FAQs

Do we know of a government run by Heads of Families? Is there a comparable success rate? What are the pros and cons of each?

2021-07-16T22:49:57+00:00

Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Chek’tles7et’h’ First Nation example? 9 member legislation: 5 elected, 4 Hereditary Chiefs put in to legislation by Hereditary leaders of the Nation. They are 3 years in and still learning. We have had this conversation at numerous community meetings and the Constitution that is being developed is not a government of Heads of Families. A government run by Heads of Families has not been supported by a majority of K’ómoks members. It will be one of elected representatives as set out in the draft Constitution.

Do we know of a government run by Heads of Families? Is there a comparable success rate? What are the pros and cons of each?2021-07-16T22:49:57+00:00

Is the post-treaty government run by elected representatives?

2021-07-16T22:49:47+00:00

Yes. The structure of treaty government will be developed based on the Constitution that K’ómoks members build. After treaty, the band will no longer exist. There will be a transition period during which the Chief and Council will form the government. After the transition period, the new government will be elected based on the Constitution.

Is the post-treaty government run by elected representatives?2021-07-16T22:49:47+00:00

What stops our “newfound” government with ultimate power from becoming corrupt?

2021-07-16T22:49:28+00:00

The best tool to prevent governments from being corrupt is to have informed and active citizens. Apathy invites abuse of power. The treaty will also provide tools of good government. There will also be laws and policies in place to prevent this from happening. There will be an impartial and independent process for K’ómoks citizens and other individuals who live within K’ómoks lands to appeal or ask for a review of K’ómoks government decisions. Currently, under the Indian Act, there is no formal process to review or challenge decisions made by the K’ómoks Chief and Council, other than in the courts.

What stops our “newfound” government with ultimate power from becoming corrupt?2021-07-16T22:49:28+00:00

I want financial transparency. How can treaty guarantee this?

2021-08-26T17:58:08+00:00

The treaty is a tool. It creates obligations and opportunities. It also protects rights, but there are no guarantees. Through the Financial Management Act, the Constitution, Integrity and Conflict of Interest Act and annual audits, there will be sufficient tools to provide for financial transparency. But you will also need to exercise your obligations and duties as members to hold your government accountable.

I want financial transparency. How can treaty guarantee this?2021-08-26T17:58:08+00:00

What laws can we put in place to guarantee future generations that money will not be misused. Has KFN committed to protecting the Capital Transfer?

2021-08-26T17:58:21+00:00

In preparation for treaty and in order to manage our finances more like public governments, a Financial Management Act has been put in place, and through the Constitution the government is held accountable. In addition, the Capital Transfer amount is intended to go into a trust account, as are profits from K’ómoks corporations.

What laws can we put in place to guarantee future generations that money will not be misused. Has KFN committed to protecting the Capital Transfer?2021-08-26T17:58:21+00:00

What can we do to ensure that our treaty government will be held accountable?

2021-07-16T22:50:45+00:00

Accountability requires the participation of members. Members have an obligation to inform themselves and to question their government. In the draft Constitution being developed there will be requirements for laws and policies in place to ensure the K’ómoks Government is held accountable, but this will only happen if you exercise your rights as citizens.

What can we do to ensure that our treaty government will be held accountable?2021-07-16T22:50:45+00:00

Re: the voting process- Does it go by: Yes = yes No= no?

2021-08-26T17:06:49+00:00

Yes. This decision will be made through community consultation during the Constitution Development process. However, if we get a “NO” vote from a majority of voters, there will be no treaty. If we get a “YES” vote from a majority of voters, there will be a treaty. People who don’t vote wont have their vote counted either way.

Re: the voting process- Does it go by: Yes = yes No= no?2021-08-26T17:06:49+00:00

Who says where the revenue goes for the companies under Ec. Dev.?

2021-08-26T18:16:52+00:00

Each of our companies is a separate legal entity, with its own Board of Directors and operates at “arms length” from the K’ómoks government. The profits from these companies, if any, go into a trust account for the K’ómoks First Nation. The terms of reference of the Trust set out what the money is to be used for, and the trustees need to ensure the monies are spent in accordance with the Trust Agreement. This will not change.

Who says where the revenue goes for the companies under Ec. Dev.?2021-08-26T18:16:52+00:00

Has our CCP team approached the idea of leasing our land for development to any companies?

2021-04-15T19:47:17+00:00

K’ómoks has been approached to lease lands for economic development opportunities. Chief and Council will do what is best for K’ómoks. We do need to develop an economic development plan, based on the CCP, and to ensure there is community input into the plan.

Has our CCP team approached the idea of leasing our land for development to any companies?2021-04-15T19:47:17+00:00
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