School of Community Government Courses

NWT First Nations get their authority from various laws and agreements. The authority they have depends on the source. Different governments and laws recognize First Nations in different ways.

This module looks at how First Nation and Municipal Governments are different and how they are the same. It will consider citizen rights, legislation and authority, focus of programs and services, economic development, public health, elections, council structure, public safety, recreation, culture, language, education and wellness, and funding sources.

This module is one of a series of four about First Nations governance. The other three are:

▪ Governance, Indian Act, and Council Operations

▪ Planning: The Successful Way Forward

▪ Working Together: Overview of Council Responsibilities

Start Date: Start anytime

Duration: About 5 hours, but take your time if you need to 

Location: Online

This module outlines some of the laws, policies, and agreements that affect First Nation authority. Different First Nations have different authority.

The module gives some details about council elections, policies and procedures, and best practices.

This module is one of a series of four about First Nations governance. The other three are:

 Working Together: Overview of Council Responsibilities

 Planning: The Successful Way Forward

 Comparing NWT First Nation and Municipal Governments

Start Date: Start any time

Duration: approximately 6 hours, but you can take as long as you like

Course Type: Online self-directed, self-paced

Location: Online

First Nation councillors are leaders and decision makers. They are responsible to set direction, take action, and monitor results. They work together to achieve common goals that benefit the members.

Planning is an important decision-making tool. Council is responsible to make decisions in areas where they have authority. For example:

 Infrastructure

 Economic developmen

 Language and culture

This module outlines what a plan is and the parts of a plan. It introduces the planning process and what happens at each stage in the process.

This module is one of a series of four about First Nations governance. The other three are:

 Governance, Indian Act, and Council Operations

 Working Together: Overview of Council Responsibilities

 Comparing NWT First Nation and Municipal Governments

Being an elected First Nation councillor is an important responsibility. People trust you. They believe you have the skills to do a good job.

First Nation councillors work hard. They give much time and energy to make their community a better place to live.

This module has information about the responsibilities of councillors and the chief. It discusses the importance of working together and with First Nation members. It gives an overview of some tools that council uses to fulfil their responsibilities.

This module is one of a series of four about First Nations governance. The other three are:

 Governance, Indian Act, and Council Operations

 Planning: The Successful Way Forward

 Comparing NWT First Nation and Municipal Governments

Start Dates: Start any time
Duration: 4-5 hours, but take as long as you like
Course Type: online self-directed, self-paced
Location: online