FAQs

Banks do not seem to understand Treaty and it sounds like it is harder to get a mortgage. What can we do to address this?

2021-08-26T18:14:07+00:00

One thing that is clear is that Banks do not like investing and providing mortgages on Indian Reserves. This will change with a treaty. The treaty provides us with the tools required to participate in the financial mainstream. Banks may not understand treaty, but they understand and can work with the tools that a treaty gives us. For example, banks understand what fee simple lands are. They need to be shown that the treaty gives us fee simple lands. Banks understand the certainty of tax revenues. They need to understand that treaties give us tax revenues. So, like us, banks will need to be made aware of the financial tools that a treaty gives us.

Banks do not seem to understand Treaty and it sounds like it is harder to get a mortgage. What can we do to address this?2021-08-26T18:14:07+00:00

What does happen if we cannot bring in a profit from our businesses. Will this affect our programs?

2021-04-15T19:49:21+00:00

We are not required to bring in a profit from our businesses to support the delivery of programs and services. If our businesses do not make a profit, the programs and services will continue. That is what happens now, and this will not change. Every member, as a resident of the province and a citizen of Canada, has a right to receive universal social programs (Education, Health and Social Assistance). These will always be there, as long as these programs exist.

What does happen if we cannot bring in a profit from our businesses. Will this affect our programs?2021-04-15T19:49:21+00:00

How will we pay for health and education?

2021-08-26T18:15:47+00:00

Health, Education and Social Assistance will continue to be funded in the post-treaty environment. These are universal social programs that we have a right to have. They will apply in the post-treaty environment. Other programs, those that are strictly under Indian Affairs, will be applicable as long as they continue to exist. If Indian Affairs begins to cut back on these programs, all First Nations will be affected.

How will we pay for health and education?2021-08-26T18:15:47+00:00

If we cannot sustain the small businesses that were started in the past (i.e.: Log Houses/Cabins), how do we expect to support ourselves once we give our rights away?

2021-04-15T19:50:57+00:00

The treaty does not give away rights. The treaty clarifies rights and ensures they have constitutional protection. It also provides a much broader from of self-government. Our small businesses are doing well. The Art Gallery, the RV Camp, the forestry operations and Pentlatch are all successful ventures. Our Joint Ventures with Uplands and Domcor are also successful. The treaty will provide us with more resources and more opportunities. All of the additional lands and resources will provide additional economic opportunities.

If we cannot sustain the small businesses that were started in the past (i.e.: Log Houses/Cabins), how do we expect to support ourselves once we give our rights away?2021-04-15T19:50:57+00:00

How do we manage our finances? How do we ensure the people are properly trained if they are not schooled?

2021-08-26T18:15:33+00:00

We do and will continue to manage our finances in a manner that conforms to financial management standards applicable to public governments. This has been explained at the annual band meeting. Individual members are provided with opportunities for education and training, but the ultimate responsibility is with the members themselves. The K’ómoks government can provide opportunities but it is up to each individual member to take advantage of the opportunities and use their own initiative.

How do we manage our finances? How do we ensure the people are properly trained if they are not schooled?2021-08-26T18:15:33+00:00

Investment vs. employment?

2021-04-15T19:54:47+00:00

Employment of KFN members is a high priority for the K’ómoks government. Investment in such things as education, job training and Ec. Dev. opportunities will provide employment for KFN members (like J.V’s). As a result of the John Hart Impact Benefit Agreement we have set up a small trust account for education and training, and our JV partners are required to hire K’ómoks members. As part of treaty, we will add to the trust account. This will be for members living on and K’ómoks Lands so they can have training opportunities that are not covered by other sources of funds.

Investment vs. employment?2021-04-15T19:54:47+00:00

Are Joint Ventures really Economic Development?

2019-11-14T23:50:51+00:00

Joint Ventures are usually for Economic Development purposes. Through our Joint Ventures we receive a share of profits, gain employment and participate in the management of the venture. So, we receive the benefits of economic development, and avoid risk and requirements of capital investment by creating joint ventures.

Are Joint Ventures really Economic Development?2019-11-14T23:50:51+00:00

Who is going to be accountable for our money and funding? Are we ready?

2021-08-26T18:16:20+00:00

Currently, our KFN Administration is accountable for our money and receives and accounts for the funding from Indian Affairs. You will know this if you have attended the annual band meetings. This will not change. But post-treaty our KFN Government will be made more accountable under our Constitution. We are putting laws and policies in place to ensure accountability and transparent financial management of all KFN money and funding. Some of the accountability mechanisms will be built into a Financial Management Act. In preparation for this, the K’ómoks First Nation has enacted a Financial Management Law which puts in place mechanisms for greater accountability.

Who is going to be accountable for our money and funding? Are we ready?2021-08-26T18:16:20+00:00

We need an economic model. Do we have one?

2021-04-15T19:57:58+00:00

The K’ómoks Administration and the Treaty team have heard this important issue and are developing a strategic plan for economic development. This plan is funded through TRM’s for the 2013-2015 fiscal years. It is to be developed with community consultation. There has already been some consultation on this matter through the Comprehensive Community Plan.

We need an economic model. Do we have one?2021-04-15T19:57:58+00:00

So removal of Reserve Lands means we are no longer tax exempt. Isn’t this in the best interest of the Canadian Government? Weren’t Residential Schools also? (until ’96)

2021-05-20T19:06:54+00:00

Removal of “Reserve Lands”, or the transfer of the Indian Reserves from Canada to K’ómoks as Treaty Settlement Lands means we will own the lands, and not Canada. It is in our best interests. Residential schools were provided for and allowed under the Indian Act, and the Indian Act will no longer apply to us. Because we will be under our own laws, we will not allow residential schools to happen. The residential school system happened because of the Indian Act.

So removal of Reserve Lands means we are no longer tax exempt. Isn’t this in the best interest of the Canadian Government? Weren’t Residential Schools also? (until ’96)2021-05-20T19:06:54+00:00
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