capacity building

Community-Led Development

Year

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept and practice of community-led development. It is an approach to tackling local problems that is taking hold throughout the world. While its expression may vary depending upon the community and the specific area of focus, there are nonetheless some common principles that hold it in place.

"Community" is a broad term that can refer to both physical places and groups of people with common interests or concerns. For the purposes of this discussion, the notion of community is used only in its geographic sense. Community-led development in this paper focuses on initiatives undertaken in physical places, be they neighborhoods, cities or towns, rural or remote regions of the country, or First Nations reserves.

Native Nations
Resource Type
Citation

Torjman, Sherri and Anne Makhoul. "Community-Led Development." Report prepared on behalf of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. The Caledon Institute of Social Policy. Ottawa, ON. January 2012. Report. (https://maytree.com/wp-content/uploads/978ENG.pdf, accessed March 29, 2023)

CCP HANDBOOK Comprehensive Community Planning for First Nations in British Columbia

Year

The First Nations of British Columbia have rich and varied cultures, histories and traditions. They are becoming increasingly involved in comprehensive community planning as a way of embracing change and planning a better future for their communities.

Comprehensive community planning is a holistic process that enables a community to build a roadmap to sustainability, self-sufficiency and improved governance capacity.

It is a new approach to planning, where the process is steered by the community rather than a small group or committee. Many First Nations communities across Canada are already engaged in planning and are experiencing great success...

Resource Type
Citation

Indigenous Services Canada. "CCP HANDBOOK: Comprehensive Community Planning for First Nations." 2018. 4th ed. Handbook. 

A Human Resource Capacity Tool for First Nations

Year

This tool was developed by the British Columbia Treaty Commission (BCTC) to assist BC First Nations who are working through the treaty process with their Human Resource (HR) planning. It responds to a growing need for a practical, efficient tool for First Nations with diverse sets of priorities, capacity levels, and traditions of governance. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but can be modified by First Nations to meet their unique needs and circumstances...

Resource Type
Citation

British Columbia Treaty Commission. "A Human Resource Capacity Tool for First Nations." A Guide developed in partnership with the Kaska Dena Council and the British Columbia Treaty Commission. The British Columbia Treaty Commission. Canada. November 2011. Guide. (https://www.bctreaty.ca/sites/default/files/BCTC-HRToolBook_0.pdf, accessed February 23, 2023)

Best Practices Case Study (Cultural Alignment of Institutions): San Carlos Apache

Year

Traditional Apache culture is based on an intimate spiritual connection with and knowledge of the natural world. Apache elders believe that connection is necessary to respect one’s self, other humans and all living things. The San Carlos Apache elders living in San Carlos in northern Arizona have seen the changes in their community that are particularly worrisome...In the midst of such cultural, political and economic difficulties lies a kernel of hope and inspiration — the San Carlos Elders Cultural Advisory Council (ECAC). Formed in November 1993 by Tribal Council resolution, the all-volunteer ECAC was established to advise the Tribal Council on cultural matters, to carry out consultations with off-reservation entities on culturally related matters, and to execute various projects related to cultural preservation...

Native Nations
Resource Type
Citation

National Centre for First Nations Governance. "Best Practices Case Study (Cultural Alignment of Institutions): San Carlos Apache." A Report for the National Centre for First Nations Governance. The National Centre for First Nations Governance. Canada. June 2009. Case Study. (https://fngovernance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CAI_Apache.pdf, accessed March 23, 2023)

Best Practices Case Study (Meaningful Information Sharing): Miawpukek First Nation

Year

Miawpukek First Nation (MFN) are Micmac people living on the south coast of Newfoundland. In 1998 they indicated to the Government of Canada their desire to move toward self-government negotiations. Recognizing the nature and scope of achievements of the community within its short existence as an Indian Act band, departmental officials proposed a unique exploratory discussion process. This process was implemented in late 1999 and continued through to spring 2001...

Native Nations
Resource Type
Citation

National Centre for First Nations Governance. "Best Practices Case Study (Meaningful Information Sharing): Miawpukek First Nation." A Report for the National Centre for First Nations Governance. The National Centre for First Nations Governance. Canada. June 2009. Case Study. (https://fngovernance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/MIS_Miawpukek.pdf, accessed March 8, 2023)

Best Practices Case Study (Participation in Decision Making): Gila River Indian Community

Year

Gila River Indian Community, which borders the Arizona cities of Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler, has nearly 17,000 tribal citizens. Half of the population is younger than 18. Like youth elsewhere, Gila River youth are challenged by a host of problems. Gang violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and teen pregnancy are particularly acute on the 372,000-acre reservation.

Until the late 1980s however, Gila River youth had little or no avenue to participate in decision-making related to these and other matters affecting them. This was the result, in part, of their government's own attitude about youth and their role in the community. As one Gila River leader acknowledged, "the tribal government has always focused on the elders, but youth and their issues were historically overlooked."

Formed in 1987 and chartered under the laws of the Gila River Indian Community, the Akimel O'odham / Pee-Posh Youth Council (the Youth Council) gives youth a formal voice in tribal governance and prepares the next generation of leadership...

Resource Type
Citation

National Centre for First Nations Governance. "Best Practices Case Study (Participation in Decision Making): Gila River Indian Community." A Report for the National Centre for First Nations Governance. The National Centre for First Nations Governance. Canada. June 2009. Case Study. (https://fngovernance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/PDM_GilaRiver.pdf, accessed March 8, 2023)