LAB Chairman Robert Louie, RC Chair Austin Bear, Minister Carolyn Bennett, and Minister Marc Miller congratulate Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation on becoming the 100th First Nation to vote to approve a land code to regain governance over their lands, natural resources and environment.

CLICK on the videos below to listen to their messages

Please CLICK on the image below to view the “Road to 100” handout highlighting the many First Nations that have chosen this journey of sectoral self-governance.

The 100th First Nation Land Code ratifying the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management

We congratulate Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation on becoming the 100th First Nation to establish a land code,  and to all First Nations who have passed land codes leading up to this historic vote.  The Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation Lande Code vote was held on May 3, 2021, and passed with 84.8% of participating voting membership approving the land code. Pekuakamiulnuatsh is the second First Nation in Quebec to establish a land code.

Since February 12, 1996, First Nations have had the option to develop a land code to govern their own lands through the principles of the Framework Agreement, which has supported them to re-establish land laws and authority over their Reserve lands, Natural Resources, and Environment. The Framework Agreement provides participant First Nations the option of replacing 44 lands-related sections of the Indian Act with their own land code.

“All members of the Lands Advisory Board are delighted by this historic 100th land code ratification. In the past 21 years, 100 First Nations have utilized the Framework Agreement to exercise their inherent right to govern their lands and resources. This is decolonization in action. Congratulations to the people of Pekuakamiulnuatsh on having reclaimed this jurisdiction.” said Robert Louie, Lands Advisory Board Chairman.

“The milestone of 100 First Nations to remove themselves from the colonial and outdated Indian Act represents approximately 1/6 of all First Nations in Canada. This historical event will be regarded as an auspicious moment in time for the people of Pekuakamiulnuatsh and for all of Canada.” said Austin Bear, Resource Centre Chairman.

“Congratulations to the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation on becoming the 100th First Nation to exercise their inherent self-governance over their lands. Their community approved land code is key to implementing their vision to manage and govern their land, environment and resources. The Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management is a true nation-to-nation, government-to-government partnership in the spirit of advancing reconciliation and self-determination,” said the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P., Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

“As Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation becomes the 100th First Nation to approve a land code, they join First Nations across the country in affirming control over their lands, natural resources, and environment. Congratulations to the Lands Advisory Board, the Resource Centre, Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, and all 100 communities who share in this milestone. This is a reflection of your hard work and dedication, and I look forward to watching the number of First Nations establishing their own land codes continue to grow,” said the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services.

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