Chief Scott McLeod of Nipissing First Nation says his communty and most other First Nations have been disrupted by the process of colonization and are trying to find their way back.
This includes what has been described as a crisis – the lack of enforcement of First Nations laws.
He told host Richard Perry that so-called "Crown' land, where his people have been sustained for centuries, can no longer continue to be withheld from the true rights holders.
Links:
Tim Raybould is one of Canada's leading consultants in First Nations policy and governance.
For over twenty-five years Tim has provided professional advice to First Nations and Indigenous organizations in Canada and has been directly involved in a number of Indigenous–led sectoral and comprehensive governance initiatives.
Tim was Westbank First Nation’s self-government negotiator and remains active in title and rights issues for Westbank including participating in reconciliation negotiations with the Crown as part of the Okanagan Nation. He has been a senior advisor to the BC Assembly of First Nations and co-authored the BCAFN governance toolkit: a guide to nation building. Tim is the senior policy advisor to the First Nations Finance Authority and has worked with the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Land Management Board and the former National Centre for First Nations Governance. He is also a faculty member for the Banff Centre’s Aboriginal Leadership and Management program.
Raybould encourages First Nations leaders to keep fighting for self-government and the establishment of First Nations courts within their own Indigenous justice systems. He sat down with host Richard Perry prior to delivering his address at the 2023 National Conference on the Enforcement of First Nation Laws.
Links:
Tim Raybould on LinkedIn
2023 Conference website for updates and resources
First Nations Land Management Resource Centre website
Jackie Lombardi graduated from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law on the Dean's Honour List with a Distinction in Aboriginal Law and Indigenous Legal Traditions.
She brought her valuable perspective to the 2023 National Conference on the Enforcement of First Nation Laws, hosted by the First Nations Lands Advisory Board and First Nations Land Management Resource Centre.
She joined host Richard Perry for a conversation about her role with the Chiefs of Ontario and why solutions are required to overcome gaps in law enforcement in First Nations.
Links:
- Conference website for future follow-up materials and updates –https://www.2023firstnationenforcementconference.com/
- Jackie Lombardi on LinkedIn
- Chiefs of Ontario website
Whitecap Dakota First Nation, near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has been a leading example of a community taking back control of law enforcement.
Murray Long, Director of Self-Government, joins host Richard Perry to explain how this progressive First Nation is working with government partners to make significant progress. The conversation was recorded in June 2023 at the National Conference on the Enforcement of First Nation Laws.
Links:
Conference website for updates and resource materials
Whitecap Dakota First Nation website
Murray Long on LinkedIn
Land Management Resource Centre website
Melissa Tokarek shares her community's interest in law enforcement from its perspective as a nation with its own land code.
She takes a particular interest in environmental laws, no doubt due to her background as an Environmental Cooordinator with Defence Construction Canada and an Environmental Scientist with then-Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. She earned her Master of Science in Environmental Practice at Royal Roads University.
She sat down with host Richard Perry at the 2023 National Conference on the Enforcement of First Nation Laws, hosted by the First Nation Lands Advisory Board and the First Nations Lands Advisory Board.
Links:
- Conference website for updates, resources and follow-up materials.
- Malahat Nation website
- Melissa Tokarek on LinkedIn
- First Nations Land Management Resource Centre website
Lee-Ann O'Brien has a unique view of First Nation law enforcement, which she shared in this conversation with podcast host Richard Perry.
O'Brien is deputy chief of the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, a stand-alone First Nation police service with a very unique and complex jurisdiction.
Today, the force has 42 sworn officers and 11 civilian members, including six full-time public safety dispatchers. It has jurisdiction and authority in Quebec and Ontario.
The Mohawk territory of Akwesasne includes portions in Ontario and Quebec within Canada and New York State of the United States of America. It is situated along the St. Lawrence River and spans approximately 25,000 acres of land, including 37 km of waterways and 57 islands.
No other First Nation community in Canada has this unique jurisdiction and geographic features.
Links:
From 1975 to 1999, Point served as Chief of the Skowkale First Nation. From 1994 to 1999 he served as Tribal Chair of the Stó:lō Nation.
He brought a positive, hopeful message to 600 delegates attending the 2023 Conference on the Enforcement of First Nation Laws, held in June 2023.
He spoke with host Richard Perry about the simplicity (but effectiveness) of traditional Indigenous conflict resolution and its relevance to the search for modern day solutions among First Nations in Canada.
Links:
- Hon. Steven Point on Wikipedia
- Hon. Steven Point, Chancellor of UBC
- 2023 Conference website for updates and resource materials
- First Nations Land Management Resource Centre website
He tells an impassioned story about helping a community grapple with non-existent enforcement during the Covid outbreak and the fortitude it took by a team of committed leadership to find a solution.
He joined host Richard Perry at the 2023 Conference on the Enforcement of First Nation Laws, hosted by the First Nations Lands Advisory Board and the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre.
Links:
- 2023 Conference website updates and resources
- Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) website
- First Nations Land Management Resource Centre website
SHOW NOTES
Andrew Beynon, Director of Land Governance, gives us a sneak preview of the first national conference to be held on solving the crisis of ineffective law enforcement in our land code communities.
The National Conference on Enforcement of First Nations Laws will be held June 6-8, 2023 in Ottawa-Gatineau. More than 500 participants are expected.
00:50 - Why it is critical to bring together this national conference on enforcement of First Nations laws.
2:20 - There is more recognition of self-government, but what good is it without the ability to enforce laws enacted under new land codes? We must fix this legacy of failure, a real gap.
4:20 - Theme for day one: federal/provincial action plans. Is anything really happening on the ground? Andrew mentions progress being made in some jurisdictions such as Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
6:07 - Theme for day two: success stories. What has to happen next? How are pilot projects proceeding?
7:25 - Theme for day three: First Nations policing. Many communities rely on the RCMP or provincial policing, and they are overstretched already. Some laws however do not require a police element. How should they be dealt with?
11:45 - Possibility of a national coalition? This will be discussed at the conference due to the degree of interest in solving enforcement issues. It is up to First Nations leadership to consider this as a positive next step. There are common issues across the country. Andrew mentions specific communities doing interesting things.
15:03 - Andrew hopes that participants leave the conference with enthusiasm and optimism. Solutions in policing, prosecution and the courts can be found.
LINKS
Lawrence Lamouche and Elvis Thomas share the unique and inspirational story of how both contribute to land management at Woodland Cree First Nation in Treaty 8 territory in northern Alberta. It is the first Alberta nation to enact its own land code.
Lawrence manages the traditional land portfolio while Elvis is the go-to contact for land code on the reserve proper.
Woodland Cree is a 'young' band, having been created in 1989, and it just voted to enact its own land code in November 2022.
It is refreshing to hear how both men, with leadership from Chief and Council, helped get the nation out of more than 30 land-related provisions of the Indian Act so their community could start to grow at the 'speed of business'.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Woodland Cree First Nation Website: https://www.woodlandcree.net/
Woodland Cree Facebook videos: https://www.facebook.com/wcfn474/videos
Woodland Cree 'A vision for the future' video: https://youtu.be/2IVQgNi5cOE
Lawrence Lamouche (traditional lands) email: lawrencejr_8@hotmail.com
Elvis Thomas (Reserve Land Code) email: elvis@woodlandcree.net
First Nations Land Management Resource Centre website: https://www.labrc.com
Jasmine Pouce Coupe has some advice for First Nations considering adopting their own land codes to take control of their lands and resources. Communicate well, and often! Repeat important messages to your community members.
Jasmine is helping guide Doig River First Nation, near Fort St. John, BC, as it develops a community-based land code. Has the effort been worth it? Absolutely, she says, and even more important now that Doig River has signed a Land Entitlement Agreement after 23-years of negotiation, a deal that will see a new urban reserve and new business development.
As she told host Richard Perry, she is incredibly proud of the community's accomplishments.
Episode runs 20:36.
Land Decolonized was ranked #1 in Apple Canada's non-profit directory in May 2021. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts.
LINKS
To reach Jasmine by email: jpoucecoupe@doigriverfn.com
Doig River First Nation website
Land Management Resource Centre website
Kim Guerin learned from an early age that a small First Nation could take on the Canadian government and win.
Her father spearheaded a legal battle over lease rights that went to the Supreme Court. R v Guerin affirmed that Ottawa has a fiduciary duty to a First Nation, that it is in a position of trust to act on the First Nation's best interests.
Musqueam is also part of the growing Land Code movement in Canada. It managed its own lands and resources in one of the most populated urban centres in Canada...the heart of Vancouver.
Ms. Guerin spoke with host Richard Perry about pride in community and why she sees land and sovereignty as critical pieces of Musqueam's future.
LINKS:
Musqueam Indian Band
First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
R. v Guerin Supreme Court decision
In this episode, land management trainee Bart Metansinine talks about his community of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (AZA), which was once known as the Lost Nation. By signing onto the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management, Bart says his community can move forward with development that will attract members home.
He credits fellow band staff members, Land Management Resource Centre staff and Dokis First Nation Chief Gerry Duquette, Jr. for their mentorship during his journey from working in the woods to a career in carpentry and now land management.
Links:
AZA website
Land Management Resource Centre
Episode 2 with Chief Gerry Duquette, Jr, Dokis First Nation
Bart Metansinine email: bartm@aza.ca
John Makson, Exec. Producer, email: podcast@labrc.com
In this episode, you'll meet Tania Solonas, land management officer with the McLeod Lake Indian Band. With about 500 members, MLIB is one of the most experienced First Nations with the land code process, being the second in the province and among the first in Canada to sign onto the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management.
You'll discover:
- how the Band's addition to Treaty 8 in 2000 sparked interest in the land code;
- why having a land code isn't a one-shot deal; it can be modified over time;
- challenges exist even with a land code. Some community priorities can still wait years for implementation;
- why the community sees a need to ratify an amendment this year to address enforcement issues;
- where McLeod Lake Indian Band sees future development opportunities beyond the current Duz Cho Group of Companies.
For more information, visit www.mlib.ca. Please comment wherever you listen to this podcast. You can also send comments or suggestions to our executive producer John Makson at podcast@labrc.com or host Richard Perry at podcast@richardperry.ca
Show Notes
Down...but not out!
On this episode of the Land Decolonized podcast, Jordon Hatton shares the incredible comeback story of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabeck, an Ojibwa First Nation in Ontario. Its land was taken by the province in the 1940s to make a provincial park, but was eventually returned so a new reserve could be created.
Jordan is Director of Economic Development. He shares the sad history of the dispossession, but the modern climate that saw the land returned, a reserve created, and a Land Code passed by the community in 2014.
Key topics:
- Location and history of Sand Point First Nation
- The rationale for signing onto the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management
- Key goals in community and land planning
- Forecasting potential economic opportunities and residential development
Links:
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabeck
First Nations Lands Management Resource Centre
Jordan Hatton's email: jhatton@bnafn.ca
With the 2021 annual general meeting right around the corner, Lands Advisory Board Chair Robert Louie joins host Richard Perry for a thorough review of current challenges and opportunities around the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, including the Covid pandemic, fires and floods in western Canada, and the ongoing delays over a key legislative change needed in Ottawa.
Robert offers his personal take on:
- what de-colonization means on the road to economic and political independence;
- his frustration over political delays on necessary legislative reform;
- his appreciation for regional Resource Centre staff who have worked through difficult circumstances while serving land code communities;
- the need for greater public education on reconciliation and the value of economic empowerment of First Nations.
- the importance of resisting colonial mindsets and lingering practices.
Links: - Long Plain First Nation and Canada settle 100-year-old land sales dispute for $32 million (CBC News article mentioned in our conversation)
- First Nation Lands Management Resource Centre
- Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management FAQs
- Land Decolonized podcast page on FNLMRC website
SHOW IDEAS? Contact John Makson, executive producer: podcast@labrc.com or landdecolonized@labrc.com. Contact Richard Perry, host: podcast@richardperry.ca
Respected elder Albert Marshall, Sr. joins Richard to talk about his lifelong quest to protect the environment in the face of continued demands to use Indigenous lands and resources for economic development.
He discusses the two important concepts of Two-Eyed Seeing and Netukulimk and how they can help reach consensus on the best path forward. To Albert, it's all about talking with one another and listening deeply.
LINKS:
Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources home page
Concept of Netukulimk explained
Article: Did Eels Change the Course of History?
First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
2021 Virtual Annual General Meeting details - Dec. 14/15, 2021
SHOW NOTES:
1:24 Ty describes the rationale for his community entering the Land Code process.
2:49 Having a land code has cleared up some confusion and potential conflicts of interest around land use.
5:44 Ty's background in environmental and soil sciences is ideal for his current work as reserve land manager. His work experience began up north.
8:35 Land codes are always a work in progress, but environmental protection is in the draft stage for all 19 reserves, ensuring that quality of lands is sacrosanct and that violations will lead to stuff penalties. No longer 'the wild west.'
12:17 Talks are underway to explore Treaty 6 agricultural benefits, more commonly referred to 'Cows and Plows'. Chief and council taking the lead on this.
13:55 A huge benefit is being able to take advantage of owning huge tracts of agricultural land - about 35,000 acres that is rented out. That revenue is no longer controlled by Indigenous Services Canada.
15:35 Lac La Ronge Indian Band has stepped in to help with emergency relief for homeless people in the tri-communities area.
19:12. Ty comments on a recent award to Chief Tammy Cook-Searson by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
21:09. The community is launching ground radar searching for the graves of those lost in two residential schools in the area.
22:31 Ty describes the emotional difficulties when talking about de-colonizing, the need to be heard and recognized so people can hear the truth, that there will no reconciliation without the truth. He says Land Code can help.
25:01. He has been fortunate in his own life to succeed in the outside education, but has benefited from traditional teaching, so has seen himself walking in two worlds.
26:51. Ty has exciting news about the birth of their first son, Watson Edward Roberts!
28:00. His contact: ty.roberts@llrib.ca. The band also has an active website and Facebook page which has current info including job postings.
28:51 Richard's extra and call-to-action to visit labrc.com for current news and important upcoming online events.
LINKS:
Ty Roberts email - ty.roberts@llrib.ca
Lac La Ronge Indian Band website
Lac La Ronge Indian Band Facebook page
First Nations Land Management Resource Centre website
Richard welcomes John Makson, senior public relations advisor, to episode 30 of the Land Decolonized podcast. John has worked with the resource centre in several important capacities and has taken the lead on the creation and promotion of this top-ranked Apple Canada podcast.
In this episode he talks about why the podcast is engaging listeners (not just in Canada) and what he envisions for the upcoming season.
John is a proud member of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, from the Wolf Clan, of the Kahienkeha’ka people from South Eastern Ontario. After attending Queen’s university John moved to British Columbia to work with the Federal Treaty Negotiation office in 1998. John moved on to Statistics Canada to work on the 2001 Aboriginal Census and Aboriginal People’s Survey, and then to the start-up First Nations Statistical Institute.
John accepted a full-time position with the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre in 2007. John has worked as a field technician in BC and was the Manager for the Western team. For 10 years he was happy to have worked with communities throughout British Columbia on their land code process and community ratification votes. In 2016 John accepted the position of Manager of Communications, and most recently, went on to focus on Public Relations for the Lands Advisory Board and Resource Centre.
Samantha Nogonash, former Deputy Chief and current Land Manager of the Magnetawon First Nation Samantha shares a wonderful on-the-ground perspective on day-to-day land management. Having been operational with a land code for the past 6 years, Magnetawan has made turtles a priority for their environmental protection activities and believes Land Decolonized ultimately means community control and collective decision making.
We want to thank everyone who joined us for a successful Season 1 of the podcast! We will be back with our first show of Season 2 in Fall 2021.
SHOW NOTES
1:40 Samantha Noganosh talks about her role as deputy chief and now lands manager. She will focus totally on that by not running in the upcoming band election.
2:35 Why was she so intrigued about land management? Elders helped push her along after college.
3:28 Magnetawan is celebrating its 6th anniversary with land code.
4:09 Its land code was amended to account for a transmission line extension and future development opportunities.
5:15 Samantha talks about establishing a lands committee and the challenges around the Covid-19 pandemic. Needed to move to more online communications.
5:54. A brief chat about community health during the pandemic. Currently at 72% vaccination rate (fully.)
6:28 Band is located on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, about three hours north of Toronto. A hot spot for wildlife and species at risk.
7:00 Species at risk was a huge motive for taking more control of their land, plus future business opportunities. Highway 69 widening was also an issue. Wanted to help reduce the turtle kill on the highway.
8:53 With the highway widening it should bring new economic opportunities.
9:18 Huge thanks to FNLMRC for its assistance and also to other national contacts.
9:50 Sees benefits to community and congratulates other 100 communities.
10:15 Land decolonization means community control and community decision-making. Land code helps with collective decision-making.
12:00 Samantha comments on land code being "one of community's most historic events."
12:34 Protecting turtles was focus of one of the new laws created on environmental protection. Band was compensated by a law-breaker by receiving turtle incubators. Has moved into a new office with a laboratory to help the turtles along.
14:20 Check out their Facebook page!
14:39 Richard promotes band website and mentions summer break with the podcast returning in September 2021.
LINKS
Magnetawan First Nation website
Magnetawan Lands & Resources Facebook Page (highlights turtle program)
First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
Chief Edward (Ted) Williams of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation is on the show this week. The home of the popular and successful "Casino Rama" development, Chief Williams speaks to dealing with COVID-19, and plans for reopening the community with a large retail centre. Having a deep history in lands related work dating back to the early 1970s, he says the land code was part of community planning, and Rama was one of the early adopters to sign onto the Framework on First Nation Land Management from the beginning. Rama has had a history of exploring opportunities and moving quickly and believes communities should take this step towards land management because, "its our land, its our voice and its our control."
SHOW NOTES
:34 Richard welcomes Chief Ted Williams to the podcast.
:52 Chief outlines his community's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Band got out in front of this issue. The famous Rama Casino has been closed. Despite its economic importance, it will not open until the time is right. Usually two to three million visitors per year!
2:35 They handled Covid planning in earnest about ten days before it happened.
3:27 Chief has been involved with land for more than 40 years. They has surrendered some land for an industrial park in the early 80s and had clients. They won bid for Casino Rama in 1974, and wanted to place it on the waterfront but the community said no. Its current location was supposed to be temporary. Casino open now for 25 years and is a huge employer and revenue generator. Economic development has always been a priority.
6:24 Rama became one of the first signatories to the framework agreement in the mid-90s.
6:56 What does 'speed of business' mean to him? A good example is cannabis. Land was designated commercial earlier and retail operation opened quickly.
8:23 Great to be able to pick up the phone and deal quickly. Cutting out Ottawa for approvals around land use is ideal because no one knows about the land more than the community.
9:15 36,000 square foot retail building is open to leasing arrangements and lots of inquiries locally and national companies who want to locate at Rama. Building will be filled before Christmas. Lots of jobs and feeding other Band businesses, including two Tim Hortons outlets, the only Nation in Canada having two.
11:18 Chief describes the process of developing land and the role of council, staff and land code committee. Based on community's strategic planning and local input. No more waiting for Indian Affairs.
13:15 Band has settled two treaty negotiations and other items are under discussion that could involve further development. Possible land purchases and additions to reserve.
14:44 Resource Centre staff were fabulous in development of a land code promotion strategy for on and off-reserve members (mentions Cassandra in particular). Very thorough campaign. with in-person, web, digital, mail and more venues for sharing information. It led to a Yes vote of 91%.
18:20 Chief Williams shares his personal journey as it relates to colonization and the negative impact of an incomplete Canadian history. Being told what they should earn, where they should live, where to get spiritual needs met. Decolonization is about learning who you really are, where you come from and your own history. There is much work to be done .
22:20 Has land code helped with decolonization? Yes, land is our Mother Earth and we need to look after it. It helps create pride and a feeling of identity. We choose. We can compete in the Canadian mosaic.
24:30 What is his advice to other communities contemplating signing on to the framework agreement? You should be in control!
25:25. Chief expresses his community's grief and sorrow over the beautiful lost souls no
Adam Good, Band Manager of Shawanaga First Nation near Lake Huron, Ontario, has been involved in the land code process from day one in his community. He was instrumental in shaping the community engagement and advocacy process. And with the prospect of an expanding land base (now under negotiation), having that foundation as a law-making entity will be critical to his community's success.
Williams Lake First Nation's Chief Willie Sellars Jr. is on the show this week to talk about the positive developments that have come since passing the land code 7 years ago. Having been involved early on, Chief Sellars Jr. attributes strong community engagement and support for why land code works for them. Under his leadership, cultural revitalization balances the many economic development interests in this well-situated community.
SHOW NOTES:
1:03 Chief Sellars congratulates RP and team on the podcast.
2:06 Population of Williams Lake and rural surroundings is diverse with about 50,000 population and is really the hub to a number of 15 First Nation communities.
3:26 They own a golf course and campsite and are moving into future tourism opportunities. Investing in culture and language revitalization.
4:43 Chief Sellars talks about his background at university, as a firefighter and then moving into the role of a special projects coordinator and then onto council. He really liked the community engagement process of the land code process, including urban engagement sessions to engage as many as possible. Highest voter turnout ever, since eclipsed! 95% said Yes.
7:57 Land Code basically sold itself because of so much animosity toward the federal control over the Band.
8:58 Chief says they've been lucky with capacity and great hiring for legal counsel, economic development positions. He had great mentorship under a woman chief.
11:03. Land Code has led to the development of other laws, including real matrimonial property law, dog nuisance, etc. A balance between people who want change and those who say you're moving too fast. Very challenging.
12:42 How does he find balance? Golf, basketball, year-round skating, taking kids fishing.
14:37 Land management helped with a big highway landing project and local infrastructure development. 49 acres of reserve land was needed to build out the highway. The band turned down lowball offers for land value. Land Code gave Band huge credibility and leverage.
Important to build homes and create a tax base for own-source revenues. And most important, $2 million in wages went to members! Many other jobs from Band-owned enterprises. Open for business at the speed of business.
24:00 Chief Sellars gets into the demographics of membership, located around the world. They've had great engagement with them, which is difficult, but vital. Land Code brought them together on a common cause.
25:50 He talks about the engagement strategy with the community, especially in light of Covid and the move to online spaces. He loves getting people into a room to meet face-to-face. Elders provide important advice, especially in the recent Kamloops tragedy and the investigations that will be required. All nations are included because they all had people go to that school.
29:30 Chief discusses his thoughts on 'decolonization'. He wants to see First Nations on a level playing field, but there is still discrimination, especially in an old-school town and municipalities need more education. Hard for them to accept new concepts, such as leasing on First Nations land. There is an awakening in Indian country. Yes, we can celebrate those children coming home, but there is so much more to do. People need to prove themselves by doing more than using the reconciliation buzzword.
32:50 A few jokes about golf and Richard signs off.
33:38 Episode ends
LINKS:
Williams Lake First Nation (T'exelcemc)
First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Managem
Our 25th episode takes us to Coast Salish territory in British Columbia. Former chief Willie Charlie of Sts'ailes First Nation joins the show this week. Willie is currently a negotiator who has had a broad array of experience and perspective on the history of land use that is still rich in memory. Having watched the transition to land code, Willie says it is the protection of the environment has been a fundamental priority, law-making to deal with COVID-19, and easing into economic development and land use in the way the community is comfortable with - short term commitments that help balance revenue generation with the ongoing protection of land.
SHOW NOTES:
1:45 Willie tells us where his community is located, in a pristine valley about a two-hour drive east of Vancouver.
3:33 He had many opportunities to leave as a young man but wanted to keep his family in this way of life. He represented Canada.
4:39 He served on council prior to deciding to run for Chief. His role is quite different today in a 'non-political' role. Gives him added perspective. He had a varied career as a teacher, in corrections, and in his own business.
6:25 Willie says there were many examples of 'Big Brother' interfering with the Band, which helped spur interest in the Land Code. They were never compensated for logging in their territory.
8:10 Land Code has offered protection of the environment..good clean land, water, and air. They were able to create their own laws to govern the preservation of their lands. It now also offers the chance to seek business opportunities without having to seek approval in Victoria or Ottawa.
9:50 Additions to Reserve process has been very frustrating. Fifteen years over a road issue!
11:37 Land code is fairly new and Sts'ailes is off the beaten path, so they're moving slowly toward economic development. Now negotiating with BC and Canada on separate reconciliation agreements, which could mean more land to work with. Whatever is done the same approach should be taken with lands off-reserve in their traditional territory. Land code has helped pave the way.
13:52 Some pipe (not for the TransMountain Pipeline) being stored in a light industrial park, doing some milling and logging but new opportunities will come. The community wasn't comfortable with leasing out too much land. They negotiated a role to be involved in any cleanup since they know the land, rivers, and lakes so well.
18:20 Land Code is only 3 years old and there is much engagement as it ties into comprehensive community planning. The pandemic also meant they used their law-making ability to deal with Covid-19. They initiated a lockdown and restricted movement, which required adjustment as conditions changed. This was self-policed.
23:07 How the FNLMRC has helped guide the community through the land code process, especially with its knowledge of approaches across the country. Willie often talks with other communities about the Sts'ailes experience.
25:07 Willie shares his vision for the immediate future, especially moving toward self-governance. Land Code was an excellent step in that direction, along with FNFMB certification that allowed for 10-year grant funding. There will be bumps and mistakes, but at least they have the authority and control to address issues, not relying on others. Land Code is a significant step.
27:30 Listeners can contact him or Lands Manager Dawn Charlie.
28:00 Richard promotes Sts'ailes website.
LINKS:
Sts'ailes website
Willie Charlie email: William.Charlie@stsailes.com
First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
Chairman of the Land Advisory Board Robert Louie is back on the show for a special extended episode in celebration of the 100th Land Code passed in Canada. Robert says "Land Decolonized" means a resurgence of Indian people, First Nations Land Management succeeds because it is community-driven, yet the main challenge has been to get the government to move faster. Robert notes his biggest inspiration to stand up in life being something his learned from his Grandmother
SHOW NOTES:
00:26 Richard introduces Robert Louie
1:38 Robert shares his excitement over recently marking the 101st community to approve its land code. He also shares what his colleagues were thinking as they first explored the idea.
3:21 Communities across Canada have shared good news after being recognized as governments without the interference of other levels. It is real governance authority. It's the future.
4:47 Robert describes his interpretation of decolonization as the dismantlement of the Indian Affairs bureaucracy, no longer prisoners, no longer considered inferior or less worthy. It had to change. Land decolonized is a resurgence of Indian people.
6:30 Does he have a strong personal reason for his mission? Yes, he saw things growing up and decided to follow his proud grandmother's lead to "stand up". People looked at them in a derogatory manner. Suppression was something they had to live with. Today feels like "liberation."
10:20 He heard so many charges of "You're selling out" that it made him furious, blaming opposition to land code on poor communication, often on purpose.
11:55 Land Governance Registration Act proposal is stalled and not likely to be dealt with until fall at the earliest. This would simplify the legislation and help avoid confusion over interpretation of the Act and the Framework Agreement itself.
13:46 Online workshops and training will be more common in the future as a result of the pandemic. Eg: the national conversation on Indigenous law enforcement. Band laws that protect community health need to be recognized and enforced, and we need to rely on the RCMP and provincial police to assist.
16:02 Funding is always an issue. Need to find resources and means of generating revenue in communities, requiring a further look at taxation opportunities.
17:12 Discussion of the integration of national organizations on land code, taxation, financial management and finance authority. This is their 3rd year, but Covid has impacted meetings. Still a desire to work together once Covid subsides.
19:00 Is the land code tidal movement spreading eastward? Yes! the 100th community is in Quebec, and land codes passed in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and even Newfoundland and Labrador.
20:13 Robert explains why Indigenous people are used to collaborating and supporting each other through the land code process. "We're all in the same canoe and had better paddle in the same direction."
21:35 How has the movement stayed strong in strategic direction? He credits the fact that it is community-based. We want the good things that all Canadian do.
22:45 Biggest challenge ahead? Getting government to move quicker, for example, on the enforcement issue. The entrenchment of old policies needs to be cleared away. The biggest opportunity is that there is a clear option for communities can proceed with self-government. It took 25 years to reach 101 operational communities. He sees it speeding up in future years because the studies prove it's working well. Governance is at the crux of it.
25:30 A great story about Robert's grandmother challenging a bear and forcing it to stand down. He learned something that day, even as a three or four-year old, about not backing down or being afraid of challenges.
27:12
Chief Scott McLeod, Nipissing First Nation, ON
13:30
Tim Raybould, Principal, JWR Group Ep.47
20:26
Jackie Lombardi, Director of Justice, Chiefs of Ontario Ep.46
6:21
Murray Long, Director of Self-Government, Whitecap Dakota First Nation Ep.45
12:00
Melissa Tokarek, Director of Lands, Malahat Nation, BC Ep.44
14:00
Deputy Police Chief Lee-Ann O'Brien, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service Ep.43
10:14
Hon. Steven Point, Chancellor – University of British Columbia Ep.42
18:08
Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Ep.41
14:59
Preview: National Conference on First Nations Law Enforcement Ep.40
18:05
Elvis Thomas and Lawrence Lamouche, Woodland Cree First Nation Ep.39
24:41
Jasmine Pouce Coupe, Doig River First Nation Ep.38
20:36
Kim Guerin, Musqueam Indian Band, Ep.37
21:30
Bart Metansinine, Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Ep.36
22:44
Tania Solonas, McLeod Lake Indian Band, B.C., Episode 35
35:00
Jordan Hatton, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek FN Ep. 34
22:45
Robert Louie, Chair, First Nations Lands Advisory Board Ep.33
30:15
Albert Marshall, Sr. – Eskasoni First Nation, NS Ep. 32
24:56
Ty Roberts - Lac La Ronge Indian Band Ep.31
29:22
John Makson, Sr. Public Relations Advisor, FNLMRC Ep.30
21:23
Samantha Noganosh, Magnetawan First Nation, ON Ep.29
15:02
Chief Ted Williams, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, ON Ep.28
26:41
Adam Good, Band Manager, Shawanaga First Nation Ep. 27
21:47
Chief Willie Sellars Jr, Williams Lake First Nation, BC Ep.26
33:40
Willie Charlie, CAO, Sts'ailes Coast Salish Nation, BC Ep.25
28:27
Robert Louie, Chair, First Nations Lands Advisory Board Ep. 24: 100 Land Code Extended Episode
27:46