Laws - Kwikwetlem First Nation

What Does the Land Code Do? What are Land Laws?

The kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Land Code has opted the First Nation out of all lands related sections of the Indian Act and enables kʷikʷəƛ̓əm to exercise its inherent right to govern through law-making powers on-reserve.
Land laws are then created by powers within the Land Code, to bring it to life in certain areas of governance (environment, development, zoning etc.)
First Nations Land Codes and Land Laws hold a higher jurisdiction than provincial and municipal by-laws but can provide similar benefits to the community as tools to govern lands and activities taking place on the First Nation’s reserve lands.
The SSD Law and other future laws will provide the regulations, standards, and decision-making processes that the Indian Act fails to provide on-reserve.

The Subdivision, Servicing and Development (SSD) Law itself is an extension of the Land Code (not an amendment) and is essentially our permitting process for developments of buildings, roads, and public works on reserve.
The SSD Law aims to serve the public interest and provide benefit to kʷikʷəƛ̓əm members.
This law will be a tool that will provide predictability and sustainability in planning and development for kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, its members, and external parties who wish to invest and build on kʷikʷəƛ̓əm reserve lands.

Clear guidelines on how decisions are made.
Right of reconsidering decisions before council.
Has process for regular developments and more streamlined process for minor developments.
No surprises!