Governance administration training for Indigenous organizations
Learn to prepare agendas and Board packages, record decisions, and keep governance records organized — in the context of First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations across Canada. One-day, self-directed course: eight online modules, with no scheduled live sessions. Complete it in one day or spread your learning across sessions at your own pace. One-day is the study commitment, not a one-day access expiry. Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals supporting Indigenous organizations are welcome.
- 8 self-directed online modules
- PDF course manual and templates
- Certificate of completion issued by our organization (not external accreditation)
Instructor: A.C. Lynch, GPC Desig. — 15+ years of experience in Indigenous governance administration.
Pre-register for October 29 — $899 CADHonouring Knowledge. Strengthening Governance. Building the Future.
Secure your registration for the October 29, 2026 release.
Pre-register for October 29 — $899 CADPre-registration includes the Certificate Program, the accompanying PDF course manual, practical governance resources, and access to the online learning environment upon release.
Before you register
- Format
- One-day, self-directed course
- Modules
- 8 practitioner modules
- Access opens
- October 29, 2026
- Materials
- PDF course manual, templates & practical resources
- Certificate
- Certificate of Completion issued by IBAGS
Complete the eight online modules in one day or spread your learning across sessions at your own pace. There are no scheduled live sessions. One-day describes the study commitment, not a one-day access expiry.
If launch is delayed, IBAGS will email pre-registered learners with revised timing and options. If IBAGS permanently cancels or is unable to deliver a prepaid, undelivered course, IBAGS will refund that undelivered purchase.
Questions about course access, completion requirements or learner support? Email knowledge@indigenousboardgov.com before registering.
What you'll be able to do by the end.
- 01Move through the board cycle with administrative confidence and respect for Indigenous decision-making processes
- 02Prepare agendas, board packages, and meeting materials that honour Indigenous knowledge and organizational protocols
- 03Record minutes, motions, and resolutions that protect the organization and preserve community memory
- 04Steward policies and bylaws so they reflect both Indigenous values and the practical realities of your organization
- 05Welcome and orient new directors within the context of Indigenous governance and community accountability
- 06Support accountability to your Nation, community, members, funders, and future generations
- 07Hold governance memory through staff and leadership transitions so continuity is not lost
- 08Bridge day-to-day administrative practice with the protocols, relationships, and responsibilities of Indigenous governance
Eight modules. Built around Indigenous foundations of Governance.
One-day, self-directed course. Complete the eight online modules in one day or spread your learning across sessions at your own pace. There are no scheduled live sessions. One-day describes the study commitment, not a one-day access expiry. Explore the eight modules below and download the curriculum overview.
- 01Module
Foundations of Indigenous Governance
Context, history, and the operating environment of Indigenous organizations in Canada. Where the administrative role sits inside it.
- 02Module
The Board Cycle
Annual calendars, meeting cadence, agenda design, and the rhythm of preparing a board to govern well.
- 03Module
Meeting Administration
Notices, quorum, motions, resolutions, conflicts of interest, in-camera procedure, and accurate, defensible minutes.
- 04Module
Policy Workflow & Writing
How a policy moves from need to draft to approval to implementation — and the writing systems that keep it usable.
- 05Module
Records, Resolutions & Governance Memory
Building a records architecture that protects organizational memory through staff and board transition.
- 06Module
Committees & Terms of Reference
Standing and ad-hoc committees, mandates, reporting lines, and keeping committee work aligned to board purpose.
- 07Module
Director Onboarding & Succession
Welcoming new directors, building their fluency, and preparing the organization for leadership transitions.
- 08Module
Accountability, Reporting & Impact
Governance reporting to members, funders, and community — translating operations into clear accountability.
Illustrative practical exercise
Practise recording a Board decision with this written example based on Module 3: Meeting Administration.
A fictional Board approves a revised policy, with one director declaring a conflict and leaving for that item. Draft a concise minute identifying the declaration, absence, motion, decision and return. Separate the decision record from a transcript of discussion.
Check what needs confirmation with the chair and which follow-up belongs in an action tracker, using the organization’s governing documents and confidentiality requirements.
Built for the people who do the work.
This course centres the administrative role — the role that makes governance actually function inside Indigenous organizations across Canada.
- 01Executive Assistants & Board Secretaries
- 02Governance & Administrative Coordinators
- 03Executive Directors building their admin team
- 04Board Chairs working with new administrators
- 05Emerging governance professionals in Indigenous organizations
Pre-register for October 29, 2026.
Complete the form below and continue to secure payment. Your registration is confirmed once payment is successfully processed.
- Registration Information
- Secure Payment
- Confirmation
Questions about the course.
What does one-day mean?▼
Complete the eight online modules in one day or spread your learning across sessions at your own pace. There are no scheduled live sessions. One-day describes the study commitment, not a one-day access expiry.
How long is access, and what are the assessment requirements?▼
For details about access, completion requirements and learner support, contact knowledge@indigenousboardgov.com before registering. The one-day format describes the study commitment; learning can be spread across sessions.
What if a download fails?▼
For a failed download or a fresh replacement link, email knowledge@indigenousboardgov.com with your purchase email and order or payment reference. Never send card details. The instant purchase-page link expires after one hour; the emailed link is valid for seven days. Link expiry does not expire a PDF you have saved.
When does the course start?▼
The Certificate Program is scheduled for release on October 29, 2026. Pre-registered participants will receive access details and release updates by email as the date approaches. Once released, the course will be available on YOUR schedule.
Who Is Teaching This Course?▼
Your instructor is A.C. Lynch, GPC Desig., a Governance Practitioner with a background in law, governance, and Indigenous organizational governance administration. With 15+ years of experience, A.C. Lynch has supported Indigenous Boards, Executive Directors, and Administrative professionals, helping strengthen governance practices across Indigenous organizations.
Holding the Governance Professionals of Canada Designation (GPC. Desig.), this course was developed to address the need for specialized education for administrative professionals working within Indigenous Governance. The course has also been informed by the perspectives of Elders and members of Indigenous communities, combining practical experience with Indigenous knowledge to create learning that is both relevant and immediately applicable.
What is included in the pre-registration?▼
Pre-registration includes the full Certificate Program, the accompanying PDF course manual, practical governance resources, and access to the online learning environment upon release.
Is this course only for individuals?▼
Individuals can pre-register directly. Organizations that want to enrol several staff can contact us directly at knowledge@indigenousboardgov.com.
Can I get a refund?▼
Digital purchases are final sale: no change-of-mind refunds, returns, exchanges or credits. Statutory rights remain protected. If launch is delayed, IBAGS will email pre-registered learners with revised timing and options. If IBAGS permanently cancels or is unable to deliver a prepaid, undelivered course, IBAGS will refund that undelivered purchase. Please review the Refund and Cancellation Policy before purchasing.
How will I receive course materials?▼
The PDF course manual, participant information, course-access link, and related communications will be sent to the email address supplied during registration.
What payment methods are accepted?▼
Secure checkout accepts major credit and debit cards. The transaction is processed in Canadian dollars (CAD) by Stripe, our payment provider.
What certificate will I receive?▼
Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Completion issued by Indigenous Board Administrative & Governance Services through our LearnWorlds learning platform. This certificate recognizes successful completion of the program and is not represented as an external professional designation, accreditation, or government-recognized certification.
Enrolling staff from your organization?
See the Organizational Package (course, handbook and a private 60-minute onboarding session), or contact us about several employees.
Get course updates & launch news
We'll email you with release updates and curriculum news for the Certificate Program.
Want to choose specific interests? Use the full sign-up form.