Wills & Estates

Supporting Leq’á:mel Citizens in Planning Wills & Estates

Leq’á:mel First Nation assists citizens with wills and estate matters to ensure that land and personal affairs are managed with respect and clarity. While current processes follow the Indian Act, our goal is to transition toward community-governed laws that reflect Leq’á:mel values and self-determination. Through guidance, resources, and workshops, we help citizens plan for the future with confidence and peace of mind.

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Leq’á:mel First Nation Wills & Estate

Wills and estates for Leq’á:mel First Nation citizens are currently governed primarily by the Indian Act, which sets out the rules for estate administration for individuals registered under the Act and holding interests in reserve lands. For citizens who hold land through Leq’á:mel’s Land Code, both the Indian Act and our local land governance framework apply. While Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is responsible for formally administering estates, Leq’á:mel supports citizens by providing will templates, witnessing services, and access to Wills and Estates workshops, as well as individual or family information sessions. This approach remains in place until Leq’á:mel enacts its own laws on wills and estates, at which point estate governance will shift to reflect our community’s own legal framework and self-governing authority.

This approach remains in place until Leq’á:mel enacts its own laws on wills and estates, at which point estate governance will shift to reflect our community’s own legal framework and self-governing authority.

Common Questions

Currently, wills and estates are governed by the Indian Act. For those with land interests through the Leq’á:mel Land Code, both the Indian Act and our Land Code apply.

No. This framework will remain in place until Leq’á:mel enacts its own laws on wills and estates. Once that happens, estate matters will be managed under our own community-led system.

At present, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is responsible for appointing estate administrators, reviewing wills, and overseeing the distribution of assets.

Yes. citizens are encouraged to write a will. The Leq’á:mel Lands, Estates, and CP Officer can provide a template, assist with questions, and serve as a witness to help ensure your will is properly executed.

If a citizen passes away without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to the default rules under the Indian Act, which may not reflect the deceased’s personal or family wishes.

  • Will templates and basic guidance
  • Witnessing services for signing your will
  • Wills and Estates workshops
  • Individual or family information sessions to help you understand the estate process
  • All services are provided through the Wills, Estates, and CP Officer.

To request a will template, sign up for a workshop, or book a one-on-one session, please contact the Wills, Estates, and CP Officer through the Leq’á:mel Lands Office: lands@leqamel.ca

Resources for Citizens on Wills & Estates