September 2023
Notice of Annual Meeting
Pursuant to section 131 of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, notice is hereby given that the First Nations Tax Commission Annual Meeting will be held on October 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM Pacific Time.
The meeting will be held virtually. Registrants will receive instructions for participation prior to the annual meeting.
If you would like to register, please email mail@fntc.ca before October 19, 2023.
The annual report may be accessed on the First Nations Tax Commission’s website.
January 2023
Remembering Chief William (Bill) Montour (1941–2023)
The First Nations Tax Commission greatly mourns the loss of former Chief William (Bill) Montour of the Six Nations of the Grand River, who passed away on January 8, 2023.
Chief Montour was born on Six Nations, the eldest of nine children. He served twice as the Elected Chief of Six Nations of the Grand River from 1986 to 1991, then again from 2007 to 2013. He also served as a councillor in 1976. Prior to his career in politics, he was an iron worker for many decades.
In 1989, Chief Montour was a founding member of the Indian Taxation Advisory Board, the predecessor institution to the First Nations Tax Commission. He served until 1994. He brought enormous leadership and credibility to that role at a time when First Nation taxation was not well understood and at times controversial. He was a leader of vision who looked long into the future and saw the potential to expand the role and powers of First Nation governments, and to use those powers to strengthen First Nation communities. Despite his towering frame, he conveyed great warmth, humour, and was always generous with his time and understanding – he was much loved by those who knew him.
The First Nations Tax Commission mourns his loss and sends sincere condolences to his wife Pam and the Montour family.
September 2022
March 2022
January 2022
Statement by Chief Commissioner C.T. (Manny) Jules on the passing of Chief Tom Bressette
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Chief Tom Bressette. On behalf of everyone at the First Nations Tax Commission, I wish to send my deepest condolences to his family, the members of Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point, and everyone lucky enough to call “Big Tom” a friend.
We fondly remember his larger-than-life presence, personality, laugh, voice, and leadership. But he also has left behind a larger-than-life legacy for his family, community, Ontario First Nations, and all Indigenous people in Canada. Tom was a munitions expert in the US Army. He was a skilled tradesman. He was an addictions counsellor. He was an entrepreneur. He served on the Kettle and Stony Point council for four years and was Chief for 19 years. He was the Assembly of First Nations Ontario Vice Regional Chief from 1997 until 2000.
I began to work on the AFN National Fiscal Relations Table with Chief Bressette while he was Ontario Vice Chief. Together we led the development and passage of the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act. His unwavering support for the FSMA (now FMA) was not popular in Ontario but he attended every meeting – always outnumbered by opponents – to fearlessly defend it as something that would benefit First Nations across Canada. The legislation passed in 2005 and is now used by over half of all First Nations in Canada, generating millions of dollars in First Nation community revenues, financing billions in infrastructure and community initiatives, and creating thousands of jobs.
Chief Bressette led his community through the lpperwash tragedy and the eventual settlement, which set a precedent for specific claims agreements for all First Nations in Canada. He re-established First Nation tax jurisdiction in 2016 for his community that not only helped improve community services, infrastructure, and financial management, but also set a precedent that is now being used by other Ontario First Nations. I will remember Chief Bressette as much more than a visionary and fearless leader. I will remember him for his kindness, sense of humor, wise counsel, and strength. He was the best type of friend you could have. When working with Tom he always had your back, and you felt like you could do anything. And, as is evident by his lengthy list of accomplishments, he did.
His family has lost a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin. The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point have lost a great Chief. First Nations across this country have lost his leadership. And so many of us have lost a good friend and a great man impossible to replace. He will be greatly missed. Safe journey my good friend.
Kukwstsetsemc,
C.T. (Manny) Jules
Chief Commissioner
First Nations Tax Commission
November 2021
Canadian Chamber of Commerce passes resolution to support the establishment of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute
Canadian Chamber of Commerce passes resolution to support the establishment of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute
July 2021
FNTC to Support Taxing First Nations with OSRICI Application
On June 9, 2021, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) launched the “Own Source Revenue in Indigenous Communities Initiative” (OSRICI), designed to provide support to Indigenous communities that have suffered a decline in own-source revenue (OSR) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. OSR includes property taxes, local revenues and other First Nation government revenues from agreements, businesses, and other sources. The OSRICI is providing $332.8 million in funding to partially offset declines in own-source revenues so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities can continue to provide important community programs and services.
The FNTC has agreed to support taxing First Nations in applying to the OSRICI program. In the coming weeks, the FNTC will be contacting your tax administrator to offer support with the application process.
The deadline for applications is August 31, 2021. ISC Regional Offices will review OSRICI applications and determine the amount of funding for which First Nations are eligible.
For more information, please contact the FNTC: OSRICI-support@fntc.ca
OSRICI website (link): https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1623255117700/1623255147941
June 2021
Statement by Chief Commissioner C.T. (Manny) Jules regarding the discovery on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School
Canadians are shocked and saddened by the discovery last week of the remains of 215 children buried on the site of the former grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, located within the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc.
The offices of the First Nations Tax Commission are just a few hundred meters from this tragic grave site. I am certain this will now become a forensic investigation.
This school was under Roman Catholic administration from 1890 until 1969. In the 1950’s attendance peaked at 500 students. I attended this school, as did my parents, many of my relatives, and life-long friends.
Over the years, we had heard rumors of unmarked graves on the reserve and were misled to believe that the children had simply run away. These children would have been from my community and over 20 other communities representing five nations – the Secwepemc, Okanagan, Nlakapamux, St’at’imc and Tsilhqot’in.
This is a deeply personal matter for all of us. My community is in mourning and will grieve and honour these children. There are ceremonies taking place across the country and my heart is thankful for the care of these precious souls.
There are many questions that have long gone unanswered, and we hope that this will now change. Our prayers and thoughts are with the spirits of the young ones, the families affected by this tragedy, as well as other survivors of the residential school system.
Kukwstsétsemc,
C.T. (Manny) Jules
Chief Commissioner
First Nations Tax Commission
April 2021
October 2020
Canterbury and Canada combine in online Indigenous Economics course
A cohort of First Nations students from the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics in British Columbia, Canada, and students from the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre at the University of Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand, have been studying Indigenous Economics together virtually, in a pilot course.
The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre (NTRC) collaborated with the Tulo Centre to deliver a unique course in Indigenous Economics with 16 First Nation Canadian students joining a Ngāi Tahu cohort of 16 late last month.
“The idea was if this pilot was successful then we would work towards refining the course and looking to get future credits cross credited to UC,” says NTRC Director Associate Professor Te Maire Tau, who is also Ngāi Tūāhuriri Upoko.
Leading the Canadian side, C.T. (Manny) Jules is the Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission based in Kamloops, British Columbia. He is a leading figure in getting Canada’s First Nations people independence over their tax affairs, and says tax autonomy forms a vital part in self-determination and entrepreneurship.
“We share the Pacific Ocean. We share the wealth, life and imagination the ocean has brought to our lands. The waka and the canoe, symbols of teamwork and determination, have brought us to new and different places. Our ancestors, shining through the North Star and Southern Cross, have connected us to work together and learn from one another,” he says.
“Market economies were not foreign to us. We created them ourselves. We traded goods over hundreds of miles. The Mayan had a complex trade network,” Jules says.
“How could pipestone, dating back to before contact end up in my territory in South Central British Columbia when it only comes from a few places such as Pipestone, Minnesota if we did not trade? How could corn be used all throughout the Americas before contact, if we did not trade?”
The pilot course, delivered via virtual delivery, is a foundational course in Tulo Centre’s Applied Economics Programme and included students from Indigenous communities in Canada and New Zealand. In the course, students investigated topics related to Indigenous self-governance and economic development globally, with particular focus on Canada and New Zealand. Topics included the impact of Covid-19 on Indigenous communities and economies; pre-contact Indigenous institutions, innovations and economies; the destruction of Indigenous institutions; systemic issues and gaps impacting Indigenous communities; the economic rationale for implementing Indigenous government and jurisdiction; Indigenous resource management; Indigenous fiscal powers; and creative destruction and the formula for change. The course was capped off with the Tulo Centre’s Building a Sustainable Indigenous Economy game.
- Manny Jules was interviewed on RadioNZ recently, talking about how he recovered 45,000 acres of his tribe’s reserve lands and how he’s driven legislative reform in the country.
- Part of the WORD Christchurch Spring Festival, Associate Professor Te Maire Tau joins fellow UC academics in discussing the new CUP book A Long Time Coming: The story of Ngāi Tahu’s treaty settlement negotiations, which shines a light, for both Māori and Pākehā, on a crucial part of this country’s history. Join the author UC Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Lecturer Dr Martin Fisher, along with UC Adjunct Professor Tā Tipene O’Regan, and former Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Chris Finlayson, as they discuss a claim that spanned two centuries.
Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics
The mission of the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics is to assist interested Indigenous governments in building legal and administrative frameworks that support markets on their lands. www.tulo.ca
Ngāi Tahu Research Centre
The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre (NTRC) was founded for the purpose of being a leader in Indigenous scholarship and to provide a centre for the intellectual capital and development of Ngāi Tahu, the principal Māori iwi of the southern region of New Zealand. https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/ntrc/
For further information please contact:
UC Communications
All media enquiries are directed to the UC Communications team.
Email media@canterbury.ac.nz for media enquiries (business hours, Monday – Friday)
Call 03 369 3631 for media enquiries (business hours, Monday – Friday)
Call 027 503 0168 for urgent media enquiries (after-hours, Monday – Sunday)
September 2020
Proposed Procedures Respecting the Approval of First Nation Local Revenue Laws, 2020
Procedures are established by the First Nations Tax Commission (Commission) to provide transparent and efficient processes for the approval of local revenue laws by the Commission to assist the Commission in fulfilling its statutory obligations under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (the “Act”).
Under the Act, the Commission reviews and approves laws. Subsection 35(2) of the Act provides that the Commission may establish procedures respecting the “submission for approval” of local revenue laws and “approval of those laws.” In June 2009, the Commission approved the Procedures Respecting the Approval of First Nation Local Revenue Laws (Approval Procedures). They were further amended in September 2016.
As a matter of policy, the Commission seeks public input prior to introducing or significantly amending its Procedures. This input is critical in developing procedures that are efficient and acceptable for participating First Nations and their taxpayers.
Earlier this year, a review of the Approval Procedures was carried out to determine ways to improve clarity and remove unnecessary administrative requirements. As a result of this review, the Commission is proposing to replace the existing Approval Procedures.
Changes to the Approval Procedures include how the Commission may postpone law review where a law is non-compliant with the Act. Where a law review is postponed, a First Nation may amend an original law or replace it with a new law, and that the Commission may proceed with review and approval consideration of the amending law and original law, or a new law. The proposed Approval Procedures remove the requirement for the Commission to:
• notify the First Nation of the necessary amendments;
• advise the First Nation of whether identified amendments are not significant in the context of subsections 6(2) and 8(2) of the Act; and
• set a time frame for the making and submission of an amending law.
Additional changes include section 1.1 which is updated to clarify that the Commission will review “accompanying information required by section 8 of the Act” in its review and consideration of approval of the submitted law, and section 5, which would separate the provisions dealing with compliance of sections 6 and 8 of the Act.
The Commission is seeking public input in respect of these proposed Approval Procedures. If you wish to learn more about the proposed changes, please contact the FNTC at mail@fntc.ca or by telephone toll free at 1 (855) 682-3682. Electronic versions of the proposed Approval Procedures (changes are highlighted in red) are available at www.fntc.ca or by clicking the link below:
Proposed Procedures Respecting the Approval of First Nation Local Revenue Laws, 2020
Please direct your written comments on or before November 30, 2020 to:
First Nations Tax Commission
321-345 Chief Alex Thomas Way
Kamloops BC
V2H 1H1
Telephone: 1 (855) 682-3682
Fax: (250) 828-9858
Email: mail@fntc.ca
Chief Commissioner Speaks to Radio New Zealand
Chief Commissioner Jules discusses the importance of First Nation jurisdiction with Radio New Zealand Host, Julian Wilcox.
The First Nations Tax Commission Releases its 2019/20 Annual Report
The Annual Report provides an update to First Nations, taxpayers and the federal government on the FNTC’s progress in achieving its vision and highlighting how our work improves First Nation communities and supports expanding First Nation tax jurisdiction.
Download the Annual report.
June 2020
Student Spotlight: Sue Ellis, Akisqnuk First Nation
Sue Ellis, Finance Supervisor, Akisqnuk First Nation.
Why did you sign up to take the Certificate in First Nation Taxation Administration Program?
The role of tax administrator fell into my lap after our Sr. Finance Officer left. I didn’t know what I was doing the first year and am so thankful for all the help that I received from Nicole Casimel at TAS, Marie Potvin and Tracey Simon at FNTC. I could NOT have done it without these ladies’ help. So for others out there that are thrown into the role, there is so much help available from the First Nations institutions…USE IT! That’s what they are there for.
What are your thoughts on the program and your biggest takeaway?
- There is help out there! Take advantage of all the expertise to better your First Nation.
- The first class laid out the foundation of why First Nations are where they are, which is very eye opening from an outsider’s perspective.
- There are many opportunities on the horizon for First Nations to exert their jurisdictions and start collecting more of their own revenues. There were many laws that we worked through and now I have my own templates, briefing notes, and notices already done for when those opportunities arise in my community. Thanks for preparing us in advance!
- Share information with other First Nation communities and stop trying to re-invent the wheel. It’s great to hear about where other communities are from starting out with no laws, to those that have numerous ones already in place and are having successes.
- The Tulo Centre has great instructors that are super knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Also, they were very entertaining, down to earth and understanding.
How will your First Nation benefit from you having this certificate?
If there are new opportunities that our First Nation pursues, I will have the confidence and knowledge to address the taxation perspectives. I will also have more confidence to speak up about future developments, ask questions and disagree with the project if I don’t think that it is financially feasible.
Any final thoughts?
If possible, every First Nation should have one of their staff attend this course as it teaches them not only about the taxation opportunities, it allows them to meet people from other First Nations to share ideas and knowledge, which is truly valuable. It also shows them what is available for help and maybe it will get them thinking about ways they can help their First Nation with new economic opportunities and how important it is to plan for the future. Thank you so much!
Sue Ellis (far left) shown above with her classmates in front of Thompson Rivers University.
Podcast: Indigenous Experience & Pandemics (Pt 1)
This first podcast episode introduces the history of pandemics and their impact on First Nation lives, communities, jurisdictions, and trajectories. First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) Chief Commissioner C.T. Manny Jules discusses this history and his vision for change.
Chief Commissioner Jules has dedicated over 40 years of his life to public service in support of First Nations. He is a member of Tkemlups te Secwepemc and served as Chief for over 16 years. He was the driving force behind the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, passed by Parliament in 2005, creating the First Nations Tax Commission, where he currently serves as Chief Commissioner.
Click here to listen on Spotify
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts
This episode was recorded on June 3, 2020.
SHOW NOTES:
First Nations Tax Commission: www.fntc.ca
The mission of the FNTC is to help First Nation governments build and maintain fair and efficient property tax regimes and to ensure those First Nation communities, and their taxpayers alike, receive the maximum benefit from those systems.The FNTC is also about creating the legal, administrative and infrastructural framework necessary for markets to work on First Nation lands, creating a competitive First Nation investment climate, and using economic growth as the catalyst for greater First Nation self-reliance.
Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics: www.tulo.ca
The Tulo Centre is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to renewing Indigenous economics by providing applied programs to enhance the capacity of Indigenous communities.
Book Recommendation:
The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History. Written by John M. Barry:
____
Intro and outro song: John Jules
Cover artwork: Chief Commissioner Jules
First Nations Gazette Launches Redesigned Website
The First Nations Gazette is pleased to announce the launch of its redesigned website. Today marks the twenty-third anniversary of the First Nations Gazette (FNG). 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. The FNG has firmly established itself as the leading source for First Nation legislation in Canada.
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. This has led to many of FNG’s technical innovations over the years. The redesign announced today includes a fresh and streamlined look with an enhanced search system to help visitors quickly and easily find the information they need.
“We are committed to innovate and evolve along with First Nations who are pushing forward, expanding jurisdictions. The FNG is a fundamental and useful tool that is a part of this process, supporting the governance of First Nation laws.” said Chief Commissioner C.T. (Manny) Jules.
The new searchable database is built on Lexum’s powerful Decisia and Qweri platforms which enables improved speed and provides a new and easier to use search interface that includes full-text searching and a new and flexible advanced search with user-centric features such as auto-completion of queries and highlighting of search terms. A new mailing list and RSS and JSON feeds will allow users to be notified when new notices, laws, by-laws, codes, and other enactments are published.
The FNG is a free online service operated by the First Nations Tax Commission. It provides public access to First Nation notices, First Nation laws and by-laws, land codes and other First Nation enactments. More than 300 First Nations currently use the FNG to post laws, by-laws, and notices. With a searchable database that currently houses more than 8,000 items, the FNG has been the legal voice of First Nations in Canada since its official launch on June 21, 1997.
Visit the website: www.fng.ca
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, British Columbia – June 21, 2020
May 2020
Summary of FNTC COVID-19 Related Measures
In response to the needs of First Nations and taxpayers alike during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the FNTC has been working hard to ensure all First Nations have the flexibility needed to administer their tax systems while rapidly responding to the ongoing pandemic.
Effective May 21, 2020, the Commission approved the COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Response Standards, 2020. These Standards amend several Commission Standards in response to the pandemic.
FMA First Nations
Facilitating Council Meetings Held by Videoconference or Teleconference
The Commission has amended Section 11 of the Standards for the Submission of Information Required under Section 8 of the Act, 2018 to make it easier to submit laws when council approved the law during a teleconference or videoconference.
When council meets by teleconference or videoconference, a First Nation may not able to submit an originally signed and dated law after the meeting. Under the revised standards, a certification letter may be provided as evidence that a law was duly enacted by a quorum of Council, and a certificate may be attached to the front of the law. The certification letter confirms a law was approved by Council, at a duly convened meeting conducted via teleconference or videoconference, with quorum present throughout. The certificate confirms that the document provided is a complete version of the duly enacted law.
FNTC has also developed an alternative enactment clause for use in the Annual Laws and Local Revenue Laws, which reflects the format of the meeting and specifies that a quorum of Council was present. For example:
THIS LAW IS HEREBY DULY ENACTED by the Council at a duly called and conducted Council meeting conducted by [videoconference OR teleconference] on ______________, 2020, at which the required quorum of __ councillors was present throughout.
Instructions for submitting an certified Local Revenue Law to the FNTC and copies of the FNTC Sample Certification Letter and Certificate can be obtained by contacting Tracey Simon, FMA Registrar at tsimon@fntc.ca.
FMA Registry
FNTC requires original laws be submitted to the Commission and placed in the Registry. We will remain flexible regarding the submission of original signed laws. We request all First Nations submit their duly enacted originally signed laws at their earliest convenience once it is safe to do so.
Open Houses and Public Meeting Required by the Standards May Be Held Remotely in 2020
We also understand that certain notification requirements, such as hosting open houses, public meetings, and taxpayer meetings are not currently safe. We have amended the Standards respecting Notices relating to Local Revenue Laws, 2018 to enable these notification requirements to be conducted via teleconference or videoconference during the 2020 year.
Enabling Rate Relief in 2020
For First Nations using CPI to set their rates, section 7 of the Standards for First Nation Annual Tax Rates Laws, 2017 has been amended. First Nations may provide tax relief by lowering their rates in 2020, and then setting their 2021 rates as though the 2020 rates had increased by CPI.
For those First Nations that typically set their rates using reference jurisdiction tax rates, section 8 of the Standards for First Nation Annual Tax Rates Laws, 2017 has been amended to enable First Nations to reduce their rates in 2020 to provide tax relief, while returning to reference jurisdiction rate setting for the 2021 year.
Enabling Zero-Interest Reserve Fund Borrowing
To stabilize annual local revenues and permit local service provision to remain unhindered, subsection 7.2 of the Standards for First Nation Property Taxation Laws, 2016 and section 8 of the Standards for First Nation Expenditure Laws, 2017 have been amended. A First Nation needing money to provide local services may borrow from a reserve fund, interest-free, for a maximum of 5 years. This change would require amending the property taxation law to enable the borrowing.
Amending Laws – Requesting Exemptions to Notice Periods and Notification Requirements
First Nations interested in implementing a mitigation measure or amending their property taxation law should contact their FNTC tax advisor, as amendments to property taxation laws are subject to the notification requirements pursuant to sections 6 and 8 of the FMA. To enable an expedient response by First Nation governments, the Commission will consider requests for exemptions from these requirements. FNTC has developed sample exemption request letters to support COVID-related amendments without requiring a First Nation to adhere to the 30-day notification period.
Proposed Federal Mitigation Support
The FNTC continues to await the development and implementation of a federal mitigation support program. In anticipation of an announcement by the federal government, the Commission has amended section 2 of the Standards for First Nation Expenditure Laws, 2017. A First Nation’s annual budget would be required to set out as revenues, any monies received through a federal tax deferral program. These monies would then be allocated as an expenditure in their annual expenditure law.
s. 83 First Nations
Facilitating Council Meetings Held by Videoconference or Teleconference
Many First Nation Councils are holding meetings by videoconference or teleconference. This may impede Council from submitting an originally signed and dated by-law after the meeting. FNTC has developed a by-law approval certification letter, which may be provided as evidence that a by-law was duly enacted by a quorum of council. We have also developed a certificate to attach to the front of the by-law, which confirms that the document provided is a complete version of the duly enacted by-law.
FNTC has also developed an alternative enactment clause for use in the Annual By-laws and Local Revenue By-Laws, which reflects the format of the meeting and specifies that a quorum of Council was present. For example:
THIS BY-LAW IS HEREBY DULY ENACTED by the Council at a duly called and conducted Council meeting conducted by [videoconference OR teleconference] on ______________, 2020, at which the required quorum of __ councillors was present throughout.
Instructions for submitting a certified Local Revenue By-law to the FNTC, copies of the FNTC Sample Certification Letter and the Certificate can be obtained by contacting Lilian Richards, S. 83 Registrar and Records Manager at lrichards@fntc.ca.
s. 83 Registry
FNTC requires original by-laws be submitted to the Commission and placed in the Registry. We will continue to be flexible regarding by-law submission, and request all First Nations submit their duly enacted originally signed by-laws once it is safe to do so.
Mitigation Measures
Many First Nations are considering providing taxpayer relief through mitigation measures such as deferrals, discounts, rate reductions and grants. If your First Nation wishes to discuss developing a mitigation measure, please contact your FNTC Advisor. Some measures, such as delayed tax notices may be implemented administratively. However, some measures may require amendments to property taxation by-laws.
Requesting Exemptions to Notice Periods and Notification Requirements
Amendments to property taxation by-laws are subject to notification requirements. In supporting First Nations to respond swiftly, the Commission will consider requests for exemption from the notification period. FNTC has developed a sample notification exemption request letter to support COVID-related amendments without the 30-day notification period.
The FNTC staff are working remotely and continue to provide technical assistance. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact your FNTC advisor. We are here to help.
November 2019
10 First Nation Organizations & Institutions Sign Protocol
(Coast Salish Territory, Vancouver, British Columbia) Today, ten First Nation organizations and institutions gathered in Vancouver to sign a Protocol on Cooperation and Communication. The signatories commit to coordinating their efforts to support capacity development in governance and governance administration in First Nation communities in British Columbia.
The protocol voices the pressing need to assist all First Nations in BC in moving beyond the existing fiscal relationship with the Crown and the delivery of delegated programs services. The protocol also addresses the need for relevant and effective information sharing to support First Nations in key fiscal issues, capacity development, and exercising their inherent right of self-determination, self-government, including authorities and jurisdictions. The protocol will help support First Nations to drive fiscal discussions and develop capacity in a manner that supports the work of their respective First Nation governments.
The signatory organizations affirm their intentions to work together in a cooperative manner and to provide support for one another’s efforts to advance the recognition, respect and accommodation of Aboriginal Title and Rights, Treaty Rights and to improve the lives of First Nations people in British Columbia.
The Signatories include:
- British Columbia Assembly of First Nations
- The First Nations Summit
- The Union of BC Indian Chiefs
- The First Nations Financial Management Board
- The First Nations Tax Commission
- The First Nations Finance Authority
- The Lands Advisory Board
- The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC
- The First Nations Public Service Secretariat
- The New Relationship Trust
QUOTES
British Columbia Assembly of First Nations
“I am pleased that BC AFN is joining this group of organizations committing to work together in support of increasing First Nations’ capacity in exercising their inherent rights of self-determination and self-government. As Chair of the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs Committee on Economic Development, one of my main priorities is supporting national and regional First Nations economic development organizations. I believe that we are stronger when we work together to advocate for inclusion of the inescapable economic component of Aboriginal Title.”
- Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations
First Nations Summit
“The First Nations Summit is pleased to sign this protocol committing to working together with our partner First Nation Leadership Council members, institutions and organizations. First Nations in BC have shown leadership in establishing many of these organizations, and we have a responsibility to collaborate to provide the best possible support for our First Nation communities. Capacity building is critical to our communities’ success – whether in pursuing self-government, economic development ventures, claiming their inherent rights to their lands and resources, or whatever else we want to achieve – and by working together, these institutions and organizations will better help them on their paths.”
- Robert Phillips, Political Executive, First Nations Summit
Union of BC Indian Chiefs
“The Protocol on Cooperation and Communication will help establish a unified, powerful network of Indigenous support and governance in British Columbia. With the recent introduction of legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, it is paramount that we continue to build upon the momentum to advance Indigenous self-determination and capacity development. “
- Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of BC Indian Chiefs
First Nations Financial Management Board
“We appreciate the spirit of cooperation and communication this action symbolizes.
More so, we recognize our responsibility to provide support to one another’s efforts and join this movement to advance the recognition, respect and accommodation of Aboriginal Title and Rights, and Treaty Rights. Fueled by our resilient aspirations, this is a time for our people to persevere until we have discharged our duties, not only to our communities, but to the many generations yet to come.”
- Harold Calla, Executive Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board
First Nations Tax Commission
“This protocol demonstrates that we are collectively committed to sharing best practices and successes and helping First Nations achieve greater environmental, economic and fiscal sustainability. Together we will make a fundamental change for our people, a change towards greater jurisdiction and greater independence.”
- T Manny Jules, Chief Commissioner, First Nations Tax Commission
First Nations Finance Authority
“FNFA is please to be a party to this agreement and look forward to working with our partners to move the needle for our communities. Through better cooperation and communication we can make positive impacts to help our communities achieve sustainable success.”
- Ernie Daniels, President & CEO, First Nations Finance Authority
First Nations Lands Advisory Board
“The Lands Advisory Board is pleased to work with other First Nation Support agencies to coordinate efforts to maximize much needed professional services, advocacy and resources to First Nation governments. The process of decolonization has to be undertaken on the terms of, and at a pace determined by First Nations. We have to be ready to respond in a coordinated and efficient manner.”
- Robert Louie, Chair, Lands Advisory Board
Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC
“Support from Indigenous institutions is a critical component of self-determination for Indigenous peoples. Given the current agendas of both the federal and provincial governments, this is an important time for Indigenous institutional development in order to support what First Nations communities have been working to reclaim for generations. AFOA BC is pleased to be entering into this protocol agreement with its partner organizations and institutions and commits to continuing to deliver capacity support based on the needs of communities, as we have done for more than 20 years.”
- Barbara Joe, Board Director, Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC
First Nations Public Service Secretariat
“The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which the Government of Canada has endorsed, and the Province of BC has recently introduced legislation to implement, provides for Indigenous peoples right to self-determination and to the right to the improvement of their economic and social conditions. This cannot be achieved without First Nation-driven organizations and institutions working together to support strong governance and investments in capacity in our communities.”
- Jehan Casey, Director, First Nations Public Service Secretariat
New Relationship Trust
“The New Relationship Trust (NRT) recognizes the importance of the Protocol on Cooperation and Communication to our organization. The NRT was created to provide capacity development support to First Nations in BC, and we do so without duplicating or replacing existing government or First Nations programs. As a signatory to the Protocol, we will remain committed to working with our partners to develop initiatives and services that meet the needs of our communities.”
- Chief David Jimmie, Vice-Chair, New Relationship Trust