26 Years of Vision, Dedication, and Lasting Impact on First Nation Lands Management
The National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) Board of Directors and Staff proudly honour and celebrate the retirement of **A. Leona Irons, Founding Executive Director**, recognizing 26 years of extraordinary leadership, dedication, and service to First Nation lands management across Canada.
Since NALMA’s establishment in April 2000, Leona has been a driving force behind the organization’s growth, helping transform a shared vision into a nationally respected association dedicated to strengthening First Nation lands management capacity, professional development, and community empowerment.
About Us
The National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) is a national, First Nation-led, non-political organization that supports First Nation land managers through capacity building, professional development, and technical support. We work alongside eight Regional Lands Associations (RLAs), connecting more than 260 professionals dedicated to advancing Indigenous land governance across Canada.
Professional Lands Management Certification

NALMA’s Professional Lands Management Certification Program (PLMCP) establishes professional credibility at a national level, formally recognizing skills and knowledge.
How to become a member of
NALMA

First Nations belonging to their respective Regional Lands Association (RLA) are automatically members of NALMA. For more information on membership, please follow the link below.
Upcoming Training & Events
Additions to Reserve/Reserve Creation (ATR/RC)
2026-2027 Land Use Planning Funding Initiative Call for Proposal
LUP- Practical Applications of Land Use Planning
News
- Honouring a Legacy of Leadership: NALMA Celebrates the Retirement of A. Leona Irons26 Years of Vision, Dedication, and Lasting Impact on First Nation Lands Management Curve Lake, October 30, 2026 The National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) Board of Directors and Staff proudly honour and celebrate the Read more
- Blood Tribe Land Management Department wins Prairie Conservation AwardBy Amber Sugai, Blood Tribe Communications Officer On May 6, 2026, the 14th Prairie Conservation Award and Endangered Species Conference was held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Blood Tribe Land Management received the Prairie Conservation 2026 Award, Read more
- New Report Warns of Escalating Waste Crisis on First Nations Lands, Calls for Immediate Federal ActionPRESS RELEASE COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE New Report Warns of Escalating Waste Crisis on First Nations Lands, Calls for Immediate Federal Action The Joint Table on Waste Management has released Read more
- Request for Proposal-Environmental Scan & Baseline ReportTogether, the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando), Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and National Aboriginal Land Managers Association (NALMA) are seeking an experienced consultant/consulting company to conduct an environmental scan and create a Read more
- NALMA Celebrates Leona Irons-Cummings’ Appointment to the Order of Canada FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Curve Lake, ON – September 18, 2025 – The National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) proudly celebrates the appointment of Leona Irons-Cummings, C.M., to the Order of Canada, one of the nation’s highest Read more




