What is the Land Code? The Leq’á:mel Land Code is our community’s set of laws that guide how we manage, protect, and make decisions about reserve lands and resources.It replaces the federal Indian Act rules for land, so that decisions are made in Leq’á:mel, by Leq’á:mel citizens. Created under the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, the Land Code gives First Nations the authority to take back control of their lands from the Government of Canada. Since the Land Code came into effect, Canada no longer manages Leq’á:mel lands — all land decisions are now made by Leq’á:mel leadership with guidance from our members. Why is the Land Code important? Self-Government: We make our own land laws and decisions. Community Control: Citizens are involved in shaping how land is used. Protection: We set our own rules to safeguard the land, water, and resources for future generations. Flexibility: We design local processes for land use, business, and development that fit our Nation’s needs. What’s inside the Land Code? The Land Code is like a constitution for Leq’á:mel lands. It defines how we govern, use, and protect our lands. It includes: Our Authority: Who has the power to make decisions about the land. Community Participation: How members are involved in land decisions. Land Use & Law-Making: Rules for planning, development, and creating land laws. Interests in Land: How Certificates of Possession, leases, and other rights are managed. Family Homes & Land (Matrimonial Real Property): How family property is handled on reserve lands. Environmental Rules: Standards to protect land, water, and natural resources. Expropriation: How land may be taken for community purposes in a fair process. Dispute Resolution: How disagreements about land are resolved. Accountability & Transparency: How decisions are reported and reviewed. Amendments: How the Land Code can be updated over time. What does this mean for citizens? Your land rights are protected. You have a stronger voice in how Leq’á:mel lands are used, developed, and cared for. Major land decisions include your input through community engagement and consultation. Our Nation leads the way in managing lands and resources according to Leq’á:mel values, culture, and priorities. Download the Leq’á:mel First Nation Land Code Land Code