Certified Indigenous Leadership

The Certified Indigenous Leadership (CIL) designation recognizes the knowledge, skills and professional development of elected officials enabling them to better perform their functions and build community prosperity and financial wellbeing.

Steps to the CIL

AFOA Canada CIL
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Certified Indigenous Leadership Courses

8 courses offered in cohorts

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Certified Indigenous Leadership Designation

Exam and two-years practical Indigenous leadership experience

How to Become a CIL

Specifically designed to set high quality competency standards and provide the learning opportunities which will enable elected leaders working in Indigenous communities to gain the knowledge and skills required to enhance their leadership roles in serving their communities.

Option 1 – CIL In-Person Program (Virtual)
The CIL in-person program requires applicants to attend four, two day weekend sessions which will be held at various venues across Canada.

Option 2 – CIL Community Cohort
The CIL community cohort brings AFOA Canada to a specific community or organization to deliver four, two day sessions.

The CIL Certification Exam will be completed during the final session of the in-person program.

In-Person Program Fees

The non-refundable application fee is used to cover costs for administration, review and approval of applications.

The Program fee includes costs for tuition, all course materials, refreshments (morning and afternoon), course facilitators and guest speakers, the facility and closing ceremony with certificate. (Please note that breakfast, lunch and supper are not included.)

Cost of Program (In-Person)

Member Pricing   Non-Member Pricing
Application fee

(one time fee):

  $500 $575
Tuition: $1,500 x 4 sessions $1,750 x 4 sessions

Cost of Program (Virtual) - NEW

Member Pricing   Non-Member Pricing
Application fee

(One time fee):

  $500 $575
Tuition: $1,250 x 4 sessions $1,600 x 4 sessions

Upcoming Cohorts

Cohort 6 – Hybrid (Ottawa, ON)

March 25, 2025 – Virtual 
Orientation
May 12 – May 15, 2025 – In-Person: Ottawa, ON
  • CIL 1 – First Nations Governance I – Governance Concepts
  • CIL 2 – Effective Leadership
  • CIL 3 – First Nations Governance II – Community and External Relations
  • CIL 4 – First Nations Governance III – Nation Building
June 16 – 19, 2025 – In-Person: Ottawa, ON
  • CIL 5 – First Nations Governance IV – Strategy (2 Day)
  • CIL 6 – Financial Oversight for Elected Leaders
  • CIL 7 – Introduction to Community Economic Development
July 8 & 9, 2025 – Virtual
Final Exam – Presentation
CIL Program Application

More Information

CIL Courses

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We can help you understand your options and get you started on the path to the CIL.

For more information

Toll-free: 1-866-722-2362

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