The Lands & Resources Department of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON) is responsible for the stewardship, management, and protection of BON lands and natural resources. This department operates under the authority granted by the BON Land Management Code, which outlines the governance, legislative powers, community involvement, and administrative procedures related to land and resource management.
Authority and Governance
- Stewardship: BON members are entrusted with the responsibility to act as stewards of the land, maintaining their relationship with the land since time immemorial.
- Governance: Authority flows from the Creator to BON members, who appoint the Chief and Council to administer, protect, and preserve the lands
Legislation and Law Making
- Law-making Powers: The Council has the authority to create laws regarding land development, conservation, protection, management, use, and possession.
- Procedure: Proposed laws must be tabled and posted before enactment, with provisions for urgent matters.
Community Involvement
- Participation: All BON members and eligible voters can participate in community consultations and approval processes.
- Approval: Community approval is required for significant land use plans, grants to non-members, and spousal property laws.
Land Protection Measures
- Expropriation: BON can expropriate land for community purposes, with compensation based on market value.
- Heritage Sites: Development on heritage sites requires community consultation and approval.
Conflict of Interest
- Conflict Rules: Council members, Land Committee members, and others must disclose conflicts of interest and abstain from related decisions.
Land Administration
- Land Committee: Established to assist with land administration, advise Council, and oversee community approvals.
- Registration: Interests and licenses must be registered in the First Nations Land Register.
Interests in and Licences to Use
- Grants and Transfers: Interests and licenses must be in writing and comply with the Land Code.
- Non-Members: Non-members can hold leases, easements, rights of way, licenses, or permits
Dispute Resolution
- Panel: A Dispute Resolution Panel is established to resolve land-related disputes.
- Procedures: Disputes are resolved through arbitration, with the panel having the authority to make binding decisions.
Other Matters
- Liability: Council members and others are indemnified against personal liability arising from their duties.
- Offences: Summary conviction procedures apply to offences under the Land Code.
Appendix I
- Ratification Process: Details the process for community approval of the Land Code, requiring a majority vote and minimum voter registration
NOTE: This summary provides an overview of the key responsibilities and functions of the Lands & Resources Department as outlined in the BON Land Management Code.
