Advisory Committee – The Advisory Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors for a three-year term. The Advisory Committee’s mandate is to ensure the Board has access to high quality technical expertise in all matters that affect Indigenous Trusts and Investment portfolios, as well as the management of the Association. It acts as a resource to the Board in providing expertise and information from within each Committee member’s own area of specialization. It establishes and   maintains a process for communication and reporting to ensure effective and appropriate Research Library content on behalf of the Board. Currently, there are ten members on the Advisory Committee. Click here for more information about the Advisory Committee.
2. Education Committee – The Education Committee is chaired by Mark Sevestre and is responsible for the Accreditation Program, presentations and professional development. NATOA is currently looking for volunteers to assist us in educating our members and Indigenous Communities. Click here for more information about the Education Committee.
3. Responsible Investment Committee – The Responsible Investment Committee is responsible for formulating the direction NATOA will take in providing leading information to the membership in the area of Responsible Investment which includes Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), Ethical, Sustainable and Governance (ESG), The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (TRC) and any other relevant areas to this field. Click here for more information about the Responsible Investment Committee.