Skip to content

Rama looks to break free from Indian Act

Vote on Saturday would give Rama control of its land and related issues
2018-02-16 Rama FN.jpg

Rama First Nations members have an opportunity to vote Saturday for independence of sorts.

If more than 25% of eligible voters cast ballots in favour of the Rama First Nation Land Code, the reserve east of Orillia will be able to opt out of dozens of sections of the Indian Act related to land management.

“The Rama Land Code will allow us to have jurisdiction over our own land, allow us to protect our heritage, to provide better opportunities for economic development and community development … it’s just good governance,” Rama Coun. Ted Williams told OrilliaMatters. “It also includes provisions for environmental protection, but the big change is we’re in control. It’s our land.”

Currently, any land issue must be handled by federal officials according to the Indian Act. “For example, when we have a lease issue, we have to send things off to the bureaucrats and we wait two, three, seven months for them to send it back,” Williams explained. “It’s all about timeliness. In business, you don’t have a lot of time.”

If the Rama Land Code is passed, Williams said it will “expedite any issues and be directed by our community so we are not reliant or dependant on the federal government. They took our responsibility and powers away and this is us saying we’ve always been good stewards and we want to take this on,” Williams said.

It would also put the power back in the hands of the community, said Williams, a former chief of Rama. “The community will have a say in it not just in Saturday’s vote, but in drafting a proper plan for action for implementation on how we go forward from here,” said Williams.

Williams, his fellow councillors and Chief Rodney Noganosh are all in favour of adopting the Rama Land Code and have been working hard to explain the issue and provide information to band members. Several councillors have made video pleas for the concept through the First Nation’s website.

“The Rama Land Code is a vision forward to be 25% free of the Indian Act,” explained Head Councillor Ted Snache. “The Rama Land Code will ensure our land is protected for future generations (and) protects reserve land. No non-member will ever be able to own our lands even with the new matrimonial real property laws.”

Coun. Jeremy St. Germain said, economically, it’s vital to vote yes. He said the Rama Land Code will allow Rama “to create its own land development laws and policies, allowing us to move at the speed of business. (It’s) something the community has wanted for a while now.”

Williams said there have been community forums and a lot of information sharing in recent months. “We’ve tried to provide all the information we can to the community,” said Williams.

That push is, partly, because a similar campaign failed in 2013. At that time, a majority of those who cast ballots voted in favour of the land code, but not enough residents voted to enshrine the results. Williams said 372 ballots must be cast in favour of the land code to pass; that’s 25% plus one.

An advance poll was held in December and on-line voting has also been offered, Williams said. But Saturday is decision day. Voters can cast ballots between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Community Hall at 5950 Rama Road.

If enough people vote yes, Rama will join more than 90 other First Nations who have opted to take this path. “The most progressive, successful First Nations have a land code in their communities,” said Williams, who believes most people in Rama want to join that group. “We will know Saturday night.”


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.




Dave Dawson

About the Author: Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson is community editor of OrilliaMatters.com
Read more