Laws on Reserves

Some provincial laws that apply to everyone in the province apply on reserves, but there are some that do not.

For information about the laws that apply off reserve in Saskatchewan, visit plea.org.

An example of a provincial law that applies on reserves is child welfare laws. However, First Nations now can have their own child welfare laws that would apply over provincial laws. 

Provinces cannot make laws about reserve land. For example, the province cannot make laws about who can have an interest in reserve land, how reserve land can be used, and how interests in reserve land can change hands. They also cannot make laws that cover something that is covered in the Indian Act or a law made under the Indian Act, like a bylaw. The province cannot, for example, make laws about Wills and Estates on reserves.

Provincial laws that do not apply on reserves include laws about:

  • Renting
  • Family Property
  • Wills and Estates
  • Debt Collection
  • Taxes
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Department of Justice Canada

PLEA gratefully acknowledges funding from the Department of Justice Canada for the development and printing of this resource.

Cree Nisga'a Clothing

The beautiful original artwork in this resource was created by Cree artist Linda Lavallee, owner of Cree Nisga’a Clothing.