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-/