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

Option 1 - CIL Hybrid Program (National Cohort)

Participants attend 7 intensive classes and one half-day information session, delivered through a combination of virtual orientation and exam sessions with in-person courses. Each cohort is assigned a designated host city for its in-person sessions, which remains consistent throughout the program. The location is determined in advance by AFOA Canada and may vary by cohort across Canada.

Program Fees
(*New 2026 Prices*)

The total cost consists of a Program Application Fee and Tuition, with rates based on membership status. Rates are subject to applicable taxes.

Program Application Fee

  • Member: $500.00
  • Non-member: $575.00

Tuition Fee

  • Member: $6,160
  • Non-member: $7,160

Please note: Travel, lodging, and meals are not included and is the responsibility of the student. Light refreshments are served during in-person classes.

Option 2 - Customized (Community Cohort)

The CIL Community Cohort brings the program directly to a specific community or organization.

AFOA Canada works with a host community or organization to deliver the program to a dedicated group. The organizing community or organization may choose to have the cohort delivered virtually or in person.

If you are interested in bringing a CIL cohort to your community or organization, please contact education@afoa.ca to discuss availability, delivery options, and next steps.

Upcoming Cohorts

Cohort 8 – Hybrid

CIL Cohort 8 – Calgary, AB
Orientation September 1, 2026 Virtual
CIL 01: First Nations Governance I September 21, 2026 In Person
CIL 02: Effective Leadership September 22, 2026 In Person
CIL 03: Governance II September 23, 2026 In Person
CIL 04: Governance III September 24, 2026 In Person
CIL 05: Strategy Day 1 October 26, 2026 In Person
CIL 06: Strategy Day 2 October 27, 2026 In Person
CIL 07: Community Economic Development October 28, 2026 In Person
Final Exam November 18, 2026 Virtual
Final Exam November 19, 2026 Virtual
Register Now

Registration Information

You must log in with your AFOA Canada account to register. If you do not have an account, please create one here: Create an Account.

If you already have an account but do not know your password, simply click the ‘Register Now’ button above and then ‘Forgot Password’. A password reset link will be sent to your email and you can then login to complete your registration.

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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