Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutNisk'a Assignment PP.R1.V1 (May 23, 2024).kvk PO L I C I E S A N D P R O C E D U R E S Tsuut’ina Nation Nisk’a Assignment Policies and Procedures "Land was to be shared by all and from this flowed the fundamental law to respect all things and everybody around.” – Tom Heavenfire (The True Spirit and Original Intent of Treaty 7, 1996) PP.NA.2403 As per our 11 Land & Environment Principles: “Tsuut’ina Nation lands are for the use and benefit of all Tsuut’ina Citizens. Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens have a collective responsibility to retain the quality of land, air, water, and biodiversity, and to manage this natural capital in a way that conserves all of its values, be the environment, economic, social, or cultural for the present and Wusa (future) generations. Tsuut’ina lands are Assigned for Citizens to occupy and use pursuant to the customs and traditions of the Nation.” Nisk’a Assignment PP.NA.2403 2 May 23, 2024 © Tsuut’ina Nation [Page left intentionally blank] PP.NA.2403 Nisk’a Assignment © Tsuut’ina Nation May 23, 2024 3 Preamble WHEREAS the Tsuut’ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs desire to make a Policy governing Nisk’a Assignments on the Tsuut’ina Nation Reserve; AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada recognizes the inherent right of self-government as an existing Aboriginal right under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; AND WHEREAS it is recognized that the inherent right of governance includes the right to govern in relations to matters that are internal to the community, and integral to the unique culture, identity, traditions, languages and institutions of the Nation; AND WHEREAS it is considered to be necessary for the benefit, security and preservation of the Tsuut’ina Nation and culture; NOW THEREFORE the Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens hereby enact this Policy through the Tsuut’ina Nation Legislative Process Act and give authority to the Tsuut’ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs to ratify this Policy. Nisk’a Assignment PP.NA.2403 4 May 23, 2024 © Tsuut’ina Nation Table of Contents Preamble ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Definitions ......................................................................................................................................... 5 General ............................................................................................................................................ 6 Title ................................................................................................................................................... 6 Statement of Principle ...................................................................................................................... 6 Purpose, Scope, and Application ...................................................................................................... 6 Parties Involved ................................................................................................................................. 7 Ratification Process ........................................................................................................................... 7 Governing Authority ......................................................................................................................... 7 Responsibilities of the Nisk’a Assignee ............................................................................................. 9 Nisk’a Assignment Agreement Registration ................................................................................... 10 Nisk’a Approval Process .................................................................................................................. 10 Revocation and Nisk’a ..................................................................................................................... 11 Tsuut’ina Nation ............................................................................................................................ 14 Nisk’a Assignment .......................................................................................................................... 14 Policy and Procedures Appendix ..................................................................................................... 14 Appendix A: Application for Nisk’a Assignment ........................................................................ 16 Application Process ......................................................................................................................... 16 Head Chief and Minor Chiefs Signatory Page ................................................................................... 17 PP.NA.2403 Nisk’a Assignment © Tsuut’ina Nation May 23, 2024 5 Definitions Definitions 1. The following definitions will be used throughout the document: (a) “Nisk’a” please allow ‘Nisk’a’ to replace ‘Lands’ where applicable in this document, lands inclusive to all natural resources & elements; (b) “Nisk’a Assignment” are Tsuut’ina Nation Nisk’a assigned to the Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens as transferred or occupied for specific Nisk’a use activity and must be approved by Tsuut'ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs through duly convened meetings where Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens are responsible managers of this Nisk’a; (c) “Nisk’a Assignee” is a Tsuut’ina Nation Citizen who has an approved Nisk’a Assignment to occupy, preserve, and sustain the parcel of Nisk’a and is not lawfully in possession of Nation Nisk’a; Nisk’a Assignment PP.NA.2403 6 May 23, 2024 © Tsuut’ina Nation General Title 1. The title of this document is the Tsuut’ina Nation Nisk’a Assignment Policy, as ratified by the Tsuut’ina Nation through the Legislative Process Act. 2. The Tsuut’ina Nation Nisk’a Assignment Policy will be referred to as “This Policy” throughout this document. Statement of Principle 3. Tsuut'ina Nation has the inherent right to self-determination since time immemorial. As a sovereign Nation, we have the autonomy to determine our Wusa (future) through our principles that are transparent, through equality and honesty to all peoples. This Policy will preserve our connection to our Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a (lands inclusive to all natural resources & elements), Gunaha ūwā Náhīnāníshá Ōghà Náhīníhīnáʔō-hī (language and culture) as foretold to protect future generations. 4. Historically, the Tsuut’ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs have assigned Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a now, then, and will continue to do so Wusa. Purpose, Scope, and Application 5. The purpose of this Policy is to provide an internal process for Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a use and the administration of Nisk’a Assignments to Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens on Common Non- Designated Nisk’a. 6. This Policy will apply to all Tsuut’ina’s Nation Citizens with a historic or current Assignment of Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a management and for the protection of the Wusa. 7. Tsuut’ina Nation Legislation will be applicable to this document, such as but not limited to: (a) Accountability Code; (b) Animal Control Bylaw; (c) Citizenship Code; (d) Housing Policies; (e) Permit Regulations; (f) Residency Law; (g) Trespass Law; and (h) Other applicable documents ratified through the Tsuut’ina Legislative Process Act. PP.NA.2403 Nisk’a Assignment © Tsuut’ina Nation May 23, 2024 7 Parties Involved 8. The following parties are involved in this Policy: (a) Tsuut'ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs; (b) Land Advisory Committee; (c) Tsuut’ina Nation; (d) Lands Administration Portfolio; and (e) Assigned Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a Holder. Ratification Process 9. This Policy must be ratified through the Tsuut’ina Nation Legislative Process Act. Governing Authority 10. The Tsuut'ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs have full governing authority for This Policy. 11. At the time of a Duly Convened Meeting of the Tsuut'ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs, a full quorum of voting members Must be met in order for BCR/Leadership made a decision (translation to be provided later) to be passed. 12. The Land Advisory Committee from time to time may review Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a applications, transfers, or disputes, however, their function is only to provide recommendation(s) to the Tsuut’ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs. Nisk’a Assignment PP.NA.2403 8 May 23, 2024 © Tsuut’ina Nation Nisk’a Assignment Eligibility 13. A Tsuut’ina Nation Citizen with no Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a Assignment may request and be eligible for a Nisk’a Assignment based on criteria and/or Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a availability. 14. In the event of the passing of a family member that has an assigned Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a Assignment, the transfer of Nisk’a will be applicable through this policy. 15. Any Tsuut’ina Nation Citizen applying for a Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a Assignment must meet all of the following requirements: (a) Must be a Tsuut’ina Nation Citizen; (b) Must be in Good Standing with the Tsuut’ina Nation; and (c) Must be twenty-five (25) years of age. 16. If under twenty-five (25) years of age, Tsuut'ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chief may, at their discretion, appoint a responsible family member to hold in trust Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a for this individual. 17. When a Tsuut’ina Nation Citizen is applying for Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a, a maximum number of acres may be considered as per the use and the availability of Nisk’a. 18. Tsuut'ina Nation Nisk’a Assigned to Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens who have the proven means to farm, ranch, and raise animals Must present the following when applying/updating and are subject to the following: (a) a Land Use Plan/Business Plan for consideration (environment, Nisk’a Use, acreage amount); (b) a permit to be issued as per the Tsuut'ina Nation Business Nisk’a use Permit or Agricultural Lease/Permit Policies; and (c) if Nisk’a has been passed down to immediate family members through generational transfers. 19. Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens who are eligible can apply for a Nisk’a Assignment for new homes. 20. The Tsuut’ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs Must approve generational Nisk’a Assignment transfers through written documentation or requests for transfer that also includes an updated Tsuut’ina Nation GIS department map, as provided by the GIS/Mapping Manager. PP.NA.2403 Nisk’a Assignment © Tsuut’ina Nation May 23, 2024 9 Responsibilities of the Nisk’a Assignee 21. The Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens who are assigned Nisk’a have accepted responsibility for Nisk’a stewardship duties regarding the following collective interests: (a) prepare a Land Use Plan for future generational use which must be documented and recorded through the LERD Land Manager and Lands Clerk; (b) adhere to the Tsuut’ina 11 Land & Environment Principles; (c) adhere to all laws and policies applicable to Tsuut’ina Nation Nisk’a; (d) adhere to all applicable leasing and permit processes; and (e) ensure that the use and enjoyment of Nisk’a does not impact the safety, access, or use of other Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens. 22. Tsuut'ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs have the authority to determine Nisk’a Assignments when required to protect the Nisk’a and environment for the benefit and collective interest of the Tsuut’ina Nation. Nisk’a Assignment PP.NA.2403 10 May 23, 2024 © Tsuut’ina Nation Nisk’a Assignment Agreement Process Nisk’a Assignment Agreement Registration 23. All correspondence for Nisk’a Assignment Agreements is held in the Tsuut’ina Nation Lands Department records. 24. Records of Nisk’a Assignment Agreements are administered and managed through the Lands Administration Portfolio. 25. All Nisk’a Assignment Agreement Assignees shall register Nisk’a assignments through a signed form submission to the Lands Department for official Nisk’a Assignment registration. 26. Official Nisk’a Assignment is identified through a BCR/Leadership made a decision (translation to be provided later) and must include a Legal Land Description. 27. Nisk’a Assignment Agreements may be subject to review every five (5) years to ensure compliance with this Policy. Nisk’a Approval Process 28. The Tsuut'ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs are the final approval authority for Nisk’a Assignments. 29. A historical document review of the current or past Nisk’a status and Nisk’a Assignment Agreements may be required from the Lands Department and the Nisk’a Advisory Committee, where recommendations are provided to the Head Chief and Minor Chiefs. 30. The Nisk’a Assignment Agreements must include a Legal Land Description and boundaries identified for Approval Document processing and records. 31. Nisk’a Assignment Agreements cannot be transferred to another Tsuut’ina Nation Citizen without the Tsuut’ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs approval. 32. A Nisk’a Assignment Agreement Shall include the following: (a) date of submission; (b) amount of Nisk’a; (c) use of Nisk’a; (d) location of Nisk’a as per the Legal Land Description; (e) monies involved, if applicable; and (f) a signed acknowledgement form including exemptions. PP.NA.2403 Nisk’a Assignment © Tsuut’ina Nation May 23, 2024 11 Revocation/Relinquishment Revocation and Nisk’a 33. Tsuut'ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs have the authority to Revoke a Nisk’a Assignment. 34. Revocation of a Nisk’a Assignment May revert back to the Tsuut’ina Nation Common Nisk’a per the following criterion, including but not limited to: (a) willful environmental damage; (b) no family succession; (c) criminal convictions as outlined in sections in the Tsuut'ina Nation Residency Law; (d) through dispute resolution process; and (e) non-Compliance with Tsuut’ina Nation legislation and policies as per; (i) Matrimonial Law, sections 9 (a) through 9 (g); (ii) Accountability Code; (iii) Animal Control Bylaw; (iv) Citizenship Code; (v) Housing Policies; (vi) Permit Regulations; (vii) Residency Law; (viii) Trespass Law; and (ix) Other applicable documents ratified through the Tsuut’ina Legislative Process Act. 35. A minimum of twenty-one (21) days’ notice will be given to the Nisk’a Assignee from Tsuut'ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs revocation decision. 36. Relinquishment by request. Nisk’a Assignment PP.NA.2403 12 May 23, 2024 © Tsuut’ina Nation Amendments 37. This Policy Shall be amended through the Tsuut'ina Nation Legislative Process Act. 38. This Policy Shall be amended by the Land Advisory Committee as necessary in accordance with the Terms of Reference. PP.NA.2403 Nisk’a Assignment © Tsuut’ina Nation May 23, 2024 13 “A Treaty is a contract of peace with the government. Treaty was a peace treaty.” - Hilda Big Crow (The True Spirit and Original Intent of Treaty 7, 1996) Tsuut’ina Nation Nisk’a Assignment Policy and Procedures Appendix PP.NA.2403 PP.NA.2403 Nisk’a Assignment © Tsuut’ina Nation May 23, 2024 15 [Page intentionally left blank] Nisk’a Assignment PP.NA.2403 16 May 23, 2024 © Tsuut’ina Nation Appendix A: Application for Nisk’a Assignment Application Process 1. The Tsuut’ina Nation Lands Department Shall only consider applications that are deemed completed. 2. A completed application will include the following information: (a) a completed and signed application form by the Tsuut’ina Citizen; (b) a Land Use Plan/Business Plan; (c) location (LLD or GPS); (d) payment of any applicable fees; (e) acknowledgement Form Declaration, declaring applicant has read all applicable laws and policies. 3. An application may include, but is not limited to the following: (a) maps/sketches; (b) Nisk’a history; (c) traditional sites; (d) lot plans; (e) proposed access roads; (f) infrastructure/right of way/easements; (g) letters (wishes); and (h) Wills. 4. Subject to Land Use Plan and location, an Environmental Review and approval may be applicable. PP.NA.2403 Nisk’a Assignment © Tsuut’ina Nation May 23, 2024 17 Head Chief and Minor Chiefs Signatory Page THIS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IS HEREBY made at this duly convened meeting of the Head Chief and Minor Chiefs of the Tsuut’ina Nation this [___] day of [Month, Year] by Nation Council Resolution. Voting in favour of the Nisk’a Assignment Policies and Procedures, as evidenced by signatures, are the following members of the Head Chief and Minor Chiefs: Tsuut’ina Nation Head Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief Member of Tsuut’ina Nation Minor Chief