Kátł’odeeche First Nation Land LAW
Kátł’odeeche First Nation: Our Land Code (Land Law)
Kátł’odeeche First Nation is pursuing a land Code under the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and became a signatory First Nation in October 2017 to move toward managing its own reserve lands and resources.
What's in a Land Code?
A Land Code will be the basic land law of the First Nation and will replace the land management provisions of the Indian Act.
The Land Code will be drafted by our First Nation and will make provision for the following matters:
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Identifying the reserve lands to be managed by the First Nation (called “First Nation land”),
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The general rules and procedures for the use and occupation of these lands by First Nation members and others,
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Financial accountability for revenues from the lands (except oil and gas revenues, which continue under federal law),
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The making and publishing of First Nation land laws,
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The conflict of interest rules,
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A community process to develop rules and procedures applicable to land on the breakdown of a marriage,
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A dispute resolution process,
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Procedures by which the First Nation can grant interests in land or acquire lands for community purposes,
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The delegation of land management responsibilities, and
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The procedure for amending the Land Code.
Important Documents to Note:
KFN LAND Law (Land Code)
A Little History on the Framework Agreement:
The Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management recognizes that First Nations have an inherent right to manage their reserve lands and resources. The Framework Agreement provides First Nations with the option to govern their reserve lands and resources under their own land codes, free from the restrictions imposed by the Minister and federal officials under the Indian Act.
The Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management was launched by a group of 14 dedicated Chiefs who were seeking freedom for their communities from the constraints imposed by the Minister and Federal Officials of Land Administration under the Indian Act. This historic government to government, which was ratified in Parliament in 1999, has grown to almost 1 in 5 First Nations involved with the initiative across Canada. Signatory participation in the Framework Agreement has increased from the original 14 signatories to an astounding 165 First Nations stretching from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and now to the Northwest Territories.
The Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management is a major success story. Operational First Nations (those that have voted YES to their land codes) have regained governance over their lands and resources, are making important socio-economic decisions at the speed of business based on their communities' wishes, and protecting their lands, people, and way of life.