LANDS

The lands unit is responsible for processing all land transactions. This would include land transfers and leases (agricultural and recreational) as well as liaising with surveyors.

The unit is currently in the process of entering into a new type of lands program – Reserve Land Environmental Management Program (RLEMP). RLEMP establishes mechanisms for First Nations to be involved in a broader spectrum of land management activities including community land use planning, environmental management, and compliance, which will enable them to exercise greater control and decision making with respect to land and environment management.

RLEMP does not remove or change First Nations’ existing authorities under the Indian Act. RLEMP recognizes the role that communities play in granting land tenure on reserve under the Indian Act and entrenches that role within the program. The liability on land tenure remains with the Minister.