First Nations Governance and Public Administration

Transform vision into action.

Learn the practical tools and managerial skills you need to be an effective and strategic leader in an Indigenous or non-Indigenous government.

 
Student profile
Meet Shani Bishop, FNGPA student

Shani Bishop is a student, a mother, a refugee and a dedicated agent of change. “I see similar impacts of colonization here in Canada to my home in Guyana—I have lived it in a different context,” Bishop says. She hopes to graduate from the FNGPA in 2022 and will use her learnings to advocate for greater social justice for Indigenous people. Whether it be through her work with the Yukon Government to bring under-represented groups into the labour force, talking to her two kids about Truth & Reconciliation, or pushing her colleagues to challenge the status quo, she’s working for change. “The courses at YukonU are helping me speak up for those who don’t have the self-confidence to.” 

View more student and alumni profiles

Program description

First Nations Governance and Public Administration (FNGPA) is a unique, cutting-edge, accredited, culturally relevant program transferable towards a diploma or degree at a number of academic institutions. It provides practical, relevant academic tools to senior managers to effectively manage First Nation governments.

Designed to be accessible to working professionals and to allow an integration of education into work and family life, ten courses are offered over three years through a combination of in-class and distance education.

Long distance students have an option to participate via videoconferencing technology or to travel to the host community. As well, all students have access to academic and writing support as required.

Course delivery is varied and may include a combination of lectures, seminars, group discussions, presentations and guest speakers.

The FNGPA program builds upon the Executive Development Pilot program certificate, which is a partnership between Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Yukon University and Yukon government.

The program was created to bridge the gap between existing educational programs and the needs of self-governing First Nations in Yukon.  

Admission requirements
  • Grade 12 graduation with English 12, with a minimum of 75%; OR
  • Acceptance into a related post-secondary program at a comparable level of the FNGPA; OR
  • Five years of manager-level work experience with four to five pieces of sample writing for eligibility assessment to be conducted by Liberal Arts faculty member.
Yukon First Nations Core Competency

Yukon University recognizes that a greater understanding and awareness of Yukon First Nations history, culture and journey towards self-determination will help to build positive relationships among all Yukon citizens. As a result, you will be required to achieve core competency in knowledge of Yukon First Nations.

For details, visit Yukon First Nations Core Competency.

Transferability

FNGPA courses are transferable at a number of Canadian academic institutions.

Please contact the Program Coordinator for further information on specific course transfers.

Money matters

Fees

Tuition for credit programs is calculated per course credit. See money matters for more information.

Some programs and courses have additional fees -  see Ancillary Fees.


Student financial awards

Education is an investment in your future, your family and your community. Yukon University is pleased to support that investment by offering some of the most competitive tuition rates in the country, as well as several student financial awards to help offset your educational and living costs.


Financial assistance

There are government programs, scholarships, bursaries, awards and First Nation funding available to financially support you throughout your academic career.

See money matters for more information, or talk to our financial advising staff in the Student Services Centre. Email or call 867 668 5209 to make an appointment.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a Yukon University First Nations Governance and Public Administration certificate, a student must:

• pass all the required courses (30 credits)

• complete 50% (45 credits) of the coursework through Yukon University (residency requirement) • achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA upon graduation (C average)

• successfully fulfill the Yukon First Nations core competency requirement

Program Guides

A program planning guide lays out the courses and requirements needed to graduate from a particular program. It guides you through course selection options for each term, provides a sample program pathway and acts as a tool to track your progress.