Document Library

Yunesit’in First Nation

Xwkmalhkwu First Nation

Example of a Nation’s Governance Manual. Can be used as a guide or template to aid in the development of a community’s own formal, council-approved governance policy.

Xatsull Development Corporation

Soda Creek Indian Band’s Development Corporation company management structure, history, goals and objectives, ownership structure, background, timeline and assets. Fulsome plan that would be useful for other Dev Corps to use as a template for their own business planning purposes.

National Centre for First Nations Governance

An example of a Nation’s land use plan, the process they used to establish and continue to update the plan and how to implement it.

Whispering Pines Indian Band

Whispering Pines Indian Band governance manual that can be used as a guide or template for other communities. Includes Financial Management.

Wet’suwet’en First Nation

Governance Manual of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation, developed in recognition of Wet’suwet’en First Nation’s unique authority and role, covering the following policy areas: Code of Conduct, Council Roles and Responsibilities, Council Governance Structure, Council Orientation, Unity of Control, Administration, Asset Protection, Principles for Establishing Council Committees, Finance, and Complaints and Dispute Resolution Procedure. The practices are drawn from the experiences of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation Community Members and Council Members, as well as other First Nations practicing good governance.

Westbank First Nation

Example from Westbank First Nation where the internal strategic plans reflect and encompass the basic principles set in the Plan and are implemented in department policies, programs, and community development.

Wasauking First Nation

Wasauking’s Strategic Plan that has a heavy economic development component while addressing cultural continuity.

New Relationship Trust

This course focuses on venture development and analysis processes from the point of view of an economic development practitioner. Participants will start from regional economic analysis, follow a series of steps including selection criteria, feasibility studies, and business plans and end with an examination of different business forms to find the one that best fits the venture.

Tsleil-Waututh Nation

A very thorough example of financial management polices that encompass the entire range of financial operations of the nation so that finances are administered in a manner that encourages and promotes TWN solvency, good value for expenditures and up-to-date reporting of TWN’s financial position. Can be used as a template.

Tsawwassen First Nation

Tsawwassen’s third five year strategic vision that addresses all components of the Nation, including economic development.

Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

Strategic plan guided by: humility, honesty, respect, bravery, wisdom, truth, and love.

National Centre for First Nations Governance

The study provides recommendations that may be considered by PLFN when engaging in economic and resource development activities and land management planning based on traditional land use and territory

Ethan Baptiste: Nk’mip

This paper discusses how the five principles of traditional Okanagan leadership (will of the people, leadership training, protection of the land, leading by example, continuously validating authority) can be applied to current governance systems, including accountability, transparency, consultation, communication and decision-making.

University of Kansas

This toolkit helps in developing a vision, mission, objectives, strategies, and action plan for the effort.

University of Kansas

This toolkit provides guidance for creating a partnership among different organizations to address a common goal.

Overview of various kind of business structures, how to organize them, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Overview of various kind of business structures, how to organize them, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

University of Kansas

This toolkit provides guidance for conducting assessments of community needs and resources.

Songhees Nation

The Strategic Plan forms the basis for the Nation’s Annual and Multi-Year Budget and Annual Operating Plans. Self-government, language and culture, land, economic development and education/skills/employment, health and social development.

National Centre for First Nations Governance

These five pillars of effective governance blend the traditional values of our respective Nations with the modern realities of self-governance. NCFNG uses the principles behind these five pillars to develop and deliver tools and services to assist in rebuilding First Nations.

The Gordon Foundation

While the Toolkit focuses primarily on the mining industry, many of the issues and processes addressed in the Toolkit are relevant to the making of agreements in other industry sectors and contexts, including protected areas, oil and gas, hydro and forestry. The goal of the Toolkit is to help communities, negotiators and consultants achieve positive agreements for Indigenous communities.

Nelligan Law

This article outlines the parameters of IBAs and answers questions pertaining to who, what, why, how, when and where.

National Centre for First Nations Governance

The Nature of Capital, Governance, Wealth Accumulation and Money Management for optimizing First Nations economic development.

BC First Nations Data Governance Initiative

Highlights seven areas of planning and reporting: Culture and languages Community driven, Nation-based Community engagement Communication Collaboration Connection

Temagami First Nation

Sample policy for financial philosophy and operations.

Tahltan Nation

A roadmap for bringing the roadmap to life, including the establishment of the leadership’s collective vision of the Tahltan Nation in 2020.

Tahltan Nation

Governance Manual to coordinate the political vision and collective efforts of the three Tahltan entities.

National Centre for First Nations Governance

This case study is short and outlines the six stage process that Tsleil-Waututh used to set their strategic vision and direction for development.

Qualicum First Nation

Provides clear direction and goals for Saa’men for five years. Saa’men is responsible to solicit and negotiate new business opportunities for the benefit of the band.

Sq’ew?:lxw First Nation

The purpose of the Sq’ew?:lxw Land Use and Zoning Law is to promote environmentally responsible, healthy, safe, convenient, and well planned use of Sq’ew?:lxw lands. The purpose of this policy is to support the administration of land use on Sq’ew?:lxw reserve land.

Sq’ew?:lxw First Nation

The purpose of the Sq’ew?:lxw Environmental Law is ensure that the people’s vision of a safe, prosperous, and sustainable community is achieved while caring for our land and water. The purpose of this policy is to support the administration of environmental and emergency management on Sq’ew?:lxw First Nation reserve land. The policy is meant to provide guidance in layman terms but is not a substitute for the Law itself.

Sq’ew?:lxw First Nation

The purpose of this Law is to ensure that the Sq’ew?:lxw people’s vision of a safe, prosperous, and sustainable community is achieved while caring for our land and water.

First Nations Financial Management Board

Sample strategic plan that helps in guiding operations of all departments, including development corps.

First Nations Financial Management Board

Fillable word template to aid directors in planning their budget.

First Nations Financial Management Board

Multi-year financial planning template that in the format of an excel spreadsheet that is fillable.

First Nations Financial Management Board

Learning objectives of this presentation include: understanding risks and how to identify them, practice documenting and assessing risks, and complete a risk management plan.

National Centre for First Nations Governance

Best practices exhibited by Haisla First Nation in managing a forest previously designated for logging.

National Centre for First Nations Governance

Best practices and dev corp structure of Osoyoos Indian Band

Cando

Provides a better understanding of the Economic Development Officer occupation including skills, knowledge, abilities and values and the context of the work. Also provides tools and techniques for success.

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation

Strategic plan with a focus on improving standard of living, creating strong government, enhancing economic development, improving finance and administration. Includes an implementation plan.

Nadleh Whut’en First Nation

This project builds upon the experience of the three partner First Nations in past and current environmental assessments, addressing the numerous challenges, and strengthening common approaches to a First Nations Environmental Review Process. The partner First Nations conducted research on the various aspects of the environmental assessment process including legal, social, cultural, environmental, and economic impact assessment and mitigation processes. The project researched best practices among other First Nations, and enlisted technical support to ensure scientific validity of the new First Nations Environmental Assessment process.

The Harvard Project

Takes the reader through the process of resource planning and developing a strategic vision using the White Mountain Apache Tribe as an example. The planning process in this case contributes to greater economic efficiency, sovereignty, and institutional development.

Namgis Economic Development Corp

This document sets out the mandate, scope, objectives and limitations of the Namgis First Nation Economic Development Corporation to ensure effective decision making, transparency and accountability over NEDC and its portfolio of businesses.

First Nations Financial Management Board

This presentation reviews why multi-year financial planning is important and how to create a multi-year financial plan.

Coastal First Nations

Covers topics including: Guardians and Watchmen of our Traditional Territories, monitoring and adaptive management.

Lower Kootenay First Nation

Template for creating policy.

Lower Kootenay First Nation

Communities can use this resource to examine the Lower Kootenay First Nation’s approach developing a community constitution and gain knowledge that will inform the development of their own community constitution. This community constitution contains the following sections: Preamble Vision Definitions and Interpretation Principles of Responsible Government Function and Authority of Community Council Roles and Responsibilities of Council Meetings of Council Community and Nation Government Responsibilities of the Citizens Rights of the Citizens Community Advisory Committees Senior Management Financial Management Roles and Responsibilities of government Service Providers Conflict of Interest Grievances Dispute Resolution Adoption and Amendment

Coastal First Nations

Covers topics including: a conservation economy where people, communities and land are inseparable.

Coastal First Nations

Covers topics including: transitioning from planning to implementation.

Coastal First Nations

Covers topics including: legislating protection of our cultural, aquatic and biodiversity values, and protecting cedar.

Lake Cowichan First Nation

The goal of this project is to review the economic development potential for the lands within the current LCFN land base, and assess the land, market, and infrastructure components based on the potential development concepts. This process will assist in helping to discuss and communicate ideas for future economic development with LCFN Chief and Council as well as the entire community.

Coastal First Nations

Covers topics including: ecosystem-based management & human well-being, and new opportunities for training and skills-building.

Coastal First Nations

Covers topics including: Conservation that protects our First Nations values, protecting our Aboriginal Rights and Title, protecting our invaluable cultural wealth, balancing ecological and cultural values with economic health.

The Harvard Project

Upper Nicola Indian Band

This is a template for a policy on sharing documents. Its purpose is to facilitate the exchange of information between two First Nation communities. Using this template ensure that it will be done in a way that is responsible and facilitates the continuation of both communities ability to participate in their negotiation.

First Nations Financial Management Board

This document can be filled out as a template and used for council resolution as a full policy for information management.

Business Link Indigenous Services

Workbook designed to help Indigenous entrepreneurs create a business plan. It begins with “finding the right business idea” to “writing the business plan.”

Coast Salish Development Corporation

A tool that can be used to calculate the valuation of a First Nation’s natural resources, and use the guide to aid in negotiations in impact benefit agreements.

Munnings Law

Overview of impact benefit agreements, their importance and use by First Nations.

Huu-ay-aht First Nation

Strategic Plan with a focus on five areas: infrastructure, economic development, language and culture, natural resource protection and citizen development.

National Centre for First Nations Governance

Best practices and example of partnership exploration to realize economic development and maintain values.

First Nations Financial Management Board

Document can be used as a template and filled out to stipulate the human resources procedures for a nation and used for council resolution.

High Bar First Nation

This Strategy focuses on healing the community and moving forward on the journey toward a healthy self-sustaining future. All developments and policies made in High Bar must align with the strategic plan.

The Harvard Project

This guide sets out key elements of Section 17 Corporations, and will walk you through the primary steps to properly form a Section 17 Corporation.

The Harvard Project

This guide sets out the key elements of a tribal code — tribal law — under which individual citizens or a tribal government can create LLCs, and will walk you through the key steps you need to take to properly form an LLC.

BC Assembly of First Nations

Assists nations in beginning or continuing discussions with their citizens about the importance of strong and appropriate governance and options for governance reform, including moving beyond the Indian Act.

BC Assembly of First Nations

Two modules that Nations can use to evaluate: 1) the effectiveness of their institutions of governance. 2) the effectiveness of their administration.

BC Assembly of First Nations

Takes a comprehensive look at options for governance reform and considers, subject by subject, the powers (jurisdictions) of our Nations. The Nations is the building block of governance and Nations have the inherent right to govern. Provides snapshot of what BC First Nations are actually doing.

First Nations Financial Management Board

This document is a full, robust template for a First Nations to develop their policies and procedures for financial management, including sample job functions, definitions, etc.

Nisga’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw

A how-to guide for building governance capacity through knowledge of governance, the key components of governance and some stories of good and missing governance.

National Centre for First Nations Governance

Profiles best practices in each of the Governance Centre’s seventeen principles of effective governance. The practices are drawn from the experience of First Nations, tribes and aboriginal organizations across Canada and in the United States. Each report profiles actual practices being followed.

New Relationship Trust

Community plans are integral to successful economic development activities. This document outlines best practices for comprehensive community planning in the four planning categories: Getting ready for the CCP, Completing the CCP, Implementing the CCP, Assessing the Results of the CCP.

Terrace Economic Development

The information provided in the toolkit enables partnerships between Aboriginal communities and experienced business partners, so that both parties can benefit from the vast development opportunities in the NorthWest. It is primarily for businesses looking to partner with First Nations but Section 3 provides information, samples and templates of the following tools for joint ventures: letter of understanding, joint venture agreement, term sheet, condidentiality agreement, management committee.

First Nations Environmental Assessment Technical Working Group

The purpose of this toolkit is to assist First Nations in British Columbia who are engaged or interested in EAs being conducted for proposed projects or developments. This toolkit is designed primarily for First Nations leadership, employees and communities. It is meant to provide information and practical advice that will help First Nations participate effectively in EA processes.

Government of Ontario

The goal of this guide is to support First Nations economic development practitioners in Ontario by offering an accessible selection of practical advice, case studies and community economic development resources.

National Centre for First Nations Governance

Comprised of Five Sections that can be used independently or together. Section 1: Prevailing Views on Aboriginal Entrepreneurship and Small Business. Section 2: Defining Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Section 3: The Current State of First Nations Small Business and Entrepreneurship in Canada. Section 4: Promoting, Supporting, and Leading First Nations Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs. Section 5: Growth of Small Businesses- Other Opportunities and Challenges.

Sasuchan Development Corporation

This template Board Charter for the Economic Development Corporation of a First Nation is available for use by all First Nations.

AFOABC

Policy and procedure development and its role in helping First Nations achieve their desired administrative goals. Includes sample policies and procedures that may be used as templates.

First Nations Financial Management Board

Sample policy for financial philosophy and operations.

Esquimalt Nation

Full employee policies that may serve as a template or example for other communities.

Esk’etemc First Nation

This Community Vision report provides direction for Esk’etemc leadership, managers, and community members to develop future planning practices that will better inform the land-based agreements and decisions, such as Government-to-Government agreements, existing Esk’etemc programs and initiatives, and potential title cases. The Community Vision is based on information provided by Esk’etemc community members and managers regarding their use of the land, views about the use of natural resources, youth engagement, traditional values and the desired governance system.

New Relationship Trust

The guide outlines a land use planning process that can be modified and tailored to meet the unique planning needs of your community. It also highlights effective practices that have led First Nations in BC to successful land use planning in their communities.

Four Corners Management Consulting

A presentation given to Tsideldel that explains types of negotiations, skills for negotiation, what they are and how to achieve mutually beneficial agreements.

Coastal First Nations

Covers topics including: plans and agreements, institutions, forestry, protected areas, conservation financing.

New Relationship Trust

Online Course that is designed to provide support to First Nations who wish to assert their First Nations rights in order to promote economic development in their territorial lands and waters.

West Bank First Nation Economic Development Commission

Provides guiding vision for the Economic Development Commissioners. Tool to reflect upon and effective means of evaluation towards economic development progress.

West Bank First Nation Economic Development Commission

Includes purpose, composition, structure, chair and vice-chair, meetings, decision-making authority, reporting to council, conflicts of interest, confidentiality for the functionality of West Bank’s Economic Development Commission.

First Nations Financial Management Board

Fillable annual budget template for various departments.

Dease River First Nation

A working guide for managers and supervisors in the daily management of the organization’s staff; and a source of information for staff about their terms and conditions of employment.

Dease River First Nation

Example of a Corporation Financial Policy and Procedure Manual that provides the policies and procedures for finance transactions within the business which must be followed by all employees. It also provides guidelines the Corporation will use to administer these policies, with the correct procedure to follow.

Dease River First Nation

By-laws cover: definitions, business of the corporation, borrowing and security, directors, committees, officers, conflict of interest and protections, shares, dividends, shareholder matters, etc.

Dease River First Nation

Includes the follow topics: Board governance, Executive parameters, Board-general manager linkage, mission-based outcomes.

Chawathil-Ts’qo Economic Development Corp

Takla Nation

May be useful to any First Nation seeking a better way to do business, respecting the distinct roles and responsibilities of each agency and outlining how to work together.

The Harvard Project

The guide provides leaders and communities with practical information gathered from real world experiences of Indigenous nations and communities worldwide.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Handbook that includes 5 examples of use from First Nations in BC: Westbank, Penticton, Squiala, Lytton, Musqueam and T’sou-ke.

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund

Guide for development a community plan from assessing where the community is currently at to envisioning where they want to go and deciding how to get there.

West Bank First Nation Economic Development Commission

Fulsome community economic development plan from Westbank First Nation that summarizes the current landscape of WFN, provides a vision, and structure to achieving goals of the economic development commission.

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

The survey focuses on community-owned businesses to fill a research gap that existed before it. Analysis and discussion includes economic development corporation success factors and limitations.

Centre for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership

The Matrix can be used to assess where various dimensions of the community are at and can be used to chart a plan for development.

Coast Funds

A strategic plan for an economic development fund that also addresses environment conservation in the Haida Gwaii region.

Ecotrust Canada

A guidebook to land use and occupancy mapping, research design and data collection. It is geared towards the community level and includes very practical information on how to carry out research to design your land use plan.

Cayoose Creek Band

This policy can be used as a template, by communities or organizations to provide employees with a resource of information about policies and procedures related to the workplace.

Cayoose Creek Band

The objective of this policy is to ensure that roles and responsibilities of the Chief, Council, and staff, are as clear as possible so as to promote good governance in the conduct of the community’s affairs.

Cayoose Creek Band

The purpose of these policies is to create an environment within which the Council can operate and maintain strong internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial information.

Morning Sky Consulting Inc.

A strategic template for developing existing or start up business models. It is a visual chart with elements describing a firm’s or product’s value proposition, infrastructure, customers, and finances. Using 9 building blocks, the model allows focus on efficiency and value when assessing the business.

Yunesit’in First Nation

This guidebook has been developed to act as a “user’s manual” that explains the legal documents through which the governance restructuring is endorsed. This guidebook will document business governance for enterprises of the Yunesit’in Government so that all stakeholders have one shared understanding and can better coordinate their actions.

Covid Continuity

The dimensions included in the business continuity plan encompass responses to risks that impact a First Nations’ band’s ability to recover from an adverse event and return to normal operations.

The Harvard Project

This Case Study and resources associated within it showcase a unique integration of historic preservation, economic development, and cultural and linguistic preservation. Provides good guideline and process recommendations for the entire process of establishing a strategic vision that then informs an organizational system and management plan.

Blind River First Nation

Action plan that has been developed to guide the community through the development and implementation process to achieve the goals of the economic development strategy.

Government of BC

The document focuses on Benefit Sharing Agreements (BSAs) and provides resources and references for the parties to develop BSAs. The guide also identifies strategies to achieve BSAs that meet the key objectives of recognition, accommodation and certainty cited below.

First Nations Education Steering Committee

Introduction to the basic concepts and issues that affect BC First Nations governance structures and function.

Chawathil-Ts’qo Economic Development Corp

This policy outlines the governance of Chawathil-ts’qo’s Economic Development Form, including share transmissions, board meetings and other protocols.

Anishinabek Nation

Practical advice and recommendations in the document can be used as a blueprint to re-build and strengteh economies. While it was drafted for the Anishinabek Nation, there are valuable case studies and information to create solid foundations for economic development and success for all regions and communities.

Akisqnuk First Nation

Guiding principles provide a framework for nearly 100 goals for all elements of the organization: governance, business, employees, community, membership, infrastructure, traditions, communications, relationship and partnership development.

Ahousaht First Nation

Manual contains the approved Human Resources Policies and Procedures for Ahousaht Administration. It is intended to be a useful tool for both managers and employees in the day-to-day administration of human resources and related programs. Can be used as a template for other administrations.

Coastal First Nations

Cover topics including: learning from ecosystems-based experiences, gathering the best information needed to manage land and economy.

Indigenous Tourism BC

A handbook based on the goals of the entrepreneur (personal, financial, spiritual and emotional goals) that encompasses a number of checklists for success that can be chosen based on the user’s individual goals.

Government of Ontario

Toolkit designed to help you explore the many things you need to think about, research and undertake when starting or expanding a business.

Nvision Insight Group

This template explains why a communications plan is needed, the key components of a communications plan, a fillable template to brainstorm ideas for a plan and then a sample table to create an implementation plan.