About the Centre

We are the only organization in Canada dedicated to transitioning First Nations from the Indian Act to their own concept of self-governance.

The Centre believes that INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS CANADIANS have an historic opportunity to realize reconciliation and build a better Canada

OUR VISION

At CFNG we see First Nation citizens living their cultures on their territories in healthy, independent, vibrant communities. We see them exercising their jurisdiction, writing their own laws, stewarding their lands and building economies. We see First Nations taking their rightful place as the allies they could have been at the time Canada was created. We see Canada transforming its relationship with First Nations and becoming a model for indigenous relations.

Where we have been

Over the last 12 years, the Centre has worked in over 200 First Nations across Canada, delivering self- governance services to citizens and leaders. We started in 2006 when we commissioned several leading academics and legal scholars renowned for their work in Aboriginal law and governance. We asked them to prepare a body of research that could inform the governance required by First Nations. We used this research, along with extensive feedback from First Nations, to develop our nation rebuilding services.

Where we are today

We are applying the lessons we have learned over the past 15 years to the Transitional Governance Program. This program takes participating First Nations through several milestones from visioning their future to realizing self-government. The McConnell Foundation has kindly contributed to our work.

We have also partnered with Carleton University to develop and launch the Rebuilding First Nation Governance project, a national alliance of First Nation communities and Tribal Councils, academic researchers and public sector practitioners that are conducting applied research alongside our services. With this project, we aim to transform the relationship between First Nations, the Crown and Canadian people.

What We Do

WE SUPPORT FIRST NATIONS AS THEY SHIFT FROM THE INDIAN ACT TO SELF-GOVERNANCE

WE WORK TOWARDS THE CITIZENS' VISION OF AN INDEPENDENT, HEALTHY COMMUNITY

WE BASE OUR WORK ON RECOGNIZED PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT GOVERNANCE