Step forward for PIB

Photo: Contributed

MP Dan Albas welcomed the Penticton Indian Band to the First Nations Land Management Regime at a special ceremony, Tuesday.

Attended by community members and representatives from the Lands Advisory Board, the celebration at the Outma Sqilx'w Cultural School signals the beginning of a new land management era for the First Nation.

"Our government is delivering on its economic action plan commitments to create strong and healthy investment climates on reserves that will lead to more jobs and prosperous communities. My congratulations to Penticton Indian Band and I wish them all the success as they begin developing a land code to manage their land resources and pursue more economic successes," said Albas.

The First Nations Land Management Regime replaces 32 land-related sections of the Indian Act with respect to land, the environment and most resources.

It is a practical step towards self-government, increasing First Nations' responsibility to manage their land and to take advantage of economic opportunities.

As announced in the 2015 federal budget, the government will provide $30.3 million over five years, which is expected to lead to an additional 25 First Nations joining the regime.

The regime enables First Nations to manage their own land, resources and environment according to their own land codes, laws and policies.

Across Canada, there are 90 First Nations operating or developing land codes under the regime, 47 of which are in British Columbia.

"On behalf of the Penticton Indian Band, we are honoured and excited to start this process in the First Nations Land Management Regime," said Chief Jonathan Kruger, who became emotional during the ceremony. "This is going to be a really educational process. Over the next two years, we plan to hold educational workshops, community engagement sessions and have healthy discussions on developing our land code."

Chief Robert Louie, chair of the First Nations Land Advisory Board, said over the last 15 years of land governance experience through the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management (Framework Agreement), cumulative investments on operational First Nation reserves are now estimated at approximately $270 million, with thousands of on-reserve jobs having been created for both members and non-members.

"On behalf of the Lands Advisory Board, and the Framework Agreement signatory First Nations, we welcome Penticton Indian Band and look forward to the prosperous future ahead of them," he said.