25th Anniversary of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management
Press Release
The Lands Advisory Board and 178 Signatory First Nations Celebrate a Significant Milestone in Reserve Land Governance
Sutton West, Ontario Feb. 12, 2021/LAB/RC – The Lands Advisory Board is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management (Framework Agreement). Over the past 25 years the Framework Agreement has provided the means for 99 First Nations from nine provinces and territories to replace the Indian Act lands provisions with their own laws. These are key milestones towards the decolonization of governance rules for reserve lands.
The Framework Agreement presents signatory First Nations with the option of replacing the application of 44 lands-related sections of the Indian Act with a community-designed and approved land code. A land code has been shown to create more appropriate, effective and efficient land governance and environmental protection, including the recognition of First Nation governments as the decision-making authority over their lands.
Quotes:
“The past 25 years have shed new light on governance and management priorities for a growing number of First Nation communities across Canada. The Framework Agreement has been a revelation for the meaningful reclamation of lands authority that was displaced by the Indian Act.” said Robert Louie, Lands Advisory Board Chairman.
“I am proud to have been a proponent of the Framework Agreement since its inception. From supporting the establishment of a land code in my own community of Muskoday First Nation, to ensuring the support services provided to all signatory First Nations by the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre, I have no doubt that First Nations will continue to succeed in the reassertion of their inherent rights.” said Austin Bear, Chair, Resource Centre.
“Congratulations to the Lands Advisory Board and all signatory First Nations on this important anniversary. The Government of Canada is your proud partner. We reaffirm our commitment, through collaboration and co-development with the Lands Advisory Board, to advance self-determination and reconciliation,” said the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P., Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
“Over the past 25 years, nearly 100 First Nations have affirmed their control over their lands, natural resources, and environment through the Framework Agreement. From the start, the Framework Agreement has been a First Nations-led initiative and a First Nations-led success, and the Government of Canada will continue to partner with First Nations communities under this Agreement. At this milestone date, we congratulate the Lands Advisory Board, the Resource Centre, and all communities in their success.” said Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services.
The Numbers
178 First Nations across Canada are signatory to the Framework Agreement, of those:
- 99 have enacted their own land codes (3 of these have moved to Treaty or Full Self Government Agreements)
- 47 are in the process of developing land codes,
- 32 are inactive and
- 53 First Nations have formally expressed interest in becoming signatory.
To learn more about the Lands Advisory Board, the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre and the Framework Agreement, please visit www.labrc.com.
About the Lands Advisory Board and First Nations Land Management Resource Centre Inc.
The Lands Advisory Board was created to assist First Nations to resume jurisdiction over reserve lands and resources. The Lands Advisory Board is comprised of an elected Chairman and regionally elected Directors, determined by the Councils of the signatory First Nations who have formally established their land codes.
The First Nations Land Management Resource Centre was established by the Lands Advisory Board in 2001 to provide technical and professional support to First Nation signatories as they progress through the developmental and operational phases of the Framework Agreement.
The Framework Agreement was developed to provide recognition for First Nations’ Inherent Right to govern their reserve lands.
Media Contact:
John Makson
Senior Public Relations Advisor
john.makson@labrc.com
250.661.5471
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