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B.C.'s Nisga'a becomes only First Nation to privatize land
The Nisga'a Nation in northwestern British Columbia has become the only First Nation in Canada to let its people own tribal land privately.
But many critics have raised concerns about the privatization of First Nations lands, saying it's a step toward losing their lands, and perhaps toward assimilation.
Toronto lawyer Pamela Palmater is a Mi'kmaq from New Brunswick and a harsh critic of private land ownership for First Nations.
"Once you put it into the hands of individuals, it's gone, especially for impoverished individuals," she says.
The Nisga'a acknowledge that once citizens own their land they can transfer it, sell it or will it to anyone including non-Nisga'a. It could even be seized by a bank if a landowner failed to repay a loan or mortgage, but they say the risk is worth it.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-s-nisga-a-becomes-only-first-nation-to-privatize-land-1.2355794
Toronto lawyer Pamela Palmater is a Mi'kmaq from New Brunswick and a harsh critic of private land ownership for First Nations.
"Once you put it into the hands of individuals, it's gone, especially for impoverished individuals," she says.
The Nisga'a acknowledge that once citizens own their land they can transfer it, sell it or will it to anyone including non-Nisga'a. It could even be seized by a bank if a landowner failed to repay a loan or mortgage, but they say the risk is worth it.
Way to go Nisga, Harper is hoping that all your fellow First Nations follow suit.
