Governance (Chief and Council)

Governance is the process and structure by which councillors direct and manage Council business.

The objective of Council governance is to enhance the wellbeing of community members and to protect their assets (land, buildings, equipment and money). This includes making sure Council programs and services are accessible and viable.

The key words in this governance definition are the words’ “structure” and “process.” The business of every organization must be directed and managed. As experienced leaders know, this “…is achieved within a set of rules which create a structure,” and “through a process which involves the parties who have the power to direct and manage the business.”1 In a First Nation community, the Council directs First Nation business, and the Director of Operations manages it.

Structure
The legal and administrative setting that Council works within create a structure. The structure includes a constitution, or by-laws, resolutions, policies and procedures approved by Council, other laws of general application (e.g. human rights laws, labour standards), and community standards. An organization chart depicts the organization’s structure and its “division of powers.”
Process
Process refers to how Council and their Director of Operations make decisions and how they are held accountable.
Objectives

Council’s obligation is to set direction and ensure that business is conducted in a responsible manner. Council meets this obligation by considering the values and needs of the community, and by setting a direction that ensures the financial viability of Council business while enhancing and protecting community assets.

To learn more about how your government functions and its authorities, we refer you to the following link which includes the handbook that is provided to all council members upon taking their oath and assuming office

The First Nations Governance Handbook: A Resource Guide for Effective Councils –

 first_nations-governance-handbook-englis.pdf