OVERVIEW

The First Nations Governance and Leadership micro-credential is a partnership with Bonaparte First Nation.

The program utilizes Indigenous approaches to organizational behaviour, governance, and leadership by grounding learning in Indigenous governance systems, relational accountability, and Community-based perspectives. Learners engage with core organizational behaviour concepts such as motivation, collaboration, conflict resolution, transformation, and leadership through localized Indigenous frameworks that prioritize Community involvement, cultural safety, and collective well-being.

The program builds practical skills in financial management, governance, and strategic decision-making within First Nation contexts by analyzing real-world financial challenges faced by First Nation entities. Leadership is explored as a practice rooted in cultural integrity, ethical authority, and relational accountability. Through reflective engagement, learners examine their own values and leadership approaches while considering the central role of trust in Indigenous leadership philosophies within complex governance and organizational environments.

Using case studies and applied analysis, learners critically engage with ethical issues arising in intergovernmental, cross-cultural, and political contexts. The program also examines the transformation from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), analyzing how federal Indigenous policy is developed and implemented in relation to Indigenous self-determination.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The First Nations Governance and Leadership micro-credential takes a holistic approach to admissions, recognizing lived experience, professional accomplishments, academic experience and knowledge gained through Community and/or Nation-building.

The program welcomes individuals whose experience reflects a commitment to relational responsibility, embodying strategic thinking, humility, and the ability to navigate complex systems while upholding Indigenous values.

• Mature Student Status
• A letter of intent
  • 3-5 years leadership experience in either Council, Band Management and/or both OR
  • Demonstrated experience in either 10 years or more Band Council or elected leadership OR
  • Some academic experience in the last 10 years
• A suitability interview will be required
• Letters of support from Communities and/or employers are encouraged
• English 12 or English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or English 060; OR
• Permission from the Program Coordinator or Dean or AVP Academic

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

• Through informal learning that fulfills program requirements, learners can reflect on past experiences making it possible to assess prior knowledge and skills for admission into the program.

NVIT is committed to ensuring education is accessible to all people. Students who do not meet program requirements should contact the Department Coordinator or an NVIT Academic Planner regarding upgrading opportunities.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Upon successful completion of the micro-credential, learners will:

• build an ethical approach to HR metrics using Indigenous data governance frameworks such as OCAP, in a First Nations context, and CARE principles through a broader Indigenous data governance framework;
• create and implement an HR strategy or policy package with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing that demonstrates relational accountability, sustainability, and risk awareness;
• develop a practical reporting package for the Council/community that supports transparency and informed decision-making;
• produce an implementation roadmap that turns law/standards into day-to-day systems, policies, procedures, and calendars.
• prioritize Indigenous self-determination, Nation building, and sustainability to implement an innovative action plan consisting of ethical problem solving and decision-making;
• design and facilitate a Community-centered leadership model that highlights traditional practices to enhance sustainable engagement and citizen participation.
• develop a one- and multi-year program budget aligned with ISC rules and Community priorities that identify decolonizing socioeconomic and political concerns; and
• prioritize policy analysis and evaluation methods to make macro-level policy recommendations by designing a program concept (policy rationale, governance model, budget, and performance framework) for an ISC-funded initiative.