Transition to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

NOTICE TO COMMUNITY

Date: October 13, 2026
From: Chief and Council and SȾÁUTW̱ Finance

Effective December 1, 2026

After the effective date, payments to community members will be processed through EFT/direct deposit, subject to any exceptional circumstances approved by Administration in accordance with Nation policy.

Transition to EFT / Direct Deposit

Chief and Council advise community members that all payments issued directly by SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation to community members will transition to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT/direct deposit).

This change applies to all eligible payments made directly to community members, including:

  • Income Assistance payments;
  • Program benefits and financial supports;
  • Reimbursements;
  • Honoraria; and
  • Other eligible payments issued by the Nation.

What This Means

Community members who receive payments from SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation will be required to provide current banking information so approved payments can be deposited directly into their bank account.

The transition to EFT will help the Nation:

  • Provide payments more securely and efficiently;
  • Reduce delays associated with preparing, distributing, replacing, or cashing cheques;
  • Reduce the risk of lost or stolen cheques;
  • Improve financial administration and payment tracking; and
  • Ensure community members receive approved payments as quickly as possible.

Income Assistance Clients

Income Assistance payments will also be issued through EFT/direct deposit.

We recognize that some community members may not currently have a bank account or may require assistance completing the transition. Members who need support are encouraged to contact the Income Assistance Program or Administration as soon as possible. Staff will identify the required information and provide reasonable assistance with the transition.

Banking Information and Security

Community members receiving payments from the Nation should ensure their banking information is current. A void cheque or official direct deposit form from a financial institution may be required to establish EFT.

For your protection, banking information must only be provided through the secure process identified by SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation Administration. Please do not send banking information through social media, text message, or other unsecured methods.

Questions and Assistance

For assistance with EFT requirements or updating your banking information, please contact the Income Assistance Program, Administration, or the SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation Finance Department at financeassist@stautw.ca.

Chief and Council appreciate everyone’s cooperation as the Nation moves toward a more secure, timely, and efficient payment process.

HÍSW̱ḴE

On behalf of,
SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation Chief and Council
Chief Abraham Pelkey

On behalf of SȾÁUTW̱ Finance Department
Greg Diemer – Chief Financial Officer

SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation
7728 Tetayut Rd | Saanichton, BC | V8M 2E4
Phone: 250-652-9101 | Fax: 250-652-1149
Website listed on the notice: www.stautw.ca