Professional Development Unit

Professional Lands Management Certification Program

To implement the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (RLEMP), NALMA, in collaboration with Indigenous Services Canada (formerly INAC) and subject matter experts, developed the Professional Lands Management Certification Program.

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The PLMCP signifies that a Land Manager meets specific criteria, keeps current in the field, and adheres to a professional Code of Ethics. It represents both an achievement and a responsibility for the individual Land Manager. The PLMCP is a nationally recognized certification awarded upon successful completion of the program.

A Land Manager successfully completing Level I: Post-Secondary Training and Level II: Technical Training will be eligible to receive PLMCP certificate from NALMA.

Level I:  Post Secondary Training

There are currently four post-secondary partner institutions for completing Level I of PLMCP: 

1. Algoma University,
2. University of Saskatchewan,
3. Vancouver Island University, and
4. Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue. 

Each program is distinct, offering different courses, acceptance criteria, and delivery methods. Regardless of which program you choose, all cover the three core fundamentals of land management:
• Legal
• Economic
• Environmental

The Kanawayihetaytan Askiy (KA) Program at the University of Saskatchewan

The KA Program, formerly the Indigenous Peoples Resource Management Program, is a uniquely designed certificate program that is focused on providing a broad range of topic areas specific to the management of lands and resources.

The KA Program examines basic environmental, legal and economic aspects of land and resource management in Aboriginal communities. The KA Program also provides students with the opportunity to increase skill levels in communications, computers, time management, leadership, research, and project management.

Aki and Environmental Stewardship Program at Algoma University

The Aki and Environmental Stewardship program is an innovative and dynamic certificate program designed to provide essential grounding in the field of land management. 

The Level I portion of the program consists of 6 courses that cover a broad range of topics related to lands, resources and environmental management.  Learners can also take an additional 4 courses and receive a certificate from Algoma University.

The Aki program blends in-person sessions with online learning options and offers choice between elective options for the final course.   Learners can customize their learning and optimize their experience to suit their needs and interests.  In this program, students build their knowledge, skill base, and relationships to work effectively in the field of land management and to prepare for Level II of PLMCP. The credits from PLMCP may be used to ladder into a diploma or degree program at Algoma University if certified land managers wish to continue to build their expertise in the field of land management after taking PLMCP.

Professional Indigenous Lands Management Certificate at Vancouver Island University 

The Indigenous Lands Management Certificate (ILMC) provides a structured set of courses relevant to individuals involved or interested in land use planning/lands management with First Nation communities.

The Certificate will acquaint students with the necessary background in history, community design, community engagement, social research, intergovernmental relations, legal issues, treaties and agreements, land codes, site planning, and plan implementation to be successful as a Lands Planner/Manager in a First Nation’s community.

Successful completion of the Certificate will offer the student a grounding in the skills and tools they need to address issues in their home community and/or gain employment in other communities, agencies, and levels of government. The materials used will be relevant and will reflect the diversity of Indigenous communities across Canada. A community of learners will be developed as students complete the Certificate with other like-minded participants, and on-line platforms will be developed to encourage peer-support and cross learning long after the completion of the Certificate.

Microprogramme en gestion territorial en context autochtone at Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Le microprogramme de premier cycle en gestion territoriale en contexte autochtone répond aux besoins personnels et professionnels des étudiants en permettant de développer des savoirs et des compétences en lien avec la gestion territoriale en contexte autochtone, dont les dynamiques territoriales, le cadre réglementaire et juridique, les différents types d’exploitation du territoire (forestière, minière et énergétique) ainsi que les relations entre les personnes autochtones et allochtones
Microprogramme de 1 er cycle en gestion territoriale en contexte autochtone.

Level II: Technical Training

Level II: Technical Training, provided by NALMA, focuses on the specific roles and responsibilities of a First Nation Land Manager operating under the Indian Act (RLEMP). This training is also valuable for First Nations managing lands under the Indian Act or other land regimes. Level II enhances skills, knowledge, and awareness of best practices in land management.

Students will learn basic concepts and knowledge that govern land management activities, assisting them in their role as a Land Manager. Technical Training equips students with skills such as interpreting policies and procedures, identifying the relevant authorities, and understanding the legal rules that enable or constrain land management decisions.

The Technical Training is available in English, with a French version currently in development.

To view the PLMC Program Level II course descriptions:

To view the PLMC Program Level II training schedule:

Students who successfully complete Levels I and II will receive a PLMCP Certificate from NALMA, recognizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise in Land Management.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

NALMA has a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process that may be used to challenge Level I and Level II competencies associated with land management.

An experienced  Land Manager with significant skills, knowledge, and expertise may apply to NALMA to determine eligibility for the PLAR process. If a Land Manager successfully completes the equivalency requirements, they may receive credit for portions or all of the PLMCP.

For additional information about PLMCP, contact:

Buffy Hill
Education and Training Administrator
bhill@nalma.ca