Supporting New Forms of Indigenous Governance within a renewed Nation-to-Nation
The Indigenous peoples of Canada have a long and rich history of developing and maintaining their own governance structures. As a country, Canada is at a pivotal point in its history where leaders and Canadians understand and strongly support the need to forge new nation-to-nation, government-to-government and Inuit-Crown relationships with the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
The IOG has substantial experience researching and promoting sound Indigenous governance in Canada; recognizing that it is a prerequisite for improving the well-being of Indigenous communities. Our work with Indigenous nations and Indigenous institutions, such as the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority, can help Indigenous governments as they formulate their own effective governance structures that meet their needs and help achieve their vision.
We can help you by:
- Facilitating issue specific national dialogues that help inform decision making processes
- Working with Indigenous communities, Chiefs and Councils to build and strengthen governance capacity
- Conducting customized training, facilitation and moderated workshops and retreats for Chief and Council, Indigenous governments, and Indigenous not-for-profit organizations and corporations
- Educating federal, provincial and local government employees on Indigenous history, residential school legacy, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Indigenous-Crown relations (in support of TRC Action 57)
- Conducting policy research, bolstering policy capacity and providing strategic advice
The IOG Difference
Our highly experienced team has worked on innovative approaches to responsible and responsive Indigenous governance that support local Indigenous nations, provincial and territorial Indigenous institutions and optional federal shared governance First Nation institutions.
Our approach takes into account each governance structure’s particular objectives, history, and cultural significance and is supported by our extensive research and relevant national Indigenous dialogues.
A Snapshot of our Past Work
- In support of the Prime Minister’s call to a renewed nation-to-nation government-to-government, Inuit-Crown relationships, the IOG, with series partners, continues to facilitate relevant and timely discussions, such as “Characteristics of a Nation-to-Nation Relationship,” that seeks to identify key topics in Nation Building and Nation Rebuilding, Jurisdiction, Intergovernmental Fiscal Relationships, and Wealth Creation.
- The IOG facilitated governance training sessions for Chiefs and Councils from First Nations across Turtle Island, most recently from the regions of Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia.
- The IOG conducted tailored training courses for federal public servants to help develop their knowledge of the history and realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada, understand the legal framework and the federal “Duty to Consult and Accommodate,” and explore the fundamentals of building a new relationship.
- The IOG provided research support to the federal government and the Assembly of First Nations examining new fiscal relationships, funding and accountability models.
- The IOG had supported governance capacity building for a number of Indigenous communities throughout Canada.
- The IOG delivers courses in leadership development training for the government of Nunavut.
Contact Us
Barry Christoff
Vice-President
Indigenous Governance
613-562-0090 ext. 245
bchristoff@iog.ca