Services and Workshops
The National Centre for First Nations Governance delivers services in the communities of First Nations who are looking for ways to move beyond the Indian Act and develop their own independent governance.
The Centre supports First Nations who take it upon themselves to develop governance that is consistent with the practices, beliefs and values of their people; to engage their citizens in developing a shared vision that charts the course from where they are to where they want to be.
The Centre encourages First Nations to exercise jurisdiction beyond the borders of reserves, to steward their lands and live off their territories. A Nation that practices effective, independent governance has the capacity to restore their culture, well-being and economic independence.
The Centre delivers services to help young citizens and emerging leaders learn about the potential of their Nations.
Getting Started: Call the NCFNG office in your region to get started. Our offices are located in the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and British Columbia. Toll Free 1 866-922-2052
Nation Rebuilding Workshops - Delivered in our Communities
FIRST NATIONS LEADERSHIP ESSENTIALS
Effective leadership is vital to successful Nation rebuilding and creating positive change in your community. In this workshop, you will take a critical look at the law and at leadership roles and responsibilities. This workshop empowers chiefs and councils to achieve effective governance and consider the opportunities for Nation rebuilding.
Read the two-page brochure [PDF]
COMMUNITY VISIONING & STRATEGIC PLANNING
The people are the foundation of our Nations. They share language, creation stories, community history and family relationships. Together they hold collective memories. When they gather to create a shared vision they are making intentional, political statements about their past, present and the possibilities of their future. In this workshop you will work with your community’s citizens to develop a shared vision and learn how to support your vision with a strategic plan so that it is implemented effectively.
Read the two-page brochure [PDF]
CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNITY APPROVAL
It is vital that First Nations determine the best ways for their citizens to contribute to important decisions. What matters most is that the process of decision making be open, inclusive, appropriate to the community, and that issues are widely understood. Citizen engagement is a process for giving people an opportunity to understand issues and provide meaningful feedback. Community approval ensures that the important decisions made on behalf of your First Nation are vested with legal authority. This workshop is for First Nations that want to engage their citizens and plan for successful community approval.
Read the two-page brochure [PDF]
TERRITORIAL RIGHTS
A deep connection to the land is vital to First Nations. It is the land that gives us our deep sense of place and our sense of self. In recent years, Canadian courts have recognized First Nation interests in their land. The law is evolving quickly and many First Nations are now considering consultation and accommodation to gain greater control over their traditional lands. This workshop presents a framework to leverage the law for your maximum benefit.
Read the two-page brochure [PDF]
CULTURE, TRADITION & EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE
The challenge for First Nations today is to ensure that governance continues to reflect community norms, values, culture, and language while remaining effective. This workshop is for First Nations that want to explore the meaning and relevance of culture and tradition in effective governance.
Read the two-page brochure [PDF]
CITIZENSHIP LAWS
Developing citizenship laws are an act of self determination. When a First Nation creates its own rules for identifying who is a citizen, it is taking a large step away from the control of the Indian Act and towards something of its own design. The development of citizenship laws is a significant step for First Nations in the implementation of self-governance and the creation of culturally relevant institutions that support Nation rebuilding. In this workshop you will learn the process for creating your Nation's own rules for identifying your citizens.
Read the two-page brochure [PDF]
INTRODUCTION TO CONSTITUTIONS
The development of a constitution is a fundamental step in the process of Nation rebuilding. For a First Nation to truly establish effective self-governance today, it must fulfill the basic elements of a constitution. The development of a constitution is a significant step for First Nations in the implementation of self government, the assertion of aboriginal title, and the fulfilment of aboriginal and treaty rights. In this workshop you will review real life examples of First Nation constitutions and find out what it takes to develop a constitution for your Nation.
Read the two-page brochure [PDF]
LAW & POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Moving beyond the Indian Act and implementing self governance requires you to design new institutions, assume jurisdiction, and make laws and policy that reflect your own priorities and values. This workshop provides a framework for thinking about law and policy development and builds the skills you need to develop your own institutions of governance. Learn to identify key areas that matter to your community, identify problems in existing law & policies and develop a proper response to those needs through good law & policy development. These skills are an essential asset for Nation rebuilding.
Read the two-page brochure [PDF]
LEADERSHIP SELECTION - AVAILABLE SOON
Learn about the opportunities and challenges for developing independent leadership selection.
Youth Services
The Centre delivers services to help young citizens and emerging leaders learn about the potential of their Nations.
Read the brochure [PDF]
For more information on our services and workshops. Call us toll free at 1 866-922-2052. Our offices are located in the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and British Columbia.