加拿大第一民族發展研究學會以強化美洲印地安經濟體來維護健全的部落為宗旨，投資與研發創新的機構與模式，促進美洲印地安民族族人和部落的資產管控，並支持其經濟發展。 隨著來自個人、基金會、企業與部落捐贈者的贊助，第一民族發展研究學會透過技術援助與培訓、倡議與政策和直接的財務補助，在五個關鍵領域改善美洲原住民的經濟狀況，包括：一、金融與投資教育；二、 打擊惡意貸款；三、美洲原住民產業及資產開發；四、美洲原住民非營利組織勢力的增長；五、原住民食品與健康。

Our mission is to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities. We invest in and create innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities. With the support of individuals, foundations, corporate and tribal donors, First Nations Development Institute improves economic conditions for Native Americans through technical assistance & training, advocacy & policy, and direct financial grants in five key areas: 1) Financial & Investor Education, 2) Combating Predatory Lending, 3) Native American Business & Asset Development, 4) Strengthening Native American Nonprofits, 5) Native Foods & Health.