Policies

Policies

Our Nation is working to establish a Financial Administration Law that strengthens accountability and transparency. This law will guide how we budget, report, audit, and share financial information, while ensuring decisions reflect community values and long‑term goals.

To support this, five key policy areas are being developed:

  1. Governance
  2. Operations
  3. Financial management
  4. Human resources
  5. Information technology

As Chief and Council approve these policies, updates will be posted here. Please check back regularly to stay informed.

Current policies are linked below.

  • Governance Policies
Leadership or Governance policies encompass the establishment of equitable and transparent procedures for the selection of government leaders, the clear delineation of compensation protocols for their roles, the expectations regarding council meetings, and the accountability of these leaders in relation to government operations. Furthermore, governance policies include specifying the roles and responsibilities of chiefs and councillors, as well as outlining the processes involved in policymaking by the government.

An update and a new set of policies will be coming in 2026.

  • Information Management and Information Technology Policies
Information Management and Information Technology activities manage the data systems and maintain the business practices which ensure that administrators and community leaders have access to reliable and secure information on the government’s services and on the needs of the people it serves. This function includes developing and applying policies on data security, on access to information and privacy, on document management, and on the purchase and maintenance of computer hardware and software.

An update and a new set of policies will be coming in 2026.

  • Operations Policies

First Nation operational policies refer to the guidelines and procedures that regulate their operations. These policies ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, promote effective separation from governance, and facilitate resource and operations management.

Crucially, basic administrative policies include defining practices that govern the efficient daily functioning of community administration, such as general office procedures and internal service policies. Finally, these policies are established to align government operations and activities across various administrative departments. They aim to set clear expectations for staff and delineate roles and responsibilities in program and service delivery.

An update and a new set of policies will be coming in 2026.

  • Financial Management Policies

The Chief and Council recognise the importance of defining and periodically reviewing their Financial Management Policies. Under the Financial Administration Act, the Chief and Council have the responsibility and authority to develop, approve, and amend these policies. The Manager administers the policies, ensuring that all council members and employees have a copy and understand its contents.

The Chief and Council manage and administer the funds of Acho Dene Koe First Nation for the benefit of its members. These policies assist the First Nation and its employees in fulfilling their financial management duties. Given the diverse nature of the First Nation and its activities, it is necessary to delineate the responsibilities of each council member, employee, department, and committee. Specific supervisory and decision-making responsibilities must be defined, known, and understood for each managerial unit. Accountability is ensured through the delegation of authority.

These policies provide the foundation for delegated financial authority and specify the responsibilities at each management level within the First Nation.

The Council maintains that the Financial Management Policies should include:

  • Good faith and transparency 
  • Equitable management practices and accountability 
  • The practices and policies of comparable external organisations 
  • The culture and values of the Acho Dene Koe First Nation 
  • Consistent, fair, and effective decision-making. 
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  • Human Resources Policies

Human Resources Management includes activities which hire, retain, and compensate the skilled people needed to meet the First Nation government’s goals. Effective Indigenous organizations have operative policies developed for hiring processes, codes of ethics, and conflict of interest guidelines, job descriptions, supporting volunteers, recruiting staff, organizing training, and administering salaries and benefits.

While some human resources policies are required by law, it’s not the only reason they are necessary. In addition to protecting our organization from legal claims, policies play an important role in fostering a culture of trust, fairness, and inclusion.

The benefits of having clear and comprehensive human resources policies include:
  • Human resources policies provide legal protection the Nation
  • They transparently communicate the conditions of employment
  • They set employee expectations with regard to their career growth
  • They help address employee grievances and disputes
  • They speed up the decision-making process on various human resources matters
  • They help ensure all employees are treated equally and fairly
  • They help create a safe and healthy working environment
  • They serve as a foundation for streamlining and automating human resources processes
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