Professional Lands Management Certification Program
Train to become a certified First Nations land manager.
On this page:
About the program
The Professional Lands Management Certification Program (PLMCP) was developed in 2006 through a partnership between Indigenous Services Canada, the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association and other subject matter experts to provide accredited training for First Nation land managers.
The program offers professional training to First Nations land managers so that they may strengthen their knowledge and skills through a two level process:
- PLMCP Level I: post-secondary training
- PLMCP Level II: technical training
Level I: Post-secondary training
Post-secondary training is available through 4 post-secondary institutions:
- The University of Saskatchewan delivers the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy program
- Algoma University delivers the Aki and Environmental Stewardship program
- The Vancouver Island University delivers the Professional Indigenous Lands Management Certificate
- The Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue delivers the Microprogramme en gestion territoriale en contexte autochtone in French (not available in English)
This post-secondary training provides new land managers with the basic knowledge they need to manage the legal and environmental aspects of their reserve lands. Each program offers different courses but provides a foundation for learning in the field of lands management.
The completion time of PLMCP Level I depends on the University program selected. PLMCP Level I training may require both online and at-home study periods.
Recognition of achievement is granted by the university upon completion of the program. Post-secondary training must be completed before technical training can begin.
Level II: Technical training
This technical training is delivered by the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association. PLMCP Level II training offers new land managers experiential learning applications that are tailored to the specialized roles and responsibilities of First Nation Land Managers operating under the Indian Act. The training provides new land managers with the practical experience necessary to manage the day-to-day legal and environmental obligations of lands management on reserve.
A PLMCP Level II Certificate of Achievement is granted by the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association recognizing the successful completion of the technical training.
After completing the post-secondary training and the technical training, graduates will earn the National Certification as a Land Manager, recognizing expertise as a general practitioner in land management.
Consult the National Aboriginal Land Managers Association for more information about the Professional Lands Management Certification Program.
Who can attend?
Anyone can participate and be certified through the Professional Lands Management Certification Program as a land manager.
However, First Nations participating in the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program are funded to have one employee certified through the Professional Lands Management Certification Program, in line with the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program requirements.
Newly certified land managers are advised to email their Professional Lands Management Certification Program Level I and II Certificates to their Regional Office contact upon completion of each PLMCP Level. Receipt of Professional Lands Management Certification Program Certificates is used to confirm training status, and, upon completion of Level II training, to notify Indigenous Services Canada that their First Nation is eligible to progress to the operational level of the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program.
Funding may be periodically available to train additional land managers. First Nations are also welcome to self-fund and certify as many other land managers as they wish.
Funding
Funding from ISC covers costs such as:
- tuition
- travel
- accommodations
- other administrative fees
Funding enquiries can be directed to the nearest regional office or by email to rlemp@sac-isc.gc.ca.
Deadline
The deadline to register for post-secondary training (PLMCP Level I) differs by institution. First Nations are encouraged to start this process early to ensure that there is space in the program.
The registration deadline for technical training (PLMCP Level II) is in the spring. Participants should contact the National Aboriginal Lands Management Association directly to register.
Contact
For more information about the Professional Lands Management Certification Program:
- contact your regional office or Indigenous Services Canada Public enquiries at 1-800-567-9604 and ask to speak with the Reserve Lands and Environment Management specialist in your region
- email rlemp@sac-isc.gc.ca
- contact the National Aboriginal Lands Management Association at info@nalma.ca