Benefits to having a Land Code:

  • First real recognition of T’ít’q’et’s inherent right to manage our own reserve lands and resources;
  • Removal of T’ít’q’et reserve lands from the administrative provisions of the Indian Act;
  • Lands continue to be “reserves” protected under Section 91(24) of the Constitution Act;
  • Reserve lands cannot diminish in size and are protected for future generations
  • Protection against any provincial or federal expropriation of T’ít’q’et land except in a national emergency;
  • Recognition of real law-making powers respecting T’ít’q’et
  • Ability to reflect T’ít’q’et heritage and culture in the Land Code
  • Community control over land governance and economic development
  • More efficient management of T’ít’q’et reserve lands (i.e. a lease arrangement under the Framework Agreement takes 1 month as opposed to 12-24 months under the Indian Act [according to KPMG]);
  • Greater ability to take action on business opportunities, Government of Canada approval not required
  • Significantly less transaction costs
  • Supports the establishment of clear, transparent rules for the protection and development of reserve lands
  • Ability to create local dispute resolution processes
  • A T’ít’q’et developed Registry system that is:
    • Paperless
    • Priority based
    • Allows for title insurance
    • Backed by regulation not policy