Lands & Resources October 2017 Issue 1

Ahniin, Boozhoo

In this newsletter you will find lots of great and interesting information about the Lands and Resources staff and what we are up to. Land Code Vote Coming!

We have been working toward taking back the governance of our lands and resources for many years. You Lands & Resources Staff may remember that in Front: Amber King-Robitaille, Kristin Monague May 2015 we took to Back: Crystal Roote, Marcella Sunday, Dana Monague, Jane Copegog, Mike Smith, Susan Copegog the polls on whether to accept our First Nation’s proposed Land Code and opt out of certain sections of the Indian Act that pertain to Lands Management. You may remember that we missed our opportunity by only 26 yes votes. 26 Votes!!!! We had an overwhelming response from over 400 members!

We have since received great news from the Lands Advisory Board with our Land Code Vote. They had approved our First Nation’s request to go forward with a second vote! That’s right a second chance to get it right, a second chance to address the concerns of members who voted no, or who didn’t quite understand what opting out of the Indian Act sections that relate to our Lands and Resources meant.

Our goal is to address misconceptions and relay the exact details about what this means to us, our First Nation. We will discuss what First Nations Land Management under the Framework Agreement is and what it is not. Let’s regain momentum and get excited about our new opportunity.

We will be voting again on December 9, 2017, keep an eye out for the vote package!

What is the First Nation Land Beausoleil First Nation both on and off reserve who are 18 years of age or over.

Management Initiative? The development stage is starting and we are seeking members’ feedback as it relates to daily land The First Nation Land Management (FNLM) Initiative management. The land management would remain at was created collectively by First Nations people and the community level and we will be able to make the Government of . Beausoleil First Nation informed decisions and would allow our First Nation became a signatory to the Framework Agreement on the authority to make timely decisions and we would April 13th 2012. not need to seek Minister approval. The purpose of becoming a signatory to the Framework Agreement is to give the option to What Land is Protected Under Beausoleil First Nation to assume control over our reserve lands and resources through the creation of a the Beausoleil First Nation Land Code document. Land Code? The Beausoleil First Nation Land Code will be presented to our community through a ratification The Beausoleil First Nation Land Code would protect vote in May 2014. , Hope Island, Beckwith Island, Christian Island 30 A (Cedar Point). Any future additions to reserve would also fall under the Land What is the Beausoleil First Code. Nation Land Code? What’s next for FNLM and you? Definition of a Land Code: Means a code, approved by a First Nation in accordance with the Framework Agreement that sets out the basic provisions Participate in community forums, request a home regarding the exercise of the First Nation’s rights and visit, and ask questions, share ideas. The Beausoleil powers over its First Nation land. First Nation Lands and Resources Department along with the Land Advisory Board Resource Centre are The Land Code would allow us to create Land Laws excited to present the draft Land Code. We are here and Bylaws providing further protection of our land to assist you in gaining the knowledge and resources and our resources. The Beausoleil First Nation Land needed to make an informed decision on FNLM. Code is created by all registered members of

It is very important to get your registration form if you would like

to vote electronically (e-voting). A link, as well as instructions will be provided in your mail-out package. If you are voting by mail-in ballot, please ensure that you allow ample time to return the complete ballot package. A Message from What is the Land Kristin Monague Code? Acting Lands Manager

The basic Land Hi Everyone, I want to take a few minutes to introduce myself, for those of you who don’t know Law of Beausoleil me, my name is Kristin Monague. When people First Nation want to know who you are they often ask, “Who are your parents?” So, my parents are Hiram and Valerie. I was raised here in our beautiful PART 1 community until it was time to leave for a higher Definitions, purpose, education. I am a mother of two young children, authority to govern, land and I want the best possible future for them, as members and the future of our community. description I am currently the Acting Lands Manager for the PART 2 Beausoleil First Nation Lands and Resources Law making and enforcement department. I studied Native Studies and Indigenous Environmental Studies at Trent University. Once I completed my program I returned home and was fortunate enough to get a job in my home. PART 3 Community meetings and I’ve been with the Lands department for 10 years. I started as the Lands Administrative Assistant and was given the opportunity by my previous Manager, Jennifer Copegog, to approvals further advance my skills. I attended the University of Saskatchewan for the Indigenous Peoples Resources Management Program, a program specifically geared to Lands PART 4 Management on the First Nation level. Upon successful completion of this program I went Protection of land, on to the second level of Certification with the National Aboriginal Lands Managers acquisition, voluntary land Association, Reserve Land and Environment Management Program. I am now a Certified exchanges Lands Manager. Yay! As the Acting Lands Manager, I am responsible for the supervision of staff in the Lands & PART 5 Resources Department and the development of the annual departmental budget, work Accountability to members, plan, policies and procedures, and reporting. I have the authority for the First Nation to approve documents relating to Lands including Land Transfers, Assignments and New conflict of interest rules, Leases. financial management We work as a team in the Lands Department. We are all knowledgeable in the duties that PART 6 each of us perform. The Lands Department has grown throughout the years, we now have 8 staff; a manager, a finance clerk, an administrative assistant, a compliance supervisor, 2 Administration, staff, Lands compliance officers, a community consultation liaison and a community liaison on climate Committee change. We are always planning and thinking of ways to improve on the services that we deliver. And more importantly how to keep our members in the loop. PART 7 Our most recent undertaking is the development of a Land Code under the Framework Interests and Licences, CPs, Agreement on First Nations Land Management and the First Nation Land Management transfers, mortgages Act. This initiative is a form of sectoral self-government and will enable us to opt out of the sections of the Indian Act that relate to Lands Management. This will allow us to manage PART 8 our reserve Lands, Environment and Resources the way we, as a community, see fit. Dispute resolution If our community chooses to approve the Land Code, through a ratification vote, we, as a community, will have the power to make land laws specific to development, conservation, PART 9 protection, management, use and possession of First Nation Land. Liability, offences Under the land code, our Lands will never diminish they will only grow. And as such, they will be protected for our Future Generations.

Council can make Land Laws for the development, conservation, protection, management, use and possession of Beausoleil First Nation land

Community Meeting of Approval Members needed for: needed for:

 Any master  Declaring Land Use Plan land or  New grant or interest to be disposal of an subject to interest or licence Land Code longer than 35 years  Community/ Subdivision  Renewal of grant Plan Land Law or disposition of interest or  Any development licence longer than 35 affecting heritage years or environmentally  Grant or disposition of non- sensitive property  renewable natural resource longer than 5

 Environmental assessment and protection years land Law  Any deletion of a heritage site  Land Law for transferring/ assigning rights  Any voluntary land exchange or interests in BFN land  Any other matter or Land Law Council adds  Matrimonial Real Property Land Law Ratification Vote needed for:  Land Law for rate and criteria for fees or rent of BFN land  Amendment to the Land Code  Community Acquisition Land Law

 Any other matter or Land Law Council adds

In other Lands News.....

August 25, 2017: Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), whose lands consist of 23, 708 hectares over 18 reserves, has become the 76th Framework Agreement signatory nation to ratify their community Land Code. The Manitoba community of 5214 members, took to the polls and voted 89% in favor of regaining governance control over their lands and resources. NCN can now move forward with beneficial projects for their membership, while protecting their vast land base, free from the encumbrances of the Indian Act. Congratulations NCN!

Beausoleil Land Authority

Flows from Creator > People > Chief and Council

The traditional teachings of Beausoleil First Nation speak of the obligation of the people to care for and respect the land and magnificent wonders of nature created on the land. By Meeting of Members enacting the Land Code, Beausoleil First Nation is reclaiming this special responsibility. Authority flows from the Creator to the people, and from the people to Chief and Council. Does the matter or Land Law need Community Approval?

Yes - Vote by in-person ballot, No mail-in ballot, e-vote, etc.

At least 10% of 50%+1 of those eligible voters who vote, vote must vote “yes”

Approved

Jane Copegog Lands Finance Clerk

delegation of authority under Sections 53 and 60 of the Indian Act. This was our first step towards self-government. First Nation Lands Management and the development and approval of our Land Code is logically the next step." She adds, "We have been operating under our delegation since 2000 and I have seen the Lands Program progress in technology, programming and expertise. I have seen a much needed increase in staff. Twenty years ago, we had one full time Lands Manager, and sporadic funding for a Lands Jane graduated from Cambrian College with Assistant. Today, we now have full-time a diploma in Native Lands Management in Lands Manager, Administrative Clerk, 1994. Jane has lived and worked in the Finance Clerk, Environmental Specialist (now community for close to 24 years and is proud titled Compliance Supervisor), two to serve the community. Jane has one son, Compliance Officers, a Consultation Worker Lance- who is her world. position and Climate Change and Adaptation Jane also graduated from the Lands Liaison Worker. Each of us are cross-trained Management Training Program in 1996 which in most of the functions and can essentially was the I.N.A.C. (then known as Indian step in to each other's jobs if the need Affairs) certified Lands Manager training at arises". the time. Jane is a commissioner for taking oaths and affidavits and provides this service for free to Jane's role in the Lands Department is our membership. Jane also has signing primarily a financial one, hence her title: authority with the First Nation which Lands Finance Clerk. She is responsible for authorizes her to sign cheques and other all accounts payables and receivables for the financial items. Lands Program, including the collection of almost one million dollars in leasing revenue. She provides clerical assistance within the Nothing is finalized without department, including inputting information Membership approval! and updating the files.

Jane has taken the lead in assisting our The Land Code was developed by the membership in dealing with Wills and Estates. Membership & Committee. The Membership is involved in all parts of the She has been fortunate to be in Lands for development. The Membership votes on many years and has seen the program the Land Code and Individual Agreement continually progress. As Jane says, "I witnessed the transition from a total I.N.A.C. controlled program to our successful bid for a

Crystal Roote Lands Admin Assistant

Crystal has been with the Lands Department since 2012. However, before that she was employed in the same capacity in 2005-2007. Her primary role is providing administrative assistance to the department, but Crystal is so much more than that. She is the backbone of the Lands Department. Crystal is a Commissioner for Taking Oaths and Affidavits.

Crystal has undertaken many training opportunities which has broadened her skill-set and functionality within the Department. Crystal has participated in an Office Admin. course which she completed in 2007. She has participated in Microsoft Office Training, Exceptional Assistant Training, Customer Service and Project Management Training to name but a few. Crystal will continue to participate and excel in training as required for her position.

INDIAN LANDS REGISTRY SYSTEM Document Registration Activity Report

The Beausoleil First Nation Lands Department prepares and registers a variety of documents. They are all approved by the Lands Manager, acknowledged at Council level and submitted to Indian Lands Registry for registration. Here is an activity report for the last four years showing the number of documents that were submitted for registration. Crystal Roote is primarily responsible for Registrations and is our office expert in Indian Lands Registry.

2017 2016 Admin Transfer 9 Admin Transfer 9 Assignment of Lease 17 Assignment of Lease 10 BCR Allotment 18 BCR Allotment 5 Cancellation of Lease 1 Cancellation 1 Death Certificate 4 Death Certificate 4 Lease 1 Registrar's Note 1 Registrar's Note 1 Survey Plan 1 Survey Plan 1 Transfer 24 Transfer 33 Transfer by Survivorship 3 Transfer by Survivorship 3 TOTAL 58 TOTAL 88

2015 2014 Admin Transfer 33 Admin Transfer 10 Assignment of Lease 6 Assignment of Lease 10 BCR Allotment 7 BCR 40 Death Certificate 1 BCR Allotment 2 Lease 7 Death Certificate 9 Mortgage 1 Lease 40 Relinquishment of Lease 8 Letter 1 Report 2 Mortgage Amending Agreement 1 Survey Plan 8 Registrar's Note 2 Transfer 32 Relinquishment of Lease 41 Transfer by Survivorship 1 Survey Plan 3 TOTAL 106 Transfer 53 TOTAL 210 Mike Smith Compliance Supervisor

Mike has been employed with the Beausoleil First Nation Lands Department since August 2008. He was initially hired and trained as the Environmental Specialist Trainee.

In addition to taking many training courses throughout the years, he has also successfully completed the Indigenous Peoples Resource Management Program and the Professional Lands Managers Certificate Program back in 2013. Participation and completion of these two programs have awarded Mike the designation of Certified Lands Manager.

Mike has since undergone a title change. He was formerly known as Environmental Specialist and is now known as Compliance Supervisor. Dana Monague Lands Compliance Officer

I have been employed with Beausoleil First Nation Lands Department as the Lands Compliance Officer, since July 2014. My main activities include becoming familiar with First Nation Land Management and Leasing rules and regulations/By-laws/Compliance Policies, and also Consultation and accommodation.

I also assist with cottage lot inspections to ensure compliance with leasing regulations. This includes assisting with regular patrols and performing day to day enforcement. My training to date includes, Certificate of Attendance with the Building Officials Association, Boat Smart- received my boat license, Maritime Radio training, First Aid Level C CPR certification, May 2017. Myself and Marcella attended Municipal Law Enforcement Training, and we both received our certificates for this training program.

Building Permits have been in place for a number of years. Guidelines for Renovations & Improvements applicable to the Lessees of Beausoleil First Nation and their contractors can be found on our website. Marcella Sunday Lands Compliance Officer

My name is Marcella Sunday. Born and raised here on Christian Island. My education background consists of Teachers Aide and Early Childhood.

Life has taken me down so many different roads with regards to work experience. I’ve worked in a Daycare, Family Services Department, fast food industry also as the Youth Sports Coordinator. A great deal of my work experience has been with the youth both on and off the first nation. My last job I spent 7.5 years in our Housing Department as the Managers Assistant as much as I enjoyed working in this department I felt I needed a new adventure.

As January 9, 2017, I was hired on as the New Lands Compliance Officer Trainee. This position will require a lot of training in First Nation Land Management & Leasing rules and regulations, with this position we will be required to understand and learn about more about by-laws and policies and we will also be providing public education and awareness programs and services to the community and our visitors. With this new position, I bring in a great deal of experience from my last position such as training in the Ontario Building Code (OBC), Construction Heat to name a few. I am familiar with Site Inspections, Building Blue Prints. I have knowledge of Contracts and most of the Contractors here on the First Nation as well as some of the mainland Sub-Contractors. I just received a certificate as part of the Municipal Law Enforcement in May 2017 and look forward to doing so much more to enhance my ability to do this job efficiently and expertly.

As mentioned earlier, working with the Lands Department is all new to me so coming into this position I have done a lot of reading and familiarizing myself with everything Lands. The Lands Department Staff are a great bunch of people with whom I look forward to teaching me and guiding me along the way as I get to know my new position. I’m looking forward to all the training that is necessary to excel in this position as well as all the other new adventures.

BFN By-law Enforcement

 Beach Monitoring (Big Sand Bay, Lighthouse, West Beach, South, Hope and Beckwith Island). A Beach By-law was been approved at a duly convened meeting of the Council of Beausoleil First Nation on January 26 2016.  Removal of non-compliance items and confiscations  Building Permits/Inspections for cottage subdivisions  Locate Property Markers  Monitoring of First Nation territory  Conduct investigations  Respond to resident complaints and concerns  Maintain public relations and liaison concerning compliance awareness and enforcement  Maintain crowd control as required  Follow seizure procedures  Properly store confiscated materials  Handling cash and maintaining financial records  Maintain detailed records of incidences

N E W S R E L E A S E April 21, 2017

21 Additional First Nations welcomed as Signatories to the Framework Agreement

On behalf of the Lands Advisory Board, and the Framework Agreement Signatory First Nations, and with the full support of Canada, we are delighted to welcome the following 21 new signatory nations to the Framework Agreement. This brings the total number of Framework Agreement Signatory First Nations to 148.

This year the Framework Agreement on First Nation Lands Management (Framework Agreement) celebrates 21 years of land governance authority, during which time it has helped communities across the country exercise their inherent rights over their reserve lands and resources. Under the Framework Agreement and the First Nations Land Management Act, 33 sections of the Indian Act no longer apply to those communities who ratify their community land codes enabling these communities to move ahead in their goals of self-governance and self-sufficiency beyond the boundaries of the Indian Act.

The Lands Advisory Board and the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre, have worked diligently to provide support to the Framework Agreement signatories, and to ensure that all First Nations are offered the opportunity to pursue this initiative, if they so desire. We are thankful to Canada, and to Minister Bennett and her staff, for the cooperation, partnership and continued support of First Nations across Canada in their pursuit to become signatories to the Framework Agreement.

We look forward to working with each of them as they continue their journey towards self-determination.

Nova Scotia: Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation

Quebec: Listiguj Mi'gmaq

Ontario: Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishnaabek, Chapleau Cree, Big Grassy, Hiawatha, Mattagami, Saugeen, Sheshegwaning

Saskatchewan: Carry The Kettle, James Smith, Sakimay

Alberta: Enoch Cree, Fort McMurray

British Columbia: Ditigaht, Iskut, Kwaw-kwaw-apilt, Lytton, Penelakut, Splatsin Indian Band, T'it'q'et

Amber King-Robitaille Community Adaption Liaison for Climate Change

Hello all, my name is Amber King-Robitaille. I am currently working in the BFN Lands and Resource Department as the Community Adaptation Liaison (CAL) for Climate Change.

This is a unique kind of opportunity for myself and our community. The project itself is a collective project which allows me the opportunity to work closely with the following First Nations; Rama, Alderville and Curve Lake First Nations. We as a team are currently attending workshops and training opportunities building technical capacity for our communities.

I am actively collecting Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) from interested community members. The TEK collected from our membership is a way to preserve our oral history. Through the collection of this oral history we can use the information to create a BFN Adaptation and Implementation Plan. The purpose of this plan is to identify the most significant climate change impacts that affect our community. Through the identification of these impacts we can plan to adapt to the long term effects of climate change.

For the duration of my time here, it will be spent collecting more oral history from our community members, and attending training opportunities, and workshops related to climate change. I will also be working with the KOOSL committee on the BFN Adaptation and Implementation Plan. The actual plan itself will be created by the information collected from the TEK interviews.

I am so thankful for the individuals who have participated so far in the one on one interviews. If you would like to participate please do not hesitate to contact me via email and we can set up a time to do an interview. Each interview is unique and the information collected will solely be used for the BFN Climate Change Initiative. Susan Copegog Lands Consultation Liaison

Ahniin Kina Weyaa, my name is Susan Copegog, Lands Consultation Liaison. I have been hired on a two (2) year contract, with the first (1st) year coming up soon. Time flies when you are having fun.

A year in review: orientation, networking, functional responsibilities according to work plan. Reviewing documents, notices, E.A. reports, monitor stages of projects, work plan development, [identifying levels of impact, scan, file, label and archive. Navigation of Access Database (self taught), database entry and general office duties, on-going review of Guideline, Policies, Terminology, Acts, Drafts, Discussion Papers & Strategies.

I have attended information sessions with Compliance Officer; Dana Monague. These include: Parks Canada, Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Sharing our Lands II and Consultation Workers’ meetings and the Scugog Island First Nation Open House, March 28/17.

There were 484 notices last year, to date, there are 226. A Draft Consultation Handbook has been developed, to be presented to community in the late fall.

Duty to consult: Consultation and Accommodation information has been provided to the membership on the web site, community newsletter, information session and on a brochure.

My understanding of First Nation Land Management (FNLM) is taking control of our Lands/Resources/Territories & Stewardship. It is the ability to create our own LAWS.

The Williams Treaty First Nations Coordinator responds to projects that require immediate action or intervention.

If you require further information, I can be reached by e-mail: [email protected] or by phone at 705-247-2872 ext. 234.

Community Most Important Role

The most important piece to the Land Code development, is the membership.

Every Member of Beausoleil First Nation has the right to be involved. All eligible voters (18 years old+) have the right to vote on the Land Code and Individual Agreement.

Please help us find current mailing addresses and emails for all of our Members. We need:

phone numbers;

mailing addresses;

email addresses; or

general info on where to find our off-reserve Members.

All information provided is kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with any third parties, for any reason.

If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact Kristin Monague, A/ Lands Manager, Beausoleil First Nation Lands Department at 705-247-8978 or by email at [email protected].

11 Ogemaa Miikan, Christian Island, Ontario, L9M 0A9