The election of First Nations chief and councillors can be held in one of three ways:

•    by following the steps outlined in the Indian Act and the Indian Band Election Regulations
•    by following the First Nation’s own leadership selection process under a community or custom election code
•    pursuant to a community’s constitution contained in a self-government agreement

Currently, of the 617 First Nations in Canada, 238 hold elections under the Indian Act and the Indian Band Election Regulations, 343 select their leadership according to their own community or custom election codes and 36 are self-governing.

For more information, visit Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada's website.