FNTC: NEWS STORIES
?Akisq’nuk First Nation implements service tax to upgrade water system infrastructure for leased properties
This past year, the ?Akisq’nuk First Nation (AFN), located in the Columbia Valley near Invermere, became the first First Nation in Canada to implement a service tax under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. ?Akisq’nuk is part of the Ktunaxa nation and is home to 300 members in the Columbia Valley, near Columbia Lake. The First Nation was one of the first to enter the FMA with laws developed in 2008. The new service tax will cover the cost of COMPLETE STORY
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 COMPLETE STORY
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 COMPLETE STORY
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 COMPLETE STORY
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 COMPLETE STORY
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 COMPLETE STORY