FNTC: NEWS
Arrowhead technology and its importance to the pre-contact Secwepemc trade economy
Ed Jensen, from Tk’emlups te Secwepemc, grew up in a big family and spent much of his time as a young boy playing with things he made himself. He started bow-making in his backyard, progressively evolving his creations, making them more sophisticated with materials that were traditionally used by the Secwepemc, located in the interior of BC. As Ed grew up, he started doing research on flint knapping and spent much of his time in the museum.
Ed credits Secwepemc ancestors for teaching him and inspiring him through their work. Ed would examine their work to understand their techniques and then would go home and work at replicating what he saw, returning to the museum if he was unable to recreate what he had seen. Today, Ed is a well-known Secwepemc weapons specialist.
Ed believes stone tool technology had a wide-reaching effect on the Secwepemc economy, largely due to glassy basalt – a high grade volcanic material unique to the territory and an important part of how the Secwepemc were able to manage a larger territory and maintain their borders.
Clearing the Path had an opportunity to sit down with Ed to learn about arrowhead technology and the pre-contact Secwepemc economy:
“Our technology advanced a little quicker than many other nations who didn’t have basalt. As a modern-day flint knapper, I know that basalt, being harder, is more of a challenge to knap finished points than obsidian, which is like glass and is fairly easy to work with.
Using bone tools, however, 500 years ago or 5,000 years ago, would have made working this material considerably harder to do, so the ancestors compensated for that with perfect technique. Technique in stone tool technology is very important, so the masters of the day became just that, masters. Our ancestors’ superior workmanship was prevalent and the craftsmanship is evident in the museum.
Those masters would have created these pieces and traded for things they needed in everyday life. I think if we look at our civilization in a common-sense way, today we have plumbers, doctors and all of these professions, I think it existed pre-contact as well.
Not only that, the materials moved in and out of the territory as well. If you look in the archaeological record, you’ll see basalt all over the place and you’ll see one or two pieces of obsidian. The reason is obsidian is nice, it’s pretty and it creates a sharp edge but it’s a one-use product. As soon as you use this, it’s going to break. Glassy basalt is a lot more durable, it gets just as sharp, and has a little more density so it creates a better tool.
You’ll typically see a lot more of it outside our boundaries than inside, so the trade would have been an export.
Technology spread through neighbouring nations and evolved through the ages. We went from rock throwing to the hand-held atlatl (spear thrower), to bows, and when the bow hit the territories, it changed everything. From that point, they worked on fine tuning technology to create bows that would be faster, stronger, more compact. Our ancestors were lucky to have all the right materials in our territory. As a result, our tools and what we could create with them were superior.
Arrowheads were a big part of our economy but we traded other items of value as well, such as our paints and our medicines. We live in a very harsh environment with very cold winters and very hot summers, and what that does is it creates a very strong medicine because the plants have to be stronger to survive and as a result, they became very sought after for the strength of their medicine.”
Clearing the Path thanks Ed for sharing his knowledge of the pre-contact Secwepemc trade economy. If readers are aware of pre-contact markets and economies in their nation and would like to see these stories featured in Clearing the Path, please contact us at communications@fntc.ca or 250.828.9857.
More information about Ed and his work can be found by visiting his Facebook Page, Tk’emlups Traditions:
https://www.facebook.com/tkemlupstradtions1967.
Tulo student profile: Jesse James, class of 2017 valedictorian Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation tax administrator
Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation’s tax administrator Jesse James was in the 2015/2016 cohort for the Certificate in First Nation Tax Administration and graduated from the program earlier this month. Three years ago, Jesse was hired by Shxw’ow’hamel as the band administrator and as the organization transitioned, he also began serving as the tax administrator. Jesse is a member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba and has lived in BC for most of his life. Jesse was chosen by his fellow classmates as valedictorian for their cohort and delivered a speech at Tulo’s graduation dinner.
Recently Clearing the Path had the opportunity to sit down with Jesse to learn more about his experience as a tax administrator and as a student at the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics.
How did you first learn about the Tulo Centre and its programs?
The program description came across my desk and really interested me. When I started at Shxw’ow’hamel, we were transitioning from taxing using section 83 by-laws to taxation under the FMA. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how the tax system works or why we did things a certain way, so I jumped at the opportunity to strengthen my knowledge in that area. It worked out great because all the course material I was working on, had just completed, or was preparing to do was all falling in-line with how our transition to the FMA was progressing at Shxw’ow’hamel.
How does your experience at Tulo relate to your work at Shxw’ow’hamel?
Understanding how the laws are made, and understanding the benefits of a budget-based tax system as opposed to using reference jurisdiction was invaluable. With a budget-based system, you have to actually think about the services you will be providing ahead of time rather than figuring out expenditures after the revenues start coming in. I learned more about how to think more like a government, and it was definitely helpful to be able to ask questions of the instructors who have an incredible depth of experience and expertise.
Through the courses, I began to see how taxes can be used to benefit, support and fund initiatives the community wants. You’re creating own-source revenue and your own laws to expend funds in ways that best serve your community. It allows the community to decide how they want to spend their money and where they want to focus their priorities. Just by having that, it provides a stronger sense of community and inclusiveness. At Shxw’ow’hamel, there’s a really good sense of community so having this system in place builds on that.
You are currently working toward earning a Certificate in First Nation Applied Economics. What made you want to pursue another certificate through the Tulo Centre?
The quality of instruction is great and I like the way the curriculum is presented. Tulo’s cohort model is community-minded and that seems to work well. You get a lot from the instructor but you also get a lot from the students in the class too. Everyone shares best practices and the lessons learned, both good and bad. When we can bring that knowledge back home, that makes all of our communities better.
There were students in our class from all areas of Canada, and you can really see the similarities even though we’re separated by provinces and legislation. The issues we face and the successes we have are so similar and to be able to rely on a whole group going through the same process, doing assignments and sending out an email or picking up the phone, it really helps to have that initial support. You want to see each other do well, so you’re going to reach out and give the support, offer and in some cases, seek support. It really works.
The Tulo programs showed me there’s a lot of different ways you can create own source revenue through development cost charges or having small developments. Currently Shxw’ow’hamel doesn’t have any residential leaseholds but if we did, we’d have to set that up in advance and it’s nice to have the theory behind it. By immediately applying the theoretical knowledge we’ve learned, I’ve been able to participate in some conversations with my fellow classmates on opportunities and issues they’re going through in their communities – it is so helpful in expanding my own understanding.
Shxw’ow’hamel is a proponent of two key FNTC initiatives: the Aboriginal Resource Tax and the Indigenous Land Title Initiative. Why does Shxw’ow’hamel support these initiatives?
We’re definitely interested in seeing both initiatives go forward. With the ART, I understand it’s been a concept for a while now so we are trying to gain momentum within the group of proponents and hopefully for all First Nations in Canada. It’s just one other source of revenue for First Nation governments and it’s going to make our economies stronger and more flexible.
It’s critical to our success to have own source revenue to do what you want on your land or to purchase more land. With setting up a land registry system through ILTI, we need First Nations exercising their jurisdiction in either taxation or land ownership, that’s the bottom line.
We’ve got momentum now, we just need to keep pushing forward.
First Nations Gazette: Two decades of supporting the legal voice of First Nations
On June 21, 2017, the First Nations Gazette (www.fng.ca) celebrates its 20th anniversary. For the past two decades, The First Nations Gazette (FNG) has been supporting the legal voice of First Nations and continues in its role supporting the emerging voice of First Nation self-determination. Laws and regulations that govern the daily lives of Canadians are published in the Canada Gazette. The role of the Canada Gazette is to provide access to these laws and regulations, to engage citizens and to assist the private sector in meeting legal requirements. However, in 1987, the Canada Gazette made a rule that excluded First Nation by-laws from its publication.
Around this same time, many First Nations were accessing new legislative options that enabled them to enact their own by-laws – such as property taxation by-laws. First Nations were required to take steps to provide notice of by-laws and provide copies of by-laws on their own, without access to a Gazette that provided this service with ease and consistency.
It was clear that First Nation governments wanted a gazette to fulfill the responsibility of informing their communities and citizens. This was becoming increasingly important as more and more First Nations were exercising and expanding their jurisdictions. The Indian Taxation Advisory Board – the predecessor to the First Nations Tax Commission – began to explore options for the creation of the FNG.
The original vision for the FNG, which holds true today, was to support First Nations in their need to provide public notice and to transfer information regarding First Nation legislation. On Aboriginal Day in 1997, the FNG officially launched through a partnership between the Indian Taxation Advisory Board and the Native Law Centre. First Nations now had a voice for their laws, which helped to enforce their jurisdiction on the land and to inform their citizens of their laws.
“Over the course of its twenty-year history, the First Nations Gazette has firmly established itself as an important information source for laws, by-laws and codes enacted by First Nations and, more recently, for notices with regard to matters affecting First Nations. Today’s exclusively electronic First Nations Gazette evolved from changes made to the editorial and production processes to improve operational efficiency, to make the information more accessible, and to stay true to the purpose to inform. Innovation and change always raise uncertainties. The proposal to launch a First Nations Gazette was no different. Its success is demonstrated in its achievements. No doubt the First Nations Gazette will continue to be a dynamic resource and serve those who consult it or need its information.” Zandra Wilson, former First Nations Gazette managing editor
First Nation governments have been pushing forward, and gaining access to more jurisdictions and powers. As their jurisdictions and powers grow, so do their responsibilities, including transparency for their members and providing taxpayers with access to the laws and by-laws that affect them. FNG’s success and longevity is, in part, due to its recognition that First Nations want to ensure there is a reliable and easily accessible source of legal information available. Most importantly, First Nations publish their laws in the FNG to support the enforcement and governance of their laws. Because of this, First Nations have been driving the FNG forward, and have requested new services that have led to many of FNG’s technical innovations.
The FNG has grown steadily and evolved with First Nations. Originally published as a subscription-based printed book published semi-annually, today it has become available online-only, free to use, with a state-of-the-art database that is updated daily. The FNG is a comprehensive source for First Nation legislation in Canada, including current and archived laws, by-laws and codes, as well as providing public notification service for matters affecting First Nations. The public notification services is also used by other governments (federal, territorial provincial and municipal), institutions, corporations, law firms and individuals.
The FNG is widely used and has been accessed for the past 20 years by First Nation governments, First Nation members and citizens, the public, the courts and legal professionals. The steady use helps to ensure the FNG will remain adaptable and relevant. As First Nations continue to expand their jurisdiction and take on more responsibilities, the FNG looks forward to a future of transforming to reflect these important changes.
First Nations Tax Commission and Kamloops Chamber join to submit resolutions to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Two joint resolutions written by the First Nations Tax Commission and Kamloops Chamber of Commerce have been accepted by the BC Chamber of Commerce and will now go to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Background
Over the past two months, both the First Nations Tax Commission and the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce have been working closely in seeking resolutions of support from the B.C. Chamber of Commerce for two much needed and important First Nation-led initiatives. Both resolutions have been accepted by the BC Chamber of Commerce and will now go to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“FIRST NATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE INSTITUTION” resolution seeks the federal government’s support in developing legislation for a First Nations Infrastructure Institution, dedicated to improving the process of developing infrastructure on First Nations lands.
“INDIGENOUS LAND TITLE INITIATIVE” resolution recommends that the federal government develop systems and optional Land Title legislation to improve land tenure certainty on First Nations lands.
Having achieved the provincial nod, the Kamloops Chamber will now present these resolutions for debate and vote at the Canadian Chamber annual conference in September. If passed at that level, the Canadian Chamber will advocate to the federal government on behalf of both groups.
Both documents can be viewed at www.kamloopschamber.ca/recommendations-to-government
Quotes
Clarence T. Jules, Chief Commissioner, First Nations Tax Commission:
“It is vitally important to the success and prosperity of First Nations that they have access to the same economic opportunities available to the rest of Canada. With continued leadership from First Nation communities and the support of organizations such as the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, we hope to advance these important initiatives: the First Nations Infrastructure Institution and the Indigenous Land Title Initiative, to assist First Nations in the achievement of their economic visions”Paul Ross, President, Board of Directors, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce:
“Both of these initiatives, the First Nations Infrastructure Institution and the Indigenous Land Title Initiative are paramount to our First Nations communities and the Kamloops Chamber is proud to work with the First Nations Tax Commission to bring them forward from the Chamber movement.”
In the news: Taxing First Nations promotes accountability, good governance
On May 19, 2017, Business in Vancouver published an article by Joseph Quesnel of the Fraser Institute on the benefits of taxation for First Nation governance. The following is an excerpt of the article:
Many indigenous communities consider tax exemption to be sacrosanct.
But other First Nations now realize that raising funds through taxation is essential to modern governance. Whitecap Dakota First Nation in Saskatchewan recently signed an agreement in principle to move toward even greater self-government. They are clear how they got there.
“We wouldn’t have the casino if we didn’t have our land code,” said Chief Darcy Bear. “We have a real property tax and a goods and services tax in our community. Like any government, we need to generate our own revenue. Getting out from under 25% of the Indian Act has allowed us to grow. Self-government will take us further.”
For more: https://www.biv.com/article/2017/5/taxing-first-nations-promotes-accountability-good-/
Tulo Student Profile: Gailene William
The Williams Lake Indian Band understands the importance of increasing source revenues as federal funding remains stagnant and even dwindles. Without additional funds, the band cannot grow or plan for the future. Own source revenue in the forms of taxation plays a vital role. In Williams Lake, Gailene William is taking on this role in addition to her job as the payroll/benefits administration clerk. Recently, we were able to sit down with Gailene and get her perspective on Tulo and Taxation.
How did you become enrolled in Tulo?
Our finance manager asked me if I was interested in taking the course at Tulo. Not really knowing what I was getting into, I dove right into the training without having any previous exposure to taxation but realized it would benefit me in my job and most of all, our community. I started in the fall of 2015, and took my final course in February 2017.
How does what you learned at the Tulo Centre help you in your work with Williams Lake Indian Band?
Many communities are beginning to realize taxation is the key to a better life. It isn’t something we should fear, but a way to create a better future. Managing taxation wisely for the nation requires education and practical training. To succeed, nations need a thorough knowledge of the ins and outs of the First Nation Fiscal Management Act and members who understand the band’s vision.
Being part of the Tulo experience has given me a broader outlook on the benefits of taxation and a properly running tax administration program and made me more confident in both the administration and education of taxation for WLIB.
What has been the most valuable aspect about the program for you so far?
Well the course work has been most valuable but thanks to Tulo a big part is that I now have contacts from other communities that I met in class who I can email or call for assistance and that’s really helped in creating my support network. Its allowed me to see what other communities are doing and learn from each other in addition to the time we spend in the class.
How does taxation fit into your community’s future?
I believe First Nation land taxation benefits a community and helps provide own source revenue – most communities financial planning is based on third-party funding agreements but when you also can add in other revenue, with no funding guidelines attached, you are able to look longer term. So in that essence, everyone benefits from it depending on how you budget your tax revenue. From opportunities for building new infrastructure to adding or enhancing programs and services that affect elders and youth, everyone benefits from tax revenue in our community. Tulo has been an excellent experience and it has also been a real challenge. “Introduction to First Nation Taxation” was the first exposure I’ve had to First Nation land taxation but attending Tulo has helped me greatly in all areas.
Also like many of our communities, at WLIB staff wear multiple hats and we also have our personal commitments to consider – for myself being a mom of three children I had a hard time leaving my kids for a week at a time for each of the eight classes. But thanks to some wonderful classmates and wonderful family who took care of my babies, I made it through each class and have made it through the end.
CLEARING THE PATH: NEWS & SUCCESS STORIES
Arrowhead technology and its importance to the pre-contact Secwepemc trade economy
Ed Jensen, from Tk’emlups te Secwepemc, grew up in a big family and spent much of his time as a young boy playing with things he made himself. He started bow-making in his backyard, progressively evolving his creations, making them more sophisticated with materials that were traditionally used by the Secwepemc, located in the interior of BC. As Ed grew up, he started doing research on flint knapping and spent much of his time in the museum.
Ed credits Secwepemc ancestors for teaching him and inspiring him through their work. Ed would examine their work to understand their techniques and then would go home and work at replicating what he saw, returning to the museum if he was unable to recreate what he had seen. Today, Ed is a well-known Secwepemc weapons specialist.
Ed believes stone tool technology had a wide-reaching effect on the Secwepemc economy, largely due to glassy basalt – a high grade volcanic material unique to the territory and an important part of how the Secwepemc were able to manage a larger territory and maintain their borders.
Clearing the Path had an opportunity to sit down with Ed to learn about arrowhead technology and the pre-contact Secwepemc economy:
“Our technology advanced a little quicker than many other nations who didn’t have basalt. As a modern-day flint knapper, I know that basalt, being harder, is more of a challenge to knap finished points than obsidian, which is like glass and is fairly easy to work with.
Using bone tools, however, 500 years ago or 5,000 years ago, would have made working this material considerably harder to do, so the ancestors compensated for that with perfect technique. Technique in stone tool technology is very important, so the masters of the day became just that, masters. Our ancestors’ superior workmanship was prevalent and the craftsmanship is evident in the museum.
Those masters would have created these pieces and traded for things they needed in everyday life. I think if we look at our civilization in a common-sense way, today we have plumbers, doctors and all of these professions, I think it existed pre-contact as well.
Not only that, the materials moved in and out of the territory as well. If you look in the archaeological record, you’ll see basalt all over the place and you’ll see one or two pieces of obsidian. The reason is obsidian is nice, it’s pretty and it creates a sharp edge but it’s a one-use product. As soon as you use this, it’s going to break. Glassy basalt is a lot more durable, it gets just as sharp, and has a little more density so it creates a better tool.
You’ll typically see a lot more of it outside our boundaries than inside, so the trade would have been an export.
Technology spread through neighbouring nations and evolved through the ages. We went from rock throwing to the hand-held atlatl (spear thrower), to bows, and when the bow hit the territories, it changed everything. From that point, they worked on fine tuning technology to create bows that would be faster, stronger, more compact. Our ancestors were lucky to have all the right materials in our territory. As a result, our tools and what we could create with them were superior.
Arrowheads were a big part of our economy but we traded other items of value as well, such as our paints and our medicines. We live in a very harsh environment with very cold winters and very hot summers, and what that does is it creates a very strong medicine because the plants have to be stronger to survive and as a result, they became very sought after for the strength of their medicine.”
Clearing the Path thanks Ed for sharing his knowledge of the pre-contact Secwepemc trade economy. If readers are aware of pre-contact markets and economies in their nation and would like to see these stories featured in Clearing the Path, please contact us at communications@fntc.ca or 250.828.9857.
More information about Ed and his work can be found by visiting his Facebook Page, Tk’emlups Traditions:
https://www.facebook.com/tkemlupstradtions1967.
Tulo student profile: Jesse James, class of 2017 valedictorian Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation tax administrator
Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation’s tax administrator Jesse James was in the 2015/2016 cohort for the Certificate in First Nation Tax Administration and graduated from the program earlier this month. Three years ago, Jesse was hired by Shxw’ow’hamel as the band administrator and as the organization transitioned, he also began serving as the tax administrator. Jesse is a member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba and has lived in BC for most of his life. Jesse was chosen by his fellow classmates as valedictorian for their cohort and delivered a speech at Tulo’s graduation dinner.
Recently Clearing the Path had the opportunity to sit down with Jesse to learn more about his experience as a tax administrator and as a student at the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics.
How did you first learn about the Tulo Centre and its programs?
The program description came across my desk and really interested me. When I started at Shxw’ow’hamel, we were transitioning from taxing using section 83 by-laws to taxation under the FMA. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how the tax system works or why we did things a certain way, so I jumped at the opportunity to strengthen my knowledge in that area. It worked out great because all the course material I was working on, had just completed, or was preparing to do was all falling in-line with how our transition to the FMA was progressing at Shxw’ow’hamel.
How does your experience at Tulo relate to your work at Shxw’ow’hamel?
Understanding how the laws are made, and understanding the benefits of a budget-based tax system as opposed to using reference jurisdiction was invaluable. With a budget-based system, you have to actually think about the services you will be providing ahead of time rather than figuring out expenditures after the revenues start coming in. I learned more about how to think more like a government, and it was definitely helpful to be able to ask questions of the instructors who have an incredible depth of experience and expertise.
Through the courses, I began to see how taxes can be used to benefit, support and fund initiatives the community wants. You’re creating own-source revenue and your own laws to expend funds in ways that best serve your community. It allows the community to decide how they want to spend their money and where they want to focus their priorities. Just by having that, it provides a stronger sense of community and inclusiveness. At Shxw’ow’hamel, there’s a really good sense of community so having this system in place builds on that.
You are currently working toward earning a Certificate in First Nation Applied Economics. What made you want to pursue another certificate through the Tulo Centre?
The quality of instruction is great and I like the way the curriculum is presented. Tulo’s cohort model is community-minded and that seems to work well. You get a lot from the instructor but you also get a lot from the students in the class too. Everyone shares best practices and the lessons learned, both good and bad. When we can bring that knowledge back home, that makes all of our communities better.
There were students in our class from all areas of Canada, and you can really see the similarities even though we’re separated by provinces and legislation. The issues we face and the successes we have are so similar and to be able to rely on a whole group going through the same process, doing assignments and sending out an email or picking up the phone, it really helps to have that initial support. You want to see each other do well, so you’re going to reach out and give the support, offer and in some cases, seek support. It really works.
The Tulo programs showed me there’s a lot of different ways you can create own source revenue through development cost charges or having small developments. Currently Shxw’ow’hamel doesn’t have any residential leaseholds but if we did, we’d have to set that up in advance and it’s nice to have the theory behind it. By immediately applying the theoretical knowledge we’ve learned, I’ve been able to participate in some conversations with my fellow classmates on opportunities and issues they’re going through in their communities – it is so helpful in expanding my own understanding.
Shxw’ow’hamel is a proponent of two key FNTC initiatives: the Aboriginal Resource Tax and the Indigenous Land Title Initiative. Why does Shxw’ow’hamel support these initiatives?
We’re definitely interested in seeing both initiatives go forward. With the ART, I understand it’s been a concept for a while now so we are trying to gain momentum within the group of proponents and hopefully for all First Nations in Canada. It’s just one other source of revenue for First Nation governments and it’s going to make our economies stronger and more flexible.
It’s critical to our success to have own source revenue to do what you want on your land or to purchase more land. With setting up a land registry system through ILTI, we need First Nations exercising their jurisdiction in either taxation or land ownership, that’s the bottom line.
We’ve got momentum now, we just need to keep pushing forward.
First Nations Gazette: Two decades of supporting the legal voice of First Nations
On June 21, 2017, the First Nations Gazette (www.fng.ca) celebrates its 20th anniversary. For the past two decades, The First Nations Gazette (FNG) has been supporting the legal voice of First Nations and continues in its role supporting the emerging voice of First Nation self-determination. Laws and regulations that govern the daily lives of Canadians are published in the Canada Gazette. The role of the Canada Gazette is to provide access to these laws and regulations, to engage citizens and to assist the private sector in meeting legal requirements. However, in 1987, the Canada Gazette made a rule that excluded First Nation by-laws from its publication.
Around this same time, many First Nations were accessing new legislative options that enabled them to enact their own by-laws – such as property taxation by-laws. First Nations were required to take steps to provide notice of by-laws and provide copies of by-laws on their own, without access to a Gazette that provided this service with ease and consistency.
It was clear that First Nation governments wanted a gazette to fulfill the responsibility of informing their communities and citizens. This was becoming increasingly important as more and more First Nations were exercising and expanding their jurisdictions. The Indian Taxation Advisory Board – the predecessor to the First Nations Tax Commission – began to explore options for the creation of the FNG.
The original vision for the FNG, which holds true today, was to support First Nations in their need to provide public notice and to transfer information regarding First Nation legislation. On Aboriginal Day in 1997, the FNG officially launched through a partnership between the Indian Taxation Advisory Board and the Native Law Centre. First Nations now had a voice for their laws, which helped to enforce their jurisdiction on the land and to inform their citizens of their laws.
“Over the course of its twenty-year history, the First Nations Gazette has firmly established itself as an important information source for laws, by-laws and codes enacted by First Nations and, more recently, for notices with regard to matters affecting First Nations. Today’s exclusively electronic First Nations Gazette evolved from changes made to the editorial and production processes to improve operational efficiency, to make the information more accessible, and to stay true to the purpose to inform. Innovation and change always raise uncertainties. The proposal to launch a First Nations Gazette was no different. Its success is demonstrated in its achievements. No doubt the First Nations Gazette will continue to be a dynamic resource and serve those who consult it or need its information.” Zandra Wilson, former First Nations Gazette managing editor
First Nation governments have been pushing forward, and gaining access to more jurisdictions and powers. As their jurisdictions and powers grow, so do their responsibilities, including transparency for their members and providing taxpayers with access to the laws and by-laws that affect them. FNG’s success and longevity is, in part, due to its recognition that First Nations want to ensure there is a reliable and easily accessible source of legal information available. Most importantly, First Nations publish their laws in the FNG to support the enforcement and governance of their laws. Because of this, First Nations have been driving the FNG forward, and have requested new services that have led to many of FNG’s technical innovations.
The FNG has grown steadily and evolved with First Nations. Originally published as a subscription-based printed book published semi-annually, today it has become available online-only, free to use, with a state-of-the-art database that is updated daily. The FNG is a comprehensive source for First Nation legislation in Canada, including current and archived laws, by-laws and codes, as well as providing public notification service for matters affecting First Nations. The public notification services is also used by other governments (federal, territorial provincial and municipal), institutions, corporations, law firms and individuals.
The FNG is widely used and has been accessed for the past 20 years by First Nation governments, First Nation members and citizens, the public, the courts and legal professionals. The steady use helps to ensure the FNG will remain adaptable and relevant. As First Nations continue to expand their jurisdiction and take on more responsibilities, the FNG looks forward to a future of transforming to reflect these important changes.
First Nations Tax Commission and Kamloops Chamber join to submit resolutions to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Two joint resolutions written by the First Nations Tax Commission and Kamloops Chamber of Commerce have been accepted by the BC Chamber of Commerce and will now go to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Background
Over the past two months, both the First Nations Tax Commission and the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce have been working closely in seeking resolutions of support from the B.C. Chamber of Commerce for two much needed and important First Nation-led initiatives. Both resolutions have been accepted by the BC Chamber of Commerce and will now go to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“FIRST NATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE INSTITUTION” resolution seeks the federal government’s support in developing legislation for a First Nations Infrastructure Institution, dedicated to improving the process of developing infrastructure on First Nations lands.
“INDIGENOUS LAND TITLE INITIATIVE” resolution recommends that the federal government develop systems and optional Land Title legislation to improve land tenure certainty on First Nations lands.
Having achieved the provincial nod, the Kamloops Chamber will now present these resolutions for debate and vote at the Canadian Chamber annual conference in September. If passed at that level, the Canadian Chamber will advocate to the federal government on behalf of both groups.
Both documents can be viewed at www.kamloopschamber.ca/recommendations-to-government
Quotes
Clarence T. Jules, Chief Commissioner, First Nations Tax Commission:
“It is vitally important to the success and prosperity of First Nations that they have access to the same economic opportunities available to the rest of Canada. With continued leadership from First Nation communities and the support of organizations such as the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, we hope to advance these important initiatives: the First Nations Infrastructure Institution and the Indigenous Land Title Initiative, to assist First Nations in the achievement of their economic visions”Paul Ross, President, Board of Directors, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce:
“Both of these initiatives, the First Nations Infrastructure Institution and the Indigenous Land Title Initiative are paramount to our First Nations communities and the Kamloops Chamber is proud to work with the First Nations Tax Commission to bring them forward from the Chamber movement.”
In the news: Taxing First Nations promotes accountability, good governance
On May 19, 2017, Business in Vancouver published an article by Joseph Quesnel of the Fraser Institute on the benefits of taxation for First Nation governance. The following is an excerpt of the article:
Many indigenous communities consider tax exemption to be sacrosanct.
But other First Nations now realize that raising funds through taxation is essential to modern governance. Whitecap Dakota First Nation in Saskatchewan recently signed an agreement in principle to move toward even greater self-government. They are clear how they got there.
“We wouldn’t have the casino if we didn’t have our land code,” said Chief Darcy Bear. “We have a real property tax and a goods and services tax in our community. Like any government, we need to generate our own revenue. Getting out from under 25% of the Indian Act has allowed us to grow. Self-government will take us further.”
For more: https://www.biv.com/article/2017/5/taxing-first-nations-promotes-accountability-good-/
Tulo Student Profile: Gailene William
The Williams Lake Indian Band understands the importance of increasing source revenues as federal funding remains stagnant and even dwindles. Without additional funds, the band cannot grow or plan for the future. Own source revenue in the forms of taxation plays a vital role. In Williams Lake, Gailene William is taking on this role in addition to her job as the payroll/benefits administration clerk. Recently, we were able to sit down with Gailene and get her perspective on Tulo and Taxation.
How did you become enrolled in Tulo?
Our finance manager asked me if I was interested in taking the course at Tulo. Not really knowing what I was getting into, I dove right into the training without having any previous exposure to taxation but realized it would benefit me in my job and most of all, our community. I started in the fall of 2015, and took my final course in February 2017.
How does what you learned at the Tulo Centre help you in your work with Williams Lake Indian Band?
Many communities are beginning to realize taxation is the key to a better life. It isn’t something we should fear, but a way to create a better future. Managing taxation wisely for the nation requires education and practical training. To succeed, nations need a thorough knowledge of the ins and outs of the First Nation Fiscal Management Act and members who understand the band’s vision.
Being part of the Tulo experience has given me a broader outlook on the benefits of taxation and a properly running tax administration program and made me more confident in both the administration and education of taxation for WLIB.
What has been the most valuable aspect about the program for you so far?
Well the course work has been most valuable but thanks to Tulo a big part is that I now have contacts from other communities that I met in class who I can email or call for assistance and that’s really helped in creating my support network. Its allowed me to see what other communities are doing and learn from each other in addition to the time we spend in the class.
How does taxation fit into your community’s future?
I believe First Nation land taxation benefits a community and helps provide own source revenue – most communities financial planning is based on third-party funding agreements but when you also can add in other revenue, with no funding guidelines attached, you are able to look longer term. So in that essence, everyone benefits from it depending on how you budget your tax revenue. From opportunities for building new infrastructure to adding or enhancing programs and services that affect elders and youth, everyone benefits from tax revenue in our community. Tulo has been an excellent experience and it has also been a real challenge. “Introduction to First Nation Taxation” was the first exposure I’ve had to First Nation land taxation but attending Tulo has helped me greatly in all areas.
Also like many of our communities, at WLIB staff wear multiple hats and we also have our personal commitments to consider – for myself being a mom of three children I had a hard time leaving my kids for a week at a time for each of the eight classes. But thanks to some wonderful classmates and wonderful family who took care of my babies, I made it through each class and have made it through the end.