Celebrating 30 Years of First Nation Land Governance Under the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management.

Press Release

Westbank First Na on, Bri sh Columbia, February 12, 2026 -RC — The Lands Advisory Board is proud to mark the 30th anniversary of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land
Management, a landmark achievement that has reshaped reserve land governance in Canada.

Signed on February 12, 1996, by 13 First Nations and the Government of Canada, the Framework Agreement was sought, developed and negotiated by First Nations and stands as a defining milestone in modern First Nation – Canada relations. In response to the crushing limitations of the Indian Act, First Nation leaders came together to establish a voluntary, practical, and enduring framework rooted in respect for inherent jurisdiction and accountability to their members. Thirty years later, that vision continues to advance First Nation land governance nationwide.

The an cipated 2026 launch of the First Na on Land Governance Registry (FNLGR) will mark a keystone of the 30th-anniversary celebra ons. As a First Na on-led, independent registry,

FNLGR modernizes land governance by providing a clear and accurate view of ac ve land interests, parcels, and related instruments – strengthening transparency and legal certainty while suppor ng faster, more confident housing, infrastructure, and investment decisions on First Na on lands.

Quotes

“For 30 years, the Framework Agreement has reflected the strength of First Na ons leadership in land governance. It has created a voluntary, prac cal pathway for First Na ons to exercise jurisdic on over their lands, reduce administra ve barriers, and bring greater certainty to land-based decision-making, as well as environmental and cultural stewardship. These outcomes have strengthened protec ons for land, supported community-led economic growth, and respect decisions grounded in First Na on laws, values, and long-term priori es. As we mark this milestone, we recognize the vision that gave rise to the Framework Agreement and the con nued partnership with the Government of Canada that supports its ongoing success.”

Chief Robert Louie, Chairman, Lands Advisory Board

“For 30 years, the Framework Agreement has returned decision-making over our lands to the people who have cared for them since me immemorial. It honours the vision of our ancestors, reflects the teachings of our Elders, and creates space for our youth to shape the future. By restoring authority to First Na ons, it has strengthened our ability to protect the environment, sustain our cultures, and guide development in ways that reflect our values. That leadership is making a real difference today, suppor ng safe homes, essen al infrastructure, and meaningful economic opportuni es, while ensuring our lands and cultures remain strong for genera ons to
come.”

Aus n Bear, Chair, First Na ons Land Management Resource Centre

“Congratula ons to the Lands Advisory Board, the First Na ons Land Management Resource

Centre, and all par cipa ng First Na ons on the 30th anniversary of the Framework Agreement on First Na on Land Management. Today, we celebrate your vision and leadership, as well as the many success stories your model for self-government has brought to life over the years. I look forward to con nuing our work together to support First Na ons as they shape their own futures.”

The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Rela ons

“Today, we honour the leadership of the First Na ons who con nue to advance modern reserve land governance through the Framework Agreement. Over the past three decades, this agreement has transformed how lands are managed, shi ing from federal governance to self-determined, community-driven governance. We will con nue working alongside First Na ons to further support governance over their lands, their economies, and their futures.”

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services

The Numbers

As of February 12, 2026, First Na ons par cipa on in the Framework Agreement includes:

⦁ 219 First Na ons signatories to the Framework Agreement on First Na on Land

Management

⦁ 128 First Na ons opera ng under their own enacted land codes

⦁ 46 First Na ons ac vely developing land codes

⦁ 4 First Na ons that have transi oned to full self-government arrangements, building on the land governance founda ons established through the Framework Agreement

⦁ 1.2 million+ acres of land now governed through First Na on Land Codes

About the Lands Advisory Board and the First Na ons Land Management Resource Centre Inc.

First Na ons established the Lands Advisory Board to support signatory communi es in resuming jurisdic on over reserve lands and resources. The Board is governed by a Chair and regionally elected Directors chosen by First Na ons with enacted land codes.

Established in 2001, the First Na ons Land Management Resource Centre provides technical, professional, and advisory services to First Na ons throughout both the developmental and opera onal stages of the Framework Agreement.

The Framework Agreement on First Na on Land Management remains a First Na on-led, government-to-government achievement that con nues to reshape land governance in Canada.

Addi onal Informa on

For 30 years, par cipa ng First Na ons have reclaimed jurisdic on over their reserve lands and rebuilt land governance systems that reflect their legal tradi ons, cultural values, and long-term priori es.

The Framework Agreement provides the legal basis for signatory First Na ons to replace the 44 land-related provisions of the Indian Act by adop ng their own land codes. These land codes re-establish First Na on authority over land use and access, natural resource management, and environmental protec on through First Na on laws.

More than 1.2 million acres of First Na on Land are governed by First Na ons through land codes. Many First Na ons are pursuing addi ons to reserve to expand their land bases,

address housing and infrastructure needs, and support community-led economic, environmental, and cultural development.

The 30th anniversary of the Framework Agreement on First Na on Land Management marks three decades of progress in First Na on land governance. The Lands Advisory Board con nues to support First Na ons in advancing self-determined land management and strengthening governance capacity for future genera ons.

For more informa on, contact:

Suzanne Winch, Manager of Communica ons

suzanne.winch@labrc.com
(905) 985-5711
or visit www.labrc.com

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