Certification
How certification works.
A six-stage pathway from inquiry to renewable standing. Built on documented practice and community accountability.
Who can be certified?
Certification is open to nations, family service providers, government agencies, and organizations whose practice touches Indigenous families. Certification is granted to the entity, not to individuals.
What are the six stages?
- 01
Inquiry
Submit an inquiry to begin a conversation with the certification team. A team member responds within ten business days.
- 02
Self-Assessment
Complete a structured self-assessment across the seven pillars to identify alignment, gaps, and starting points. The self-assessment is confidential.
- 03
Submission and Review
Submit documented evidence of practice across all seven pillars. The certification team reviews against the standard.
- 04
Community Verification
Verification with community members and families served. Accountability is shared, not assumed. References are spoken with directly.
- 05
Certification Decision
A decision is issued: certified, conditional, or not yet aligned. Conditional standing carries a defined improvement pathway with concrete milestones.
- 06
Renewal
Certification is renewable on a defined cycle. Ongoing evidence of practice and community feedback are required. The standard is a living standard.
Certification FAQ
What organizations ask first.
How long does the certification process take?
Most organizations move from inquiry to a certification decision within six to twelve months. The duration depends on organizational size, starting alignment, and the speed of documentation. Smaller organizations and those already practising in line with the pillars tend to move faster.
What does certification cost?
Certification fees are scaled to organizational size and capacity. KFT-Families Society maintains a subsidy pathway for nations and community-led organizations whose work is essential but whose budgets are limited. Fee details are shared during the inquiry conversation.
Is certification public?
Certified organizations are listed in a public certified directory. Conditional standing and decisions not to certify remain confidential unless the organization chooses to share them.
What happens if we are not yet aligned?
Decisions of "not yet aligned" come with a written report identifying the specific gaps and suggested pathways. Organizations may begin the process again once the named gaps are addressed.
Can the certification team support us through the process?
Yes. The certification team is available for consultation throughout. The goal is alignment with the standard, not gatekeeping against it.
Ready to begin?
Start the inquiry.
The certification team responds within ten business days. There is no commitment at the inquiry stage.
Begin inquiry