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It's encouraging to see young professionals learning to manage the complexities of Canada's additions-to-reserve policy. And to join the cause promoting a new, more timely approach.

Take Sara Lehman for example. This Laurentian University graduate (Masters in Fisheries Ecology) is the Lands Director at Wahnapitae First Nation, just east of Sudbury, Ontario.

This small community of about 790 members is working through a land claim involving 20,000 acres of its traditional land. Much of it is now used for mining and forestry operations.

Sara says the plan is to reclaim governance over the land to provide additional housing and to manage the land sustainably so members can enjoy it for future generations.

She spoke with host Richard Perry at a recent FNLMRC event in Toronto.

LINKS:

Wahnapitae First Nation

FNLMRC website

Additions-to-Reserve Policy Redesign (Canada)

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In our continuing series on Canada's broken Additions-to-Reserve (ATR) policy, we speak with Desmond Peters, Lands Manager at Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation in British Columbia.

The path to reclaiming land governance isn't easy, but Peters believes the process can be improved to better positions First Nations for success. Reform is drastically needed so Nations can expand their land bases – for reasons that are unique to each community.

As a former Chief and Band Councillor, he brings a much-respected voice to our continuing discussions on fixing Additions-to-Reserve.

LINKS:

Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation website

First Nations Land Management Resource Centre

Additions-to-Reserve Policy Redesign (Canada)

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Land sovereignty. What does it mean to a First Nation? How can it be achieved?

Chief Gerry Duquette Jr. leads his community of Dokis First Nation in Ontario. He has hands-on experience with Canada's flawed Additions-to-Reserve policy. There's a huge backlog of communities that have to get federal approval before adding lands to their reserves – even tiny parcels that could be added in hours, or even days – not decades as is often the case.

Chief Duquette sat down with host Richard Perry to share his concerns about the current ATR process and how it can be improved to the benefit of Nations.

LINKS:

Dokis First Nation

First Nation Lands Management Resource Centre

Additions-to-Reserve Policy Redesign (Canada)