Laws Under a Land Code

First Nation Councils have the authority to pass laws based on a Land Code. 

The council continues to be able to make bylaws under the Indian Act.

First Nations laws under a Land Code can cover:

  • management and development of reserve land
  • use and possession of reserve land
  • providing local services and charges for these services
  • out of court dispute resolution for disputes about the First Nation’s land
  • conservation and protection of reserve land
  • family property

What Happens If I Break a Land Code Law?

First Nations with Land Codes have the power to enforce their code and their laws. They can create summary conviction offences. Offences can be punished by fines or jail. They can conduct inspections and searches. They can use the summary conviction enforcement process in the Criminal Code. They can make agreements with other governments to collect fines.

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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.