Board of Directors

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WFI is overseen by an independent Board of Directors responsible for fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, and policy governance.

The Board’s role includes:

• Safeguarding the mission and long-term vision of the Institute
• Providing financial and strategic oversight
• Approving and monitoring institutional policies
• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
• Protecting the integrity of restricted and endowed funds

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Day-to-day operations are delegated to management in accordance with Board-approved authority frameworks.

 

 

Policy Framework

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WFI operates under a comprehensive set of Board-approved Tier One policies that guide governance, financial management, and ethical conduct.

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These policies include, but are not limited to:

• Financial oversight and internal controls
• Conflict of interest
• Code of conduct
• Authority and decision-making frameworks
• Stewardship of restricted and endowed funds

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This policy structure ensures clarity of roles, transparency in decision-making, and consistency in institutional practice.

 

 

Financial Stewardship

 

WFI is committed to responsible financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.

• Financial activities are overseen by the Board
• Restricted and endowed funds are segregated from operating accounts
• Endowment capital is permanently restricted and governed by formal investment and spending policies
• Annual financial reporting supports transparency and accountability

 

WFI’s financial practices are designed to protect donor intent, public trust, and institutional resilience.

 

 

Endowment Oversight

 

The WFI Endowment is governed by Board-approved policies that prioritize:

• Capital preservation
• Prudent investment management
• Predictable, policy-guided annual distributions
• Long-term institutional stability

 

Endowment income supports core institutional functions and is not used for short-term operating gaps or deficit financing.

 

 

Indigenous Leadership and Accountability

 

As an Indigenous-led institution, WFI’s governance reflects accountability to community, culture, and place.

 

Decision-making is grounded in respect for Indigenous knowledge systems, ethical storytelling practices, and the responsibility to create safe, culturally grounded learning environments.

 

Governance at WFI is understood not only as compliance, but as stewardship of responsibility across generations.

 

 

Transparency

 

WFI is a registered Canadian charitable organization and is committed to transparency in governance and financial reporting.

Additional governance and policy information may be made available upon request.