Welcome to our newly improved web site, dedicated to the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management (FAFNLM).
Throughout its pages, this website will provide access and reference to numerous documents, legislation, and templates that are useful to all First Nations interested in the FAFNLM process. You will also find ratification updates, current news, and some of the many success stories shared with us by Operational First Nations who are actively pursuing the many opportunities available to them since the ratification of their land code under the Framework Agreement.
We appreciate your patience as we work to make this site fully bilingual. |
• Congratulations to Matsqui First Nation for the ratification of their land code!
• Congratulations to Tsleil Waututh for the ratification of their land code!
• Tsawout has ratified their land code in accordance with the Framework Agreement, Congratulations!
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Lands Advisory Board (LAB) Click here to learn more about the LAB and how it is composed! |
Shxwha:y Village, BC
The Shxwha:y Village Land Code was approved by an 85% margin by membership through Ratification Votes held June 15, 16, and 17, 2006. The Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs formally approved their Individual Agreement on January 8, 2007 at which point Shxwha:y Village became an operational First Nation. Shxwha:y Village has a Lands Manager in place and administrative support. They are finalizing laws for the Land Code Committee and Matrimonial Property and working on the Environmental Management Agreement. Phase 2 of the Environmental Site Assessment has been completed including some clean up activities and negotiations are currently underway regarding Phase 3 measures. The approval of Shxwha:y Village’s Land Code has proven to be of great benefit to the community. There is a lot of work to be done and many issues to be addressed but they now manage their own lands. Shxwha:y Village’s first concrete example of this was in their ability to obtain a Timber Mark from the BC Ministry of Forestry. The process took them less than 10 days. With INAC, it took them at least 6 months. |
Shxwha:y Village is now moving ahead with developing their lands. They have been approached by several large developers who do not currently deal with First Nations because of INAC bureaucracy. The developers have reviewed their Land Code and are excited to work with Shxwha:y Village as they see Shxwha:y Village has the final decision making authority.
Shxwha:y Village is nearing a development agreement for up to a $30M investment on their lands in partnership with third party developers. This will create long-term benefits including employment, training, profits, and a significant property tax base as Shxwha:y Village also has its own taxation authority. They will be able to finalize this in 6 months or less. Previously, INAC’s processes would have taken a minimum of 2 years. Developers are very positive about the Land Code process and are looking towards others finalizing theirs.
Shxwha:y Village continues to work with LAB and INAC to reach a more equitable operational and environmental funding system. The costs for a First Nation to establish their laws and to be operational far exceed current funding levels. First Nations have to rely on professionals, have higher duty to consult their members and do not have the internal resources that INAC has. Interaction with neighbouring municipalities and other government agencies is also a costly process. However, they are moving forward and managing their own lands and resources as First Nations did long before Canada existed. |
