June 18, 1999

HISTORIC FIRST NATIONS LAND LEGISLATION PROCLAIMED

OTTAWA (June 18, 1999) – Bill C-49, the First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA), received Royal Assent in the Senate last night.

The legislation transfers the control of day-to-day land management decisions and activities from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) to the 14 participating First Nations. In addition, the FNLMA enables these First Nations to develop and implement a community process for the creation and ratification of laws on the use, possession and occupancy of First Nations’ lands and on the division of property upon the breakdown of a marriage.

“This is a very historic moment in Canadian Aboriginal history,” said Robert Louie, Chair of the Lands Advisory Board. “Never before has a group of First Nations accomplished such a formidable task of regaining control over their lands, resources and daily lives. The Chiefs and their councils, representing six provinces, have worked tirelessly over the past decade to conclude this government-to-government agreement with Canada. This represents a momentous and significant achievement.”

“The Chiefs, Councils and communities of the 14 signatory First Nations are to be commended on their tireless efforts over the past 10 years to regain authority over their lands and resources,” said Jane Stewart, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. “The First Nations Land Management Act is a positive step for the Government of Canada as we remove ourselves from the day-to-day management of lands and resources for these signatory First Nations and enable them to deal directly with their neighbouring municipalities, businesses and other potential partners to develop economic opportunities.”

Chief Austin Bear of the Muskoday First Nation in Saskatchewan stated: “The Framework Agreement and the First Nations Lands Management Act, at last, legitimately acknowledge our fundamental right to govern our own communities and to control our lands and resources. This acknowledgement is long overdue and our community is pleased that this day has finally arrived.”

Chief William McCue of the Georgina Island First Nation of Ontario, indicated that “our community will now have the jurisdiction to consider long-term cottage leases as well as other economic development ventures.”

In a letter of support for the FNLMA, Mike Sanderson, president of the Snake Island Cottagers’ Association, tenants of the Georgina Island First Nation, stated that the association and the band “over the years had developed a friendly working relationship and we look forward to dealing directly with the band. The time for self-government is now.”

Chief Bill Williams of the Squamish First Nations, located on the lower mainland of Vancouver, stated that “now that the FNLMA has received royal assent, the Squamish Nation will begin a two-year period to determine if the community wishes to assume responsibility for land management. With the full active participation of all our members, we will develop a Squamish Land Code based on fairness, equality and accountability and then conduct a community vote.” Chief Williams added that “the new powers for our community are a brass ring that will enshrine economic opportunity to develop and enhance community capacity for generations to come.”

Chief Rennie Goose of the Scugog First Nation, located northeast of Toronto, stated that “our location in the middle of prime Ontario recreational land will generate a number of new economic development opportunities which will provide revenues and jobs for our people.”

The government-to-government agreement will promote economic development on reserves and enhance the accountability of chiefs and councils to their membership by ensuring that there is community decision making in the approval of a land code. The FNLMA will also provide a positive model for other First Nations interested in assuming similar land management responsibilities in the future.

Although the legislation currently applies only to the First Nations who signed the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management in 1996, other bands have already expressed an interest in participating in the initiative. As a result, a provision permitting additional First Nations to opt-in to the legislation through an order in council has been included in the FNLMA.

The 14 First Nations participating in this initiative are:

• British Columbia: Westbank, Musqueam, Lheidli T’enneh, N’Quatqua, and Squamish
• Alberta: Siksika
• Saskatchewan: Muskoday, Cowessess
• Manitoba: Opaskwayak Cree
• Ontario: Nipissing, Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Chippewas of Georgina Island, Chippewas of Mnjikaning
  New Brunswick: Saint Mary’s