Overview
The Wei Wai Kum First Nation (Campbell River Indian Band) has established a Land Code that replaces the land management provisions of the Indian Act. This Land Code was developed under the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management, a government-to-government agreement with Canada that enables First Nations to resume and exercise jurisdiction, control, and decision-making over their lands and resources.
The Land Code provides several benefits to the Nation, including the ability to make timely business and administrative decisions without requiring federal government approval. It also enables the enactment and enforcement of strong environmental management and protection laws, and safeguards reserve lands from arbitrary expropriation.
The Framework Agreement does not affect any Treaty or Aboriginal rights.
Land management under the Land Code may include:
- Interests and licences related to land and natural resources
- Revenue generation and expenditures
- Zoning, land use planning, subdivisions, and land development
- Environmental assessment and protection
- Transfers, including wills and estates
- Matrimonial real property
- Dispute resolution
- Enforcement
- Administration and accountability, including conflict of interest rules and delegated authority
Land management under the Land Code does not apply to:
- Oil and natural gas
- Atomic energy
- Migratory birds
- Endangered species
- Fisheries
- Taxation powers and exemptions
- Any lands other than reserve lands