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
Certified Indigenous Leadership Courses
8 courses offered in cohorts
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 5 – Hybrid (Edmonton, AB)
| Session 1 – Governance & Leadership | Session 3 – Strategy & Planning |
| · First Nations Governance I
· Effective Leadership |
· First Nations Governance IV (2 days) |
| Session 2 – Nation Building & Self-Governance | Session 4 – Fiscal Management |
| · First Nations Governance II
· First Nations Governance III: Nation Building |
· Financial Oversight for Elected Leaders
· Introduction to Community Economic Development |
| Location | Edmonton, Alberta |
| Session 1 & 2 | TBD |
| Session 3 & 4 | TBD |
| Final Presentations | TBD |
More Information
CIL Courses
We can help you understand your options and get you started on the path to the CIL.