The inaugural class of the First Nations Tax Administration program will be among the graduates crossing the stage during Fall Convocation, Friday, Oct. 7 at 2pm in the TRU Gymnasium.

Developed and delivered in partnership with the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics and the First Nations Tax Commission, the program is the first and only accredited certificate program of its kind in Canada. It is designed to provide students with the practical skills and knowledge to develop First Nations economies, generated tax revenues and create support systems for First Nation investors and tax payers. In particular, the program provides students with the skill set to implement the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act, which provides a legal and administrative framework for First Nations property tax systems.

Chief Michael LeBourdais, Board Chair of Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics, Alan Shaver, President and Vice-Chancellor, TRU and Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission C. T. (Manny) Jules joined together with students, teachers, family and community leaders to celebrate.

“We are so proud of our graduates,” said Chief LeBourdais. “We are looking forward to hearing about their future success in leading new, on-reserve infrastructure projects with the specialized skills they gained from our program. We have the utmost confidence our Class of 2011 are able to apply their new knowledge in creating more economic opportunities for their First Nations with the ultimate goals toward gaining financial self-sufficiency.”

“This program reflects TRU’s commitment to Aboriginal learners and is another example of how TRU provides innovative new approaches to serving the needs of our communities in BC and the rest of Canada,“ said Dr. Alan Shaver.

“With the completion of this program, graduates have an unique opportunity to make significant breakthroughs in helping organize our First Nations systems and institutions on reserve,” said Chief Commissioner Jules.