National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association
National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association
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INAC and First Nation InitiativesNALMA has established many partnerships that steer towards improving quality and standards of First Nations Lands Management. We appreciate our members who volunteer their time and energy in assisting with these initiatives. We are thrilled to report on some of the major projects NALMA has productively been involved with. Reserve Lands and Environmental Management Program Professional Land Management Certification and Program First Nation & Inuit Comprehensive Committee Planning Working Group (FNICCP) National Aboriginal Environmental Network First Nations Land Management Resource Center Reserve Lands and Environmental Management Program (RLEMP)RLEMP is a revised land management program to replace RLAP and 53/60 funding programs and to include a training program for First Nation Lands Managers to carry out the activities defined in RLEMP. RLEMP differs from RLAP and 53/60 because it includes community-based land use planning, land transactions, natural resource transactions, environmental management and compliance.
The Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (RLEMP) is a comprehensive program that enables First Nations to manage a broader scope of land and environmental management on reserve. RLEMP enables First Nations to exercise greater control over, and increased responsibility for lands and resources on-reserve. This new approach provides opportunities for First Nations to gain the tools and training needed to make complex decisions associated with land and environmental management. RLEMP will also promote effective decision-making at the community level, and build on existing knowledge and skills.
Effective land management provides the base for virtually all activity on reserve, including effective programs in housing, infrastructure, environmental management, community health, education, economic development and additions to reserve lands. Through more focused funding and training, RLEMP will prepare First Nation land managers to perform more land management functions on their lands.
Increased ResponsibilitiesAs part of its program design, RLEMP includes clearly defined roles and responsibilities. The program also establishes mechanisms that will enable First Nations to become involved in a broader spectrum of activities pursuant to the Indian Act. These include:
Community Land Use Planning integrates the goals of sustainable development, sound governance and economic viability, and promotes safe, healthy, and secure environments.
Management of Reserve Land and Natural Resources involves activities associated with transactions, and registration and approval processes for reserve lands registered in the Indian Land Registry, pursuant to sections of the Indian Act.
Environmental Management involves identifying and assessing the environmental implications of land-use policies, addressing potential issues, and adopting sound environmental practices.
Compliance with Policy and Legislative Frameworks includes conforming to the regulations and enforceable provisions of the Indian Act, along with applicable INAC policies. Professional DevelopmentLand managers will need to acquire new competencies and knowledge to effectively manage the roles and responsibilities assigned to them under RLEMP. To meet this need, the program includes an innovative professional development component designed to build relevant skills and expertise.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), the National Aboriginal Land Managers Association and the University of Saskatchewan have collaborated to design and deliver the RLEMP training. INAC regional offices play an advisory role in supporting First Nations participating in RLEMP.
The training program includes both technical and academic elements. The technical training focuses on practical aspects of managing land under the Indian Act and related policies, while the academic component focuses on topics such as legal systems, natural resources management and environmental studies. The University of Saskatchewan has designed and will deliver the academic curriculum, while NALMA is responsible for delivering the technical training. Students will also learn how to incorporate traditional knowledge and customs into their professional activities.
Funding RLEMP modifies the existing RLAP and 53/60 funding formulas by directly linking funding to the level of activity in key land and environmental management functions. The formula is based on four elements: · volume and complexity of land and natural-resource transactions; · band population, reserve area, and quantity of land holdings; · Land-use, environmental and compliance activities; and · base funding to cover operating and administration costs.
Progression through the program involves different rates of funding, depending on the level of responsibility obtained by the First Nation. RLEMP provides additional funds for First Nations that develop a Land Use Plan, Community Environmental Sustainability Plan and a Compliance Framework.
Professional Land Management Certification ProgramAn objective of NALMA is to increase the professional standards for First Nation Lands Management. NALMA is committed to taking a leadership role to ensure that Lands Managers receive adequate training opportunities required to efficiently and effectively manage their lands. NALMA is pleased to offer a Professional Land Management Certification Program that will meet the existing, emerging and future needs of First Nations lands management. For more information, please visit the Certification Page First Nation & Inuit Comprehensive Committee Planning Working Group (FNICCP)NALMA has participated in the FNICCP Working Group. The Working Group's mandate is to acquire commitment from various Federal Departments within INAC to support eh development of Comprehensive Community planning within First Nations and Inuit Communities. The Committee will also work towards addressing the needs of communities in the area of community planning. Updates on the Workshop Group will be posted on our website. National Aboriginal Environmental NetworkNALMA had the privilege of hosting a National Aboriginal Environment Network Focus Group for Environmental and Natural Resources Directorate and Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has requested a proposal/plan of action for the continued development of the Aboriginal Network on Environmental Issues. This proposal set out how the development can build on the current level of consensus and pursue the elements of a First Nations Environmental Information (FNEI) and Professional Development Network (PDN). NALMA invited various Aboriginal organizations to participate. A report and action plan was produced from the sessions. An Ad Hoc committee was established to further explore the concept and objectives of this Network. Again, further developments of this proposed FNEI & PDN will be made available on the NALMA website. First Nations Land Management Resource Centre (FNLMRC)First Nation Lands Management Act (FNLMA)NALMA is pleased and excited to establish a link with FNLMRC. The Centre forms part of the Lands Advisory Board for the First Nation Lands Management Act. NALMA and FNLMRC have mutually agreed to collaborating their efforts in support of promoting excellence in First Nations lands management and to actively network towards the enhancement of professional development and technical expertise in the functions of lands management. |
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Gerry Duquette Jr. with questions or
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