About

IFNA

Vision

Sustainability and autonomy for IFNA First Nations communities.

History

Prior to the establishment of the Independent First Nation Alliance in September 1987, the five First Nation communities of Whitesand, Lac Seul, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Pikangikum and Muskrat Dam were independent from any existing Tribal Council. While each community is recognized as an autonomous entity with individual needs and aspirations, their association with IFNA allows them to be interconnected and to build strength and unity with one another. IFNA was incorporated in 1989 in order to provide technical advisory and development support programs to their communities. Upon the guidance of the people, the IFNA Chiefs direct the affairs of the Tribal Council based on custom norms and traditional consensus building.

Mission

Helping IFNA First Nations advance their priorities and develop healthy, sustainable communities.

The Independent First Nations Alliance consistently strives to better support each of their member communities and takes a proactive approach to addressing concerns, solving problems and achieving growth within each First Nation. IFNA continues to develop new services and programs in support of their member communities, adapting to emerging needs and concerns, particularly in the areas of health, education and economic development. Among other initiatives, IFNA has recently built new residences to compensate for the lack of living housing spaces for students in Sioux Lookout and spearheaded the evacuee management efforts for Pikangikum First Nation in June and July of 2019.

Under the direction of CEO Mathew Hoppe, IFNA has recently been restructured to enable significant growth in the coming years. In order to support emerging services and initiatives, IFNA staff has grown from 15 Caring individuals to a team of over 40 change makers who continually go above and beyond in support of IFNA communities. With this growth in staff, IFNA is able to focus on initiatives that will strengthen the health of each community. In collaboration with the Chiefs of the five First Nations, a strategic plan is under review to maximize growth, build capacity and forge a common path towards success.

Executive

Mathew Hoppe, CEO

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathew Hoppe brings with him over 15 years of leadership and experience working with First Nations organizations. Hailing from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, he has gained a unique set of skills and knowledge to support First Nations communities during his time with Shibogama First Nations Council and as Technical Manager with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.

With a true understanding of how First Nations communities operate and with the utmost dedication to considering First Nations perspectives, Mathew is determined to provide whatever support necessary to IFNA communities. His door is always open.

Executive

Mathew Hoppe, CEO

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathew Hoppe brings with him over 15 years of leadership and experience working with First Nations organizations. Hailing from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, he has gained a unique set of skills and knowledge to support First Nations communities during his time with Shibogama First Nations Council and as Technical Manager with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.
With a true understanding of how First Nations communities operate and with the utmost dedication to considering First Nations perspectives, Mathew is determined to provide whatever support necessary to IFNA communities. His door is always open.

Executive

Mathew Hoppe, CEO

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathew Hoppe brings with him over 15 years of leadership and experience working with First Nations organizations. Hailing from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, he has gained a unique set of skills and knowledge to support First Nations communities during his time with Shibogama First Nations Council and as Technical Manager with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.
With a true understanding of how First Nations communities operate and with the utmost dedication to considering First Nations perspectives, Mathew is determined to provide whatever support necessary to IFNA communities. His door is always open.

“Under the guidance and leadership of the IFNA Chiefs, I am confident that all IFNA programs will focus our efforts on advancing community development, growth and each community’s journey towards self reliance.”

– Mathew Hoppe, CEO

Executive Staff

MATHEW HOPPE

Chief Executive Officer

Sioux Lookout
Tel: 807-737-1902
Fax: 807-737-3501

GAIL BINGUIS

Executive Assistant

Sioux Lookout
Tel: 807-737-1902
Fax: 807-737-3501

Chiefs Council

From Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, formerly known as Big Trout Lake, comes a Creative Leader, a hard worker with a vision and mission to help First Nations advance and enhance. Mathew Hoppe is a leader of change, with over 15 years of leadership and experience working with First Nations organizations.