ARTICLE · 01 DECEMBER 2023

A New Initiative For First Nation Equity Ownership

Miller Titerle + Company

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The Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has introduced the Indigenous Equity Initiative (IEI), a lending program designed to enable First Nations to become equity owners of infrastructure assets situated on their traditional territories.

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Stephen Pederson

Michaela Pomponio

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The Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has introduced the Indigenous Equity Initiative (IEI), a lending program designed to enable First Nations to become equity owners of infrastructure assets situated on their traditional territories.

Filling a Crucial Gap

This initiative provides First Nations with the essential upfront capital required to purchase equity stakes in major infrastructure projects. This financing fills a critical gap in the market as few institutional or private lenders operate in this space, making it challenging for First Nations to secure the amount of capital required to own infrastructure.

A Billion-Dollar Commitment

This initiative is part of CIB's broader pledge to invest a minimum of one billion dollars in Indigenous infrastructure.

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