Lands Authority
Purpose
To assist in an advisory capacity or when delegated by the authority by Chief & Council to address the community needs related to lands, environment, resources and to develop policy, procedures, structure, and guidance for the members as set forth in the Lheidli T’enneh Land Code.
Duties of Land Authority
- Assist with the development of the land administration system.
- Advice council and its staff on matters respecting First Nation Land
- Recommend to Council Laws, Resolutions, policies, and procedures respecting First Nation Land.
- Meets to discuss land issues and make recommendations to Council on the resolution of these land issues.
- Assist in the flow of information on land issues between Members and Council; and
- Oversee community approvals under the land code.
Land Authority Members
- Rena Zatorski
- Wendy Jael
- Elaine Gagnon
- Phyllis Seymour
- Elissa Gagnon
- Melody Buzas
- Crystal Gibbs – Chairperson
Laws
The Land Code
The Land Code gives Lheidli T’enneh jurisdiction over decision making in relation to the on-reserve lands and natural resources, including leasing, developing, managing revenues, and authorizing expenditures. Land management powers only relate to reserve lands. The Framework Agreement does not affect any lands, or any rights in lands, that are not subject to the Land Code. It grants law making powers in respect of the development, conservation, protection, management, use and possession.
Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Expenditure Law
A law that establishes budget and expenditure of the revenue garnered from taxable real interests on reserve.
Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Annual Rates Law (To review Rates)
A law setting out the tax rates to be applied to the assessed value of each class of property for the current taxation year. Tax rate for each property class (established in the assessment law) in which a First Nation has assessable properties. The timing of when annual tax rates must be set is established in the First Nation’s property taxation law.
Lheidli T’enneh Property Taxation Law
Establishes how taxes are levied and what property interests are taxable. Appoints the tax administrator to administer and enforce the property taxation system. Specifies the duties of the tax administrator. Establishes timelines and requirements for creating the tax roll and sending tax notices. Provides for exemptions from taxation (if any) Provides for the imposition of penalties and interest on unpaid taxes Outlines the enforcement and collection mechanisms.
Lheidli T’enneh Property Assessment Law
Appoints a qualified tax assessor and specific duties. Creates timelines for conducting assessments and the rules for determining the assessed values of properties. It also makes provisions to establish a Assessment Review Board responsible for conducting appeals and creates timelines and rules for appealing assessments.
Matrimonial Property Law
Outlines the rules and procedures applicable to the division of interests on the breakdown of marriage and common-law relations. It provides rights and remedies, without discrimination based on sex, to spouses who have or claim interests.
