Making First Nation Law: The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Fishery

On May 19, 1993, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation Government took over the management of the salmon fishery in the Restigouche River where it flows between the provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec – waters the Listuguj Mi’gmaq people had fished for many generations. They did so not under a contract with provincial or federal authorities – the province of Quebec in fact opposed them. Nor did they do it by asking permission or receiving a request from some other government – they asked no permission and received no such requests. Nor did they do it by force – although their actions were shaped in part by violence. They did it by passing, implementing, and enforcing a law. [4.5 mb] Download PDF

Reconciliation in Ontario, Opportunities and Next Steps

Reconciliation between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous peoples in Canada is not just about the legacy of residential schools. It is a multi‐faceted process that restores lands, economic self‐sufficiency, and political jurisdiction to First Nations, and develops respectful and just relationships between First Nations and all Canadians. In February, 2011, First Nations leaders, youth and citizens gathered with non‐Aboriginal business people, civil servants, lawyers, academics, and students at a two‐day symposium in Toronto. Over 140 participants came together to find answers to the critical need for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous peoples to move forward on the question of reconciliation. This report lists the many ideas, issues, opportunities, next steps and actions identified by event participants. Download PDF

Governance Best Practices Report

The Governance Best Practices Report profiles the work of 25 First Nations, tribes and aboriginal organizations across Canada and in the United States. Based on NCFNG's principles of effective governance, each profile provides the reader with a brief snapshot of strategies, techniques, procedures or processes that produce efficiencies in governance. Download PDF

Crown Consultation and Practices Across Canada

Maria Morellato
While significant progress has been made in some jurisdictions in Canada, there continues to be a marked discrepancy between what is required of the Crown at law and how the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate is actually being exercised. This discrepancy becomes particularly apparent upon a review and analysis of the various Crown consultation and accommodation policies developed to date in Canada. The publication is intended to function as a framework for discussion rather than a comprehensive or prescriptive analysis. Much thinking needs to be done, ideally on a collaborative basis between the Crown and First Nations, concerning what tangible steps can be taken in order to implement necessary change. Download PDF

Memorandum: A Summary of the McIvor Decisions

The McIvor Decisions concern whether or not the registration provisions of section 6 of the current Indian Act discriminate against women. Download PDF

Principles to Support Effective Governance

The Centre believes the 17 principles of effective governance described in this discussion document will have practical application for our citizens. They blend the ancient principles and values of our respective Nations with the modern realities of self-governance. First Nations have the ability to enact all or some of these principles no matter where they sit on the continuum of self-governance. Download PDF

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The Crown’s Constitutional Duty to Consult and Accommodate Aboriginal and Treaty Rights

Maria Morellato
The Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate Aboriginal and treaty rights is a fundamental matter of social justice which invokes very solemn legal obligations. At the heart of the Crown’s legal responsibility to consult and accommodate aboriginal and treaty rights are choices made every day by Crown leaders and officials which very seriously impact not only fundamental constitutional rights but, also, the very health and well being of hundreds of thousands of women, men and children living in Canada. Download PDF

The Jurisdiction of Inherent Right Aboriginal Governments

Kent McNeil
Aboriginal governments have the authority under existing Canadian law to exercise jurisdiction. The essential point is that Aboriginal governments can become engaged on a government-to-government basis immediately. They have the authority to do so under existing Canadian law and do not have to seek permission to exercise their jurisdiction from the federal government, provincial governments, or Canadian courts. Download PDF

Presentation of Findings: Governance Think Tank

Think Tank Video: How does a First Nation implement their right to self-governance? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtJraMegyUI

This report presents the contributions and findings of NCFNG's 2008 Governance Think Tank attended by 20 academics, practitioners and Centre staff. The objective of the Governance Think Tank was to identify ways to effectively support communities through governance capacity building work, identify strategies by which communities exercise their inherent right to self-government and obtain feedback needed to support the work of the National Centre for First Nations Governance. Download PDF

Rebuilding Our Nations: NCFNG Newsletter

Newsletter of the National Centre for First Nations Governance Download PDF

Reconstruire nos nations

Bulletin du Centre national pour la gouvernance des Premières nations Download PDF

Annual Report

National Centre for First Nations Governance 2008/2009 Annual Report Download PDF

Annuel Report

Le centre National pour la Gouvernance des Premières Nations Annuel Report 2008/2009 Download PDF