Eight First Nations begin process to remove land-related sections of Indian Act

Eight First Nations have formally begun the process to remove 34 land-related sections of the Indian Act to gain greater control over reserve lands and resources by signing onto the First Nations Land Management (FNLM) regime. Kwantlen First Nation (British Columbia), Lil’wat First Nation - Mount Currie Indian Band (British Columbia), Neskonlith Indian Band (British Columbia), Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation (British Columbia), Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (Manitoba), Algonquins of Pikwakanagan (Ontario), Shawanaga First Nation (Ontario), and George Gordon First Nation (Saskatchewan) will begin to develop their own land codes. “The FNLM regime is a powerful tool for First Nations seeking greater control over not just their land and resources, but their economic futures,” said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Bernard Valcourt. “We will continue to work with interested First Nations across the country to help them realize the significant economic benefits, like jobs, investments and greater self-sufficiency, that come from participation in the FNLM regime.” Chief Robert Louie, chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board, said one out of every five First Nations in Canada is a signatory to the FNLM framework agreement. Canada is receiving a financial return 10 times the dollars that the federal government is investing in the process, he said. “What an incredible success story,” Louie said. To fund the regime, Canada is committing $3 million. The eight nations bring the total number of nations under the regime to 69.