Get clear on what you want your Indigenous program to achieve and how this relates to the goals, objectives and strategic priorities of your Nation, organization, community etc.
Look at existing organization(s) or departments and identify where your program can best be situated to maximize program support and capacity, resource efficiency, and program impact.
If there are no existing organizations or departments that are a strong fit for your program, you may need to restructure or create something new.
Be open to alternative models – like housing your program within a non-profit entity or independent corporate structure.
Reach out to key internal and external players to participate in governance, advisory or management roles.
Continually cultivate program champions and cheerleaders inside your organization and externally.
Commit to program accountability and transparency to ensure that the program is not sidelined or the subject of suspicion or criticism based on lack of information.
Regularly engage and invite feedback from community, partners, allies, stakeholders and others to ensure your program remains responsive, focused on priorities, etc.
Physically locate your Indigenous Guardian program where it can have maximum connectivity with other strategic initiatives and with the community. Look for opportunities to share space and avoid isolating the program and program staff
