Faculty of Management

First Nations' Governance (FNG)

Unique in its approach to aboriginal education, the Bachelor of Management in First Nations' Governance offers an interdisciplinary education in a challenging, respectful and academic environment.

The program was developed by the Faculty of Management and the Department of Native American Studies. Students in the program will have access to elders, award-winning faculty members, small class sizes, interactive learning and the opportunity to participate in an active and supportive Native American Students’ Association.

Because the University of Lethbridge is situated in traditional Blackfoot territory, as a matter of respect, students are required to take one introductory language course in an Aboriginal language. Currently,  the University of Lethbridge offers courses in Blackfoot and Cree.

FNG Major
For program information on the First Nations' Governance major and career possibilities, click here.

FNG Minor
When you choose the First Nations' Governance minor you will gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by First Nations’ communities and peoples. A better understanding of on- and off-reserve issues will help you develop managerial, administrative, and leadership skills needed in government, band administration, financial and resource management, and the oil and gas industry.

FNG Certificate
The Faculty of Management offers a certificate program with a focus in First Nations’ Governance. The program is composed of a series of 10 courses designed to provide a suitable combination of breadth and depth of knowledge in the area of study. Students must complete a minimum of five courses at the University of Lethbridge after admission to the certificate program.

Degree and Certificate Programs

Students will gain significant insight into First Nations' historical, political, legal and economic issues while acquiring strong business skills and managerial competency. For both the degree and certificate programs students choose one of three specializations:

• Community, Gender and Traditional Knowledge
• Governments, Organizations and Politics
• Law and History

Our innovative, cross-disciplinary First Nations and certificate programs help you develop managerial, administrative and leadership skills. Students can choose a course of study that best fits their academic background and goals:

• 40-course degree
• Post-diploma/transfer degree
• Combined degree
• 10-course certificate

Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA) Program

The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA) is the centre for excellence and innovation in Aboriginal finance and management, focusing on the capacity development and day to day needs of those Aboriginal professionals who are working in all areas of finance and management.

AFOA offers the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation, which is the preferred credential for Aboriginal financial management positions in Canada, and demonstrates that you are up-to-date on the latest Aboriginal financial management practices, that you follow professional standards of conduct and that you are a leader in your community.

CAFMs who have obtained their designation by successfully completing the certification standards of the CAFM program, including the CAFM Professional Examination (Special Arrangements are excluded) are eligible for block transfer into level 4 of the Certified General Accountants (CGA) Program of Professional Studies.

For students wishing to pursue the CAFM, there are several courses offered at the University of Lethbridge which are equivalent to AFOA program requirements. For a listing of these courses, click here.

Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) Certificate

This program trains individuals who work in economic development. Students completing the program's 16 technical level competencies will earn certification as a CANDO Aboriginal Economic Development Officer.

Click here for information about U of L courses that fulfill the requirements of the certificate.

Resources

Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA) website

BESS (Business Enterprises and Self-Governing Systems of Indian, Inuit and Metis Peoples) case library (archived site)