New Memorandum of Understanding Leads to More Support for Communities to Manage Their Own Lands

May 1, 2024 — Ottawa, unceded traditional Algonquin territory, Ontario — Lands Advisory Board and Indigenous Services Canada

Today, Chief Robert Louie, Chairman of the Lands Advisory Board (LAB), Austin Bear, Chair of the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, signed a Memorandum of Understanding securing further funding for First Nations land management. With this new five-year funding agreement, part of the $187 million of funding over five years and over $34 million ongoing provided in Budget 2023, the LAB and the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre will support First Nations in governing their lands and creating economic and social opportunities for their communities. Communities with operational land codes will receive an increase in funding to govern their lands—up to 21% for most First Nations. Funding to support communities seeking to also opt out of the relevant sections of the Indian Act and develop their own land codes will be increased by 50%. In addition, up to 50 more First Nations will be supported to become signatories to this historic agreement over the next five years. …

(For the complete press release, please follow this link)