Terrace,
British Columbia - October 6, 2005: The Kitselas First
Nation has taken over management and administration
of its reserve lands under an initiative that enables
Indian Bands in Canada to take over these powers from
the federal department of Indian Affairs.
Band members voted yesterday to approve
a community land code developed under the national Framework
Agreement on First Nation Land Management. The agreement
enables the federal Department of Indian Affairs to
transfer the land and resource management powers set
out in the Indian Act to participating First Nations.
Fifteen other First Nations in Canada, including seven
in British Columbia, have previously completed this
process."It is the desire of our present Band Council
to work with the people we represent in achieving economic
development as well as learning to help our people better
than the system allows right now" says Kitselas
Chief Glenn Bennett. "With practices and procedures
changing from council to council, the Kitselas land
code will allow a higher degree of accountability and
a greater measure of stability within those practices
and procedures as well as a free flow of information
and membership input."
"We are ready to become innovative,
team-oriented and goal-driven."
Land Management Coordinator Corrina Miller
explains that "this entire project is transparent
and is intended to allow a better response to the needs
of all people in this area. It is imperative that we
come together in order for us to be successful! In order
to be prepared for the future, we must plan for the
future!"
136 of the band's eligible voters cast
ballots, including off-reserve members who voted by
mail. 99 voted in favor of the initiative and 34 against.
Three ballots were rejected. 87 "yes" votes
were required to approve the land code.
Gina Beddome and Associates of Prince
George served as Ratification Officer. Al Gross of Kelowna
supervised the voting process as an independent Verifier.
The decision affects approximately 1,065
hectares of land on nine reserves. The Band's authorities
are expected to take effect as of November 1, 2005.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO
FRANCES BENNETT AND CORRINA MILLER
(above photo)
FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK!!
For further information contact:
Chief Councillor Glenn Bennett at:
(250) 635-8882 ext. 233
or
(250) 635-5084 ext. 226