First Nations Inspection Authority (FNIA) is a 100% Indigenous-owned inspection agency providing a range of accredited technical and inspection services for residential, commercial, and industrial developments and existing infrastructure. We also work with First Nations and advocate for meaningful policy change that improves the quality and safety of on-reserve homes and buildings.
History
FNIA was established in 2024 by Nathan (Mihko-Acahkos,”Red Star”) McDonald to provide an Indigenous voice in standards and code compliance for the housing, commercial, and industrial sectors. A member of Enoch Cree Nation with Cree-Assiniboine heritage and family roots in Carry the Kettle First Nation, Nathan’s motivation to start FNIA came from firsthand experience observing serious gaps in compliance and safety while inspecting new and existing homes, housing projects and community buildings on First Nations. FNIA bridges the cultural divide between First Nations and non-Indigenous housing experts, governments, and industry, with the goal of creating policy change that has a positive and sustainable impact in First Nation communities.
Experience
FNIA founder and lead inspector Nathan McDonald has over 19 years practical working knowledge and field experience starting as a certified red seal electrician on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Nathan’s history in code compliance began as an Electrical Field Safety Representative (contractor) and then as Electrical Safety Officer for Technical Safety BC. His desire to contribute to First Nations led to his role as Indigenous Technical Advisor for Technical Safety BC before he moved on to the position of Housing Authority Director for his home community of Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Safety Codes Council of Alberta for inspection services and certified through the Master Inspection Certification Board, FNIA Safety Codes Officers are authorized to provide building, plumbing, gas, and electrical (Group A Installations and Group B Utility) inspections. FNIA’s services support quality construction in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, ensuring all existing structures and new developments meet the minimum standards for health, safety, performance codes, and compliance.
Purpose
FNIA provides technical services in safety and compliance and advocates for meaningful policy change in support of improved quality and safety of homes, housing, and industrial and utilities buildings and developments on First Nations.
Mission
Elevate building standards for on-reserve housing to a level that exceeds national averages by ensuring federal/provincial code compliance in construction.
Vision
First Nations housing is the gold standard for quality housing in Canada, providing safe and sustainable living conditions that enable people to thrive, prosper, and grow.
Values
A Good Life
mîyo pimâtisiwin
Balance in partnerships, reciprocal relationships, and meaningful collaboration.
Respect
kihcêyihtowin
Respect for Indigenous ways of doing, worldviews, and trust-building.
Commitment
asotâmawin
Commitment to reconciliation, positive policy change, and sustainable impact.