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From the new National Centre for First Nations Governance web site at http://www.fngovernance.org ...

The National Centre for First Nations Governance will develop programs and services that are culturally enriched and empowered by First Nations traditions, customs, laws and inherent governing powers.

The Centre has a two-pronged mandate. First, it is designed to support First Nations as they seek to implement their inherent rights of self-government and second, it will assist First Nations in the further development of their day-to-day government operations.

This means the Centre will support First Nations in their efforts to implement and put into practice their jurisdictional authorities and to achieve the well-designed characteristics of good government.

The Centre is based upon the principle of choice. First Nations may draw upon its services as they see fit and will not be required to do so by legislation or any other means. The Centre will operate under the control and direction of First Nations and is designed to be completely independent from the Government of Canada and our own political organizations.

The organizational structure of the Centre will consist of six corporate units and five regional units co-located in five offices across the country. This reflects an important principle underlying the Centre – that of having a strong regional presence across Canada.

Check out the videos from presentations at a Centre-sponsored Youth Think Tank.

• The Challenge - Patricia Monture uses her own experience to discuss good governance as it promotes healthier social, cultural, community and economic development for First Nations
• The Research - The University of Arizona's Stephen Cornell and Osgoode Professor Kent McNeil talk about current legal and economic research in First Nations governance
• The Centre - NCFNG Interim President Herb George discusses the launch and future role of the Centre, and the "role of our people in determining what the Centre will be and what it will do."