Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) is a specific claim with the Federal government to resolve outstanding obligations to First Nations who did not receive all of the reserve land they were entitled to under Treaty.
Additionally, First Nations can purchase land and transfer it to reserve status through the federal Additions to Reserve (ATR) process. If lands are located within a city, they are then known as an urban reserve. Urban reserves provide investment opportunities and support the community’s on-going economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being.
The City of Fort St. John, guided by Council’s Additions to Reserves Policy, welcomes these investments in the community and is committed to working with First Nations through the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) and Additions to Reserves (ATR) process. The policy lays out ten principles:
- Autonomy of both parties to make decisions in the best interest of their community
- Recognition and acknowledgement that First Nations have legal rights as enshrined in the constitution.
- Recognition that Council’s goal is to foster and support an inclusive community that welcomes and respects diverse cultures and heritage
- Ensures all citizens are treated fairly and equitably
- Engages with our citizens to ensure broader views and interests are taken into consideration
- Values collaboration and partnership that fosters a cohesive community
- Accountability and transparency through the consistent application of this policy
- “Good neighbour” approach to working with First Nations which promotes good will, good faith and reasonableness
- Recognition that both the City and First Nations have similar goals and objectives in relation to the provision of services to their residents
- Works to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective services to our communities
Before an urban reserve is created, the City desires to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a First Nation that outlines each party's values and interests and establishes a relationship built on trust and respect of each other’s rights and obligations and a willingness to work collaboratively. Additionally, the City and First Nation work together to develop a Municipal Services Agreement (MSA) covering municipal services, fees for services, and compatible bylaws and development standards.
Urban Reserve Examples
Tsawwassen First Nation
In 2008, the Tsawwassen First Nation aimed to create new economic opportunities and self-reliance for its members following an agreement on the first modern-day treaty in Canada. In addition to several other projects, Tsawwassen Mills was developed with over 1.4 million square feet of retail and entertainment space near BC Ferries Tsawwassen Terminal on Highway 17, which created up to 3,500 construction, retail and property management jobs in the community.
Westbank First Nation
The Westbank First Nation is a recognized success in terms of economic and urban reserve development. Over the past several decades, the First Nation has developed residential and commercial ventures including a 177-acre, 208 lot residential development called Lakeridge Park and the Okanagan Lake Shopping Centre, a 127,000 square foot retail development. Since 2005, construction building permits worth over $600 million have been issued for development on Westbank First Nation lands.