Planning together – supporting First Nations comprehensive community planning
Since 2016, we’ve been supporting First Nations in their journey toward comprehensive community planning (CCP). This mandate was given to us by the Chiefs in Assembly, as confirmed by two separate resolutions.
The vision that guides out work was codeveloped with our partners: CCP Coordinators, a representative from Indigenous Services Canada, and the FNQLSDI planning team.
OUR VISION
All First Nations in Quebec have access to the support – funding, capacity building, collaboration and networking opportunities, mentorship, tools and resources – that they need to blaze their CCP trail towards self-determination, self-sufficiency and healing.
All partners involved in the CCP process have a mutual understanding of the importance and positive impacts of community planning, and continue to maintain relationships that are mutually beneficial, meaningful, equitable, and based on trust and respect. They continue to maintain relationships that are mutually beneficial, meaningful, equitable, and based on trust and respect.
History of the CCP in the region
First Nations have always planned for themselves. In the case of CCP, it became known in the region in the 2010s. The first pilot project we supported was launched in 2016, with funding from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (now known as Indigenous Services Canada). At the time, the FNQLSDI coordinated and managed the funding, and reported to the project partners.
The goal of the pilot project was to support two First Nations throughout their planning journey, for an initial 3-year period. A call for proposals was launched and seven First Nations or National Councils declared their interest. An analysis committee, comprised of FNQLSDI and federal representatives, contacted all interested parties and create an initial workplan to start rolling out the CCP.
Two First Nations were the pilot project pioneers: Abitibi8inni and Kebaowek. Kahnawà:ke, Listuguj and Uashat mak Mani-utenam quickly followed, as more funding became available.
A couple of years later, a second pilot project made it possible for other First Nations to begin their CCP. Seeing how successful both projects were, the FNQLSDI worked with First Nations in CCP to codevelop the framework of a regional initiative to support CCP, which would be coordinated by and for First Nations. Unfortunately, ISC didn’t support the initiative and instead repatriated the management of CCP funds to its regional Quebec office. Nowadays, CCP is funded by ISC through its Professional and Institutional Development (P&ID) program, on an annual basis.
Walking with First Nations and Spotlighting CCP
In 2025, our support and outreach efforts are bearing fruit. Over half of First Nations in the region have chosen to begin a CCP journey, and many others are considering it.
Our support takes multiple forms, depending on the preferences and needs expressed by First Nations planning teams.
We support them in all key aspects of their process:
- Start-up meetings with leadership, administration and citizens
- Funding options
- Hiring process for a CCP Coordinator and ongoing trainingPlanning process design (workplan, calendar, community engagement plan, etc.)
- Documentary research
- Data collection, management and analysis
- Community engagement activities
- Drafting the plan
We also host the regional Indigenous planning circle.
CCP continues to gain ground through the commitment, strength and expertise of thousands of people. We are honoured to walk alongside Chiefs, governments, planning coordinators, planning teams and all First Nations citizens. Thank you for blazing your CCP trail to self-determination, self-sufficiency and healing.
To discover examples of the positive changes CCP brings to a community, we invite you to explore the stories shared by First Nations planning teams
Visit the Nikan Skàtne platform
Coming soon
