[2] Bands can be united into larger regional groupings called tribal councils.
Bands also typically belong to one or more kinds of provincial council or similar organization.
Non-status Indians, Métis, and Inuit are not part of the system of band governments and reserves.
In Canada, the elected government of a First Nations band consists of a chief and councillors.
The Indian Act specifies procedures for the election of the chief councillor and council.
Some bands make use of a policy provision (called 'custom election', which allows them to exempt themselves from these requirements in order to follow traditional procedures for the choice of leaders.
Proponents argue that it allows First Nations to adapt the externally defined system to their traditions.
Although the current policy of the Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is to treat band governments as largely autonomous, under the Indian Act band council resolutions have no effect unless endorsed by the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations.
Tribal councils have no independent status; they draw their powers entirely from their member bands.
[5] In addition to tribal councils, bands may create joint organizations for particular purposes, such as providing social services or health care.
CSFS was originally a part of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council but is now a separate organization.
For instance, the St'át'timc Chiefs Council serves as a common voice for all Stʼatʼimc and formally does not acknowledge Crown sovereignty.
They are a politically active group with no legally recognized band government in Canada.
Some of their members have federally recognized Indian tribal status (in the US) and ongoing land claims in British Columbia.
In addition to Indians, the Constitution (section 35.2) recognizes two other indigenous groups: the Inuit and the Métis.