Land
The program is responsible for land transactions, land research and
records keeping. The program is responsible to ensure that all land
transactions are completed and processed in a timely manner. The program
deals with any research into new lands or old lands for the community.
All purchases or sales of land within Pikwàkanagàn must
be completed by the Lands Program in order for it to be registered with
Indian and Northern Affairs. If the land transaction is not registered,
the land transfer will not be recognized and you will not own the purchased
land. Portions of land can no longer be transferred without a survey
being completed.
Lands is currently
working on the acquisition of the shore/road allowance which is adjacent
to the community. It is a long process. The shoreline has now been surveyed,
a few concerns have to be addressed before the plans are registered.
Negotiations with
Hydro One regarding a new easement agreement are ongoing.
Estates
The program
assists members with the death of a family member by reporting the death
and working as the administrator's of an estate to identify the land
and understand the forms provided to them.
Workshops on Wills & Estates are held as requested. Land can only
be held by members of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, please ensure
that beneficiaries are members and not just "registered".
Membership
The program processes status cards for all of its members. We register
any children born after 1985, all marriages, deaths, and miscellaneous
changes to a member's information. We maintain our Membership List and
mailing addresses for all of our members, residing on or off the reserve.
If you move, please let the office know so that they may update your
address.
There have
been major changes in how children are registered. Each application
for child registration will have to be reviewed to determine if as a
First Nation we can register the child, or if the form must be completed
in the Regional Office or sent to Indian and Northern Affairs Headquarters.
This could and will delay registration of all children born after April
17, 1985.
Under the new Membership
Code, any person who acquires status and is affiliated with our First
Nation must apply for membership and be accepted as a member. What this
means is that you must meet the criteria in the Membership Code to become
a member. You must be of Algonquin descent and provide a Canada Police
Information Check (CPIC). You may hold status without being a member
of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn. Anyone who is registered
after March 2009, even children must apply and be accepted as a member.
Under the Residency Law, anyone
who plans on moving into Pikwàkanagàn must apply and obtain
permission to reside here before they move.
A new Custom Election
Code was passed by referendum in March 2009.
Band Governance
The Manager acts as Registrar for the Membership Code and the Residency
Law. The Standing Committee develops and reviews laws that are in place
or are just being implemented.
Burial
Grounds
A new burial ground has been developed for our members and their spouses.
A death certificate must be submitted to this office before any burial
takes place.
Other
Duties
The Manager sits on the Standing Committee for Lands,
Estates, and Membership, the Ontario Aboriginal Lands Association, and
other task forces where required. It is the Manager's responsibility
to co-ordinate all elections and maintain records of the burial grounds.
It is also responsible to find suitable land as required for members
and the organization.
Bell
Canada
Negotiations have been successful with Bell Canada. A
request to the Minister of INAC to issue a permit under Section 28(2)
of the Indian Act has been submitted.
Matrimonial
Real Property Issues
A Draft Law on Matrimonial
Real Property has been developed based on survey responses from the
Members.
Highlights of the Draft Law
are as follows:
• The Law will only be utilized to reach a settlement if the spouses
involved cannot. Mediation is mandatory before they can approach the
Board/Tribunal.
• Only the house and land will be dealt with if both spouses are
members.
• Only the house will be dealt with if one spouse is a non-member.
• The children have been identified as the top priority and should
be allowed to stay in the community and their home.
• Inherited land will be awarded to the spouse who inherited it.
• The Appeal Board will act as the Tribunal until such time as
the Tribunal is established.
• Council will be given the authority to enforce the settlement
through Council Resolution
• Under no circumstances, will a non-member be awarded the land.
The Matrimonial Real Property
Law is at a stand still until means of administering and enforcing it
are established.
STAFF:
Jan
Leroux, Program Manager
Is responsible to oversee the daily operations of the Land, Estates
and Membership Program.
Jane
Commanda , Administrative Assistant
Provides administrative support services to the Manager, Land, Estates
and Membership Services.
To
view more information on other sections of Lands, Estates and Membership,
click on the graphics shown on the left side of the page.
