Sovereign Wealth Fund
Sovereign Wealth Fund
Teaching about Sovereign Wealth Fund and how it is applicable and utilized by Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
NATOA is exploring Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) on an international scope to see how we can change the laws in Canada so that Trusts can become SWF’s if an Indigenous community wants it.
We will do this through a three-phase approach of:
- Environmental Scan
- Communication with Indigenous Trusts
- New “trailways” for creation of Sovereign Funds
Teaching about Sovereign Wealth Fund
What is a Sovereign Wealth Fund? Internationally, the term “Sovereign Wealth Fund” (SWF) was coined in 2005 by a financial analyst named Andrew Rozanov to describe the new way in which governments were setting aside and investing state-earned revenues. What makes them “sovereign” is they are created through an act of legislation (law) within a sovereign government (a country) for their purposes and within their culture and language.
How are Sovereign Wealth Funds applicable to Indigenous Peoples and Communities? There are Indigenous countries that create SWF’s but here in Canada, Indigenous Communities cannot create real SWF’s as they have to follow the Trust law of the Province or Territory where they live.
How are Sovereign Wealth Funds utilized? NATOA is exploring and understanding SWF internationally to see how we can change the laws here in Canada so that Trusts can become a SWF if a community wants it. We will do this through a three-phase approach of:
- Environmental Scan – understanding SWF and Indigenous Trusts
- Information to and feedback from Indigenous Trusts
- New ”Trailways” for the creation of Sovereign Funds, including changes to laws, training, and support for those that want it.
This project will provide “Trailways” to choose from to fit each Indigenous community needs as they define them. We are asking: What needs to change in the legal system? What does financial sovereignty mean? How can NATOA support members on their trail through our role of gathering knowledge, sharing education and as advocates for Indigenous Sovereignty?