A new program in Saskatchewan is aiming to enhance the project management skills of Indigenous communities so they might better meet their goals. 

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) has recently partnered with a project management training company, Procept Associates Ltd., to help develop project governance and management skills Indigenous communities need as they move towards sovereignty and managing initiatives. 

Together, they will launch a new Project Management Certificate Program through FNUniv's Indigenous Continuing Education Centre (ICEC).

“In addition to planning, risk management, and other basic (project management) skills, the certificate program addresses topics of specific interest to Indigenous communities; namely, establishing sound project governance structures and policies, and best practices for project procurement,” said Reila Bird, Director of ICEC. 

“We have developed a comprehensive program that will take participants from having little to no project management skills at the start to being able to positively contribute to the delivery of important projects for their communities,” said Bird. 

Launched in January of 2022, the ICEC has expanded from providing education on reconciliation and Indigenous awareness to corporations, to also working directly with Indigenous communities to build project delivery capacity. 

Dr. Jacqueline Ottman, FNUniv President, said First Nations groups face a great deal of challenges when tackling initiatives, and often rely on outside sources for assistance. 

“Many communities rely on help from external consultants and advisors to plan, implement, and evaluate change initiatives and all too often, external consultants don't understand their histories, lived experiences, and unique needs,” said Ottmann.

“This approach keeps revenue within the community and empowers First Nations to make project planning and delivery decisions that are aligned with community priorities and goals.”

The Project Management Certificate Program will begin on May 31, 2022. The first cohort of the Project Management Certificate Program will begin on June 21, 2022. 

Dr. Bob Kayseas, Vice-President Academic at FNUniv, said the timing the launch of the program was deliberate. 

“We chose to get the first group started at this time as a way of celebrating efforts to reclaim sovereignty over our projects. With all the changes underway in Indigenous communities across the country, we strong feel that the time of this type of training is here,” said Kayseas.