Community Planning

K'atlodeeche First Nation is developing a community supported long-term strategic plan. INAC and the territorial government provided funding and sample documents to help the members identify community-based goals and the ways and means to achieve these.

At a series of community meetings, members determined the community's priorities. A constitution that included traditional values was the first part of an overall governance structure to be developed. This is the framework around which the policies, procedures and guidelines for day-to-day decision-making and administrative processes are built and which will help the community achieve its goals.

“This constitution, which outlines the government's sovereignty, will be the compass for the current and future community government of the K'atlodeeche First Nation,” says Keith Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, K'atlodeeche First Nation.

The community determined the key areas in the strategic plan that needed to be considered in order to achieve a happy, healthy, productive and sustainable living environment. Land use, capital and economic development, social issues, housing, leadership, membership and governance structure, staff relations, codes of conduct, ethics, and financial management were identified as fundamental elements. Roles and responsibilities have been developed for each key area and a series of governing principles and by-laws have been put in place to make sure there is effective community management to keep the plan on track.

K'atlodeeche First Nation set SMART goals — specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Involving the community members in setting priorities and developing a long-term plan helps create understanding, fosters commitment, and keeps everyone focused on the successes.

When all members of a community agree to participate in identifying and discussing what it is they want to achieve as a whole, even before actual planning or funding is considered, there is a much greater chance of success.

“focused on the successes”