The Centre models effective First Nations governance on five important pillars. They are:

The People | The Land | Laws and Jurisdiction | Institutions | Resources

These five pillars of effective governance blend the traditional values of our respective Nations with the modern realities of self-governance. NCFNG uses the principles behind these five pillars to develop and deliver tools and services to assist in rebuilding First Nations. The Centre believes that all First Nations have the ability to enact all or some of these principles no matter where they sit on the path to self-governance. All First Nations wrestle with significant constraints such as a lack of funding, the restrictions of the Indian Act, and poverty, yet effective governance is the foundation upon which our development aspirations must be built. Therefore, we must engage with these principles – our long term success depends on it.