National Center for First Nation Governance

“While the growth of Aboriginal organizations over the past two decades, “has had both a political and social [and economic] impact on Canadian society…. little has been written about these organizations and the role they have played in the development of Canada.” To remedy this situation, a number of analysts, research institutions, and community managers and leaders have started to piece together a useful picture of the history, development, growth, and the day-to-day operation of these organizations.”

"This paper will focus on the human resources challenges that face First Nations communities and their governments in rebuilding their capacity for good governance and in meeting their sovereign obligations. The vision that First Nations people see where they are self-sufficient, autonomous and significant contributors to society requires a paradigm shift for the federal government in its Indian policy.

This project involved extensive research into and analysis of the role that meaningful consultation can play in First Nation development in Canada. A key element was to develop insights into the importance of consultation in helping First Nations achieve greater self governance. […] Another significant component of the research program was to identify and analyze existing guides on consultation and examine their applicability for First Nation users.”

Information regarding the First Nations Governance Act as it relates to administration and financial management.

Case study of Membertou First Nation, representing the principle of "Accontability and Reporting" as part of National Center for First Nation Governance's Best Practices series.

"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."

"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.

"This paper examines the Canadian Aboriginal fiscal inter-governmental system by comparing it to other countries, and also focuses on the key characteristics of the Canadian system."