K’ómoks will be governed as determined by the K’ómoks people, according to a structure designed by K’ómoks, and under K’ómoks Laws. The K’ómoks Government will consist of three bodies: The Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.
Non-native residents living on TSL are subject to K’ómoks law and as such it is important that they are heard when it comes to issues that may affect them significantly or directly. For example, within the Westbank First Nation there is a group of individuals who represent the non-member residents who meet regularly with the Westbank Government to discuss those types of decisions and other issues. How these non-member residents are heard is the subject of KFN consideration at this time and will be in accordance with K’ómoks law.
The decision on what a Members benefit package would look like will be decided by Chief and Council, in consultation with K’ómoks Members before the effective date of the treaty. In addition, most of the communities have seen collective benefits such as new community facilities, gathering spaces, and enhanced food security for members through various fisheries programs, enhanced economic opportunities, etc. There are a number of benefits that Members will see from Treaty which include the expression of self-government; the ability to create laws and make them suit the K’ómoks and its members; more flexibility for programs and services dollars; ownership, [...]
K'omoks members may be able to user this own property (land) as collateral for loans, in addition to any security the K'omoks government may provide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There will be laws and policies in place, yes. These will be developed by K’ómoks and for K’ómoks.
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.
