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Program Information

Participants in an Indigenous Leadership course at Banff Centre

Photo by Rita Taylor

Dates

Registration deadline: October 21, 2025

Program dates: November 30 December 5, 2025

Overview

Research shows that successful Indigenous nations and organizations set strategic directions and long-term goals. A solid strategic plan is required to adapt to global changes, reduce dependence on governments, and improve the standard of living for Indigenous citizens. Related-world Strategic Planning teaches a proven strategic planning model based on systems thinking and covers essential processes and tasks. 

Participants will learn how to implement a strategic planning process rooted in Indigenous knowledge to support their community, organization, board, or council. Additionally, the program provides guidance on maintaining the plan through ongoing evaluation, revision, and performance measurement.

Description

Participants will learn the techniques and steps for creating, implementing and evaluating a strategic plan. 

With guidance from the Elder, participants will share traditional and spiritual wisdom while connecting with the land and cultural teachings.

Program highlights

  • Identify the vision, mission, and values for a community/organization/council.
  • Determine the key factors of success.
  • Conduct a current state assessment and environmental analysis. 
  • Set priorities to focus resources and efforts. 
  • Understand the link between the vision and business/operations plans.
  • Implement a strategic plan and evaluate its performance.

Eligibility

This program will be beneficial for Indigenous leaders, administrators, and service providers interested in learning how to create and implement a strategic plan including

  • senior management and personnel working with or within Indigenous organizations. 
  • First Nations, Métis and Inuit councils, and tribal councils.
  • boards of Indigenous economic and social development agencies, governing boards, commissions, and legal entities for Indigenous businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Priority is give to Indigenous learners and those working for Indigenous communities and organizations.

Applicant must be 18+ at the start of the program.

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. 

Certificate of Indigenous Leadership, Governance and Management Excellence

Indigenous leadership programs are strategically focused on building your capacity to successfully assist your community and organization. Individuals who successfully complete a program from each of the seven wise practice elements will earn a Certificate of Indigenous Leadership, Governance, and Management Excellence

 

Itinerary

Participants are required to dedicate approximately 40 hours during the week to this program.

Sample Itinerary - subject to change

Each day will open with a smudge and teachings and close with a daily wrap-up.

Sunday

  • Welcome and program overview

Monday

  • Defining strategy and the planning storyboard 
  • Understanding planning levels, roles, and scope 
  • Business case overview and group setup 
  • Youth centre business case: group setup, approach, and roles
  • Masking introduction 
  • Understanding the planning process and the imperative

Tuesday

  • Masking: physical exercise 
  • Vision, mission & teachings
  • Youth centre business case: drafting the vision, mission, teachings 
  • Masking: culture & creativity
  • Structure, goals, and objectives 

Wednesday

  • Masking: physical experience 
  • Youth centre business case: drafting the goals and objectives 
  • Youth centre business case: plan development

Thursday

  • Youth centre business case
    • Continued plan development
    • Plenary check-In 
    • Final formatting and presentation prep  
    • Group Presentations

Friday

  • Review the plan
  • Actioning your strategic plan 

Faculty

What's Included

Accommodations
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.

Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.

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Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests. 

The Regular meal plan is equivalent to $53 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.

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Join in group seminars/workshops.

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<ul><li>Enrich your experience and get to know other participants on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided by our <a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/participant-resources" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Participant Resources</a> team.</li><li>Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes at the <a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/sally-borden-fitness-and-recreation" target="_blank">Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre.</a></li><li>Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to <a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/events/events" target="_blank">events</a>.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/library-archives" target="_blank">Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives</a> are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty</li></ul>

Fees & Financial Assistance

Total Fee (includes registration, tuition, meals and accommodation)
$3 460.00
+GST

Application Fee 

$35 application is included in the program fee.

Funding 

Limited funding is available to help some participants with program fees.

  • Funding is available for Indigenous participants or those working for Indigenous communities and organizations.
  • Requests are reviewed based on submission of the Financial Assistance form available in the Student Portal.
  • Funding amounts vary and do not cover 100% of the program fee. Participants should expect to pay a minimum of 25% of the program fee.
  • Participants may be eligible for a maximum of two programs per year.

Information about funding opportunities for Leadership programs can be found here.

Steps to follow

  • Select "Yes" to "I would like to apply for financial assistance" during registration.
  • Log into your Student Portal to complete your funding application form within 48 hours of submitting your initial registration.
  • Timely submission of the funding form is required in order to be considered.

Cancellations 

All participants must pay a confirmation fee of $262.50 within fourteen days of registration. We reserve the right to cancel registrants if payment and confirmation is not received within fourteen days.

Participants who are awarded financial aid who cancel their registration within the cancellation policy deadlines may be ineligible to receive Banff Centre funding for a period of 12 months. 

Registrations are non-transferable and cannot be applied to different programs or used on behalf of other registrants

More information on our cancellation policy can be found here.

Tax Information

Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and all financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.

Step 1:

Complete the Online Form

If you have requested financial assistance, please ensure that you log in to your Student Portal within 48 hours of registration, to submit your funding request form.

If you do not require financial assistance, please ensure that you log in to your Student Portal and complete confirmation of attendance and full payment as soon as possible, but no later than 7 days from completing step 1.

Note that non-completion within the timelines stated may result in your place being offered to the waitlist.

Disclaimer

All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Contact Us

For more information please contact:

Phone
888.255.6327