Catherine Debassige, Hon. B. Comm., CAFM, CLC, is the FMB Capacity Development Manager for the Eastern Region with the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB). Since joining FMB in 2018, she has provided direct capacity-building support and guidance to First Nations as they put their Financial Administration Laws into day-to-day practice.
In her role, Catherine supports First Nations throughout Ontario in strengthening financial governance processes and advancing along their chosen pathways toward self-determination, including the optional pursuit of FMS Certification through FMB.
She brings more than 20 years of experience in First Nation economic development, entrepreneurship, and financing to her work. Through a coaching-based approach, Catherine works alongside First Nations to support practical implementation, build confidence, and strengthen financial management capacity. Catherine is a member of M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, ON.