First Nations Government Internship

Program overview

Northern Development Initiative Trust, in partnership with the Department of Indigenous Services Canada, has established the First Nations Government Internship Program. This program allows rural, Indigenous communities to recruit and retain talented young professionals. Only First Nations located in the Northern Development service area are eligible to apply.

The program prepares young people for a career in First Nations government, while supporting capacity building and succession preparation for smaller, Indigenous communities. The internship program provides funding for central and northern First Nations governments or Tribal Councils to host and mentor an intern for a 12-month period starting in May. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous post-secondary graduate applicants.

One internship program goal is to provide insight into the wide range of careers available within First Nations government. This includes opportunities in management and administration, corporate services, planning and development services, environmental services, finance, human resource, public works, external relations and membership engagement, health, education and economic development. The internship program promises to provide a high level of professional development and training that will prepare university and/or college graduates for more senior roles in First Nations government.

Program objectives

The internship program objectives are:

• Accelerate operational learning and permanent career placement in First Nations government
• Develop professional, long-term capacity in First Nations government administration
• Make First Nations government a career of choice by financially supporting internship opportunities for post-secondary graduates
• Allow for the flexibility of learning experiences where First Nations governments wish to jointly offer a placement for an intern

Internship opportunities are not intended to be for positions covered by collective agreements. Host First Nations governments are responsible for undertaking consultation with their respective unions, if applicable, to clarify the objectives of this program.

To apply

Please review all program documents in detail as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Interested internship and host community candidates can email their completed application package to info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca 

Host community application deadline: January 15

Intern application deadline: February 29