FAQs

If the government(s) have not embraced and honoured treaty for other nations who currently have treaty in place, then why does the K’ómoks Band think that we will fare any better?

2019-11-15T00:09:16+00:00

All three governments have a vested interest in ensuring the success of KFN’s treaty, therefore, the treaty commitment needs to be clear, fair and implemented within the spirit and interest of treaty. There will also be a 15 year review period and a dispute resolution chapter. If governments do not honour the treaties, the treaties provide the legal remedies.

If the government(s) have not embraced and honoured treaty for other nations who currently have treaty in place, then why does the K’ómoks Band think that we will fare any better?2019-11-15T00:09:16+00:00

What IS bad about our system now?

2021-04-15T18:58:02+00:00

To start with it was under the current system that the residential schools were allowed to happen. This all happened under the Indian Act and under the “protection” of the Minister of Indian Affairs. The potlatch system was also banned under the Indian Act. Also, we do not own our lands. We are “allowed” to live on Indian Reserves, as long as Canada will allow, in the way Canada requires. We do not make our own laws, and are always subject to the whim of the Minister of Indian Affairs. For example, the entire residential school process was because of the Indian Act. And because we do not own our lands, economic development is difficult. Most Indian Reserves become Islands of poverty and abuse surrounded by an ocean of wealth. We need to change this. But some people like the way things are, because they are used of it.

What IS bad about our system now?2021-04-15T18:58:02+00:00

How can we establish pride in our culture(s) for our youth? It would make them proud of who they are, where they come from and want to help make a change and stay here.

2021-04-15T19:25:29+00:00

This is a good question, and it is something that only the K’ómoks people can answer. To some extent we discussed this in the Comprehensive Community Plan, you might want to look at the provisions that deal with culture. We are trying to revive the culture through the dancers as well as hunter programs. There are programs for our youth like the Junior Hunters Program, and others that embrace our cultures. It would also be beneficial to get youth and elders together and ask for guidance on this issue.

How can we establish pride in our culture(s) for our youth? It would make them proud of who they are, where they come from and want to help make a change and stay here.2021-04-15T19:25:29+00:00

Is there any money for our members?

2021-08-26T17:59:50+00:00

An individual Treaty Benefits Package is being contemplated. This will have to be finalized and will depend on the fiscal health of the K’ómoks First Nation.

Is there any money for our members?2021-08-26T17:59:50+00:00

How far are we into the treaty process?

2021-08-26T17:55:14+00:00

In March of 2012 the AIP was approved and KFN is currently negotiating a Final Agreement. We are probably about two years away from completing our negotiations. Negotiations are stalled because Canada has no mandate to negotiate Fish, Fiscal and Migratory Birds at this point.

How far are we into the treaty process?2021-08-26T17:55:14+00:00

Can we actually “go back” to the Indian Act if we fail as a treaty nation? If we fail and are forced back into the Indian Act and lose everything, what happens to us? Who will help us? Do we retain any land or rights if we revert? Do we go to the International Monetary Fund for a bailout? What if we go bankrupt?

2021-04-15T19:32:18+00:00

This is an extremely hypothetical question, based on a worst-case scenario. The treaty does not contemplate failure, and it does not contemplate returning to the Indian Act. A failure of this magnitude would be something that governments and financial institutions would want to avoid. Any remedies for such a situation would depend on the specific circumstances at that time. The International Monetary Fund is not applicable to First Nations, but there will likely be other remedies available if this happens. There is currently no fund to “bail out” Indian Bands if they go bankrupt.

Can we actually “go back” to the Indian Act if we fail as a treaty nation? If we fail and are forced back into the Indian Act and lose everything, what happens to us? Who will help us? Do we retain any land or rights if we revert? Do we go to the International Monetary Fund for a bailout? What if we go bankrupt?2021-04-15T19:32:18+00:00

Where in this process is the Elder’s Payout? We have Elders that are not well, we should not leave this too long.

2021-08-26T18:00:07+00:00

K’ómoks has developed a draft individual benefits package. One of the suggestions was for an elders payout, but this was not the first priority. We will continue to review the benefits package with members, and determine the “affordability” of the proposal. The individual benefits package will not be made available until after the “Effective Date” of the treaty.

Where in this process is the Elder’s Payout? We have Elders that are not well, we should not leave this too long.2021-08-26T18:00:07+00:00

Do we lose our status and healthcare if we sign a treaty? If not, what happens with health?

2021-08-26T18:00:29+00:00

We will continue to be eligible for all programs and services (including health social services and education) available to Aboriginal people and we will continue to be Status Indians. KFN has the opportunity to enhance health and education by developing programs for these important services.

Do we lose our status and healthcare if we sign a treaty? If not, what happens with health?2021-08-26T18:00:29+00:00

We need a broader explanation of “fee simple” land.

2021-04-15T19:36:10+00:00

Fee simple lands means lands that are fully owned by the K’ómoks First Nation and K’ómoks members. That full ownership comes from a grant of land from government. Indian reserves are not owned by Indians but by the Crown. We are allowed to live on Indian Reserves, but do not own them, therefore we cannot use them as we choose. We can only use Indian Reserves as we are allowed to under the Indian Act. But with Fee Simple lands, we can do whatever we want, as long as we don’t break the law.

We need a broader explanation of “fee simple” land.2021-04-15T19:36:10+00:00
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