New Legislation Will Eliminate Discriminatory Barriers For First Nations

The BC Government has introduced legislative amendments that will provide administrative changes to the ways First Nations can acquire, hold, and register land in B.C.

“Our policies and laws are often built on past colonial ideas and practices, which have created hurdles and roadblocks for First Nations,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

“With these new provisions, First Nations will have the ability to purchase and hold fee simple land directly, just as individuals and corporations have long been able to do. We are taking action to remove this long-standing and discriminatory barrier.”

Bill 13 will specify that First Nations will have the legal capacity and ability to register and hold fee simple land in the B.C. land title office, removing a long-standing and discriminatory barrier.

Currently, unless enabled by specific legislation, such as through treaties or other federal legislation, the majority of First Nations in B.C. are unable to acquire, hold and dispose of land in their own names.

To buy or hold land, most First Nations must undertake the additional administrative processes of setting up a corporation or use alternative arrangements.

This administrative change will reduce barriers currently facing First Nations and align with the administrative steps that First Nations must take with that of corporations and Modern Treaty Nations.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.