LANDS

Shé:kon

Shé:kon (Greetings) and welcome to the Lands Department

My name is Amy Smart. I’ve been the Lands Officer for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte since February 2022. I’m a member of Mohawks of Akwesasne. I reside here on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory with my family. I’m currently enrolled as a part-time student with Algoma University to obtain my Professional Land Managers Certification.

Get in Touch:

lands@mbq-tmt.org

613-396-3424 ext. 117

OVERVIEW

The Lands Office may assist MBQ Members with:

Land Ownership Confirmation, Land Transfer Requests, Survey Requests, Wills and Estates Support, Google Earth Mapping, Matrimonial Real Property Information and Cemetery Management (burial plots) at: Christ Church, All Saints, Native New Life and Mohawk Pentecostal Cemeteries.

  • The Indian Act is the principal law through which the federal government administers Indian status, local First Nation governments and the management of reserve land.
  • Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte follows the Indian Act.
  • We process land transfer requests; however, all applications are sent to the Federal Government for administration.
  • Indigenous Services Canada (previously known as Aboriginal and Northern Affairs or INAC) has regional representatives that I work closely with to ensure the accuracy of the transactions is adhered to.
  • Certificates of Possession are issued to members of Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte by approval of the Minister although lands are ultimately held by the Crown.

*to download the forms below, please click on the name of the file below, and the document will open in a new tab*

MBQ INTERNAL REQUEST FOR LAND TRANSFER – Form to be used for: Land Transfers, Adding a Joint Tenant to Possession, Removing a Joint Tenant from Possession.

*Must be a Member of Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte to possess land in your name.

Please fill out completely; full name (first, middle, last) as you are registered in Membership.

Include 10-digit band number (beginning with 164)

Forms will be verified by Membership before any Land Transfer documents are drafted.

SURVEY PROCESS GUIDE – A guide for members requesting a Survey.

You may contact any surveying company of your choice; must be a Canada Lands Surveyor.

WILL KIT – A guideline when writing your Will.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF A WILL (ISC) – This form is used when the deceased had a Will.

APPLICATION FOR ADMINISTRATION (ISC) – This form is used when the deceased had no Will.

MATRIMONIAL REAL PROPERTY – “What happens if my relationship breaks down?” I have information available upon request for questions regarding who is entitled to what upon a marriage/relationship breakdown regarding property.

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.