What is Nen Ch'eh (Land Code)?
A Land Code is the structure for land management decision-making that would replace the 44 land management provisions of the Indian Act. It is a document that officially takes back jurisdiction, management and sovereignty over the reserve land areas that Canada still claims to have control over. XGFNG’s Land Code is called Nen Ch’eh – it is “the land’s way”. The name was chosen through
discussion with Elders and language speakers and voted on by community.
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RATIFICATION VOTE DATE: MARCH 21, 2024
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The intention of Nen Ch'eh is to return jurisdiction, governance and
management over our reserve lands back into the hands and care our community.
Read more by clicking on the key documents listed below.
*Denotes Outstanding Documents (CRP and LDR) will be active August 2023
About Nen Ch'eh
Why we are developing our own land management?
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Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada (CIRNAC and ISC (formerly INAC)) would no longer be involved in the management of our reserve lands.
With Nen Ch'eh in place, Xeni Gwet'in First Nations will legally gain sovereignty and independent control over our own reserve lands, making it community-driven; for our people ~ by our people.
The Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Nen Ch'eh, if approved
by our membership, will empower us to return to the methods we once used to manage our lands, teachings, and practices. No more delays, no more red tape. Xeni Gwet'in First Nations would no longer require ISC/CIRNAC for approvals. We would develop and execute our own projects and build our land management capacity on our own timelines.
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Nen Ch'eh lays out a number of important governing functions, which include transparency and accountability to the membership in all decisions relating to our lands. Nen Ch'eh is "the Land's Way" and will allow Xeni Gwet'in to develop stronger land management and build healthy capacity in community.
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What does the developmental process involve?
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The XGFNG Nenqay Department will be organizing a number of information events and meeting sessions in order to receive direction from the community on what provisions to include in Nen Ch'eh. Drafting of Nen Ch'eh is undertaken by the Nen Ch'eh Coordinator, reviewed by the Nenqay Department and released to the community for input, guidance and comments. When the final version of Nen Ch'eh is developed, it will go to a community ratification vote.
All voting-aged members of Xeni Gwet'in First Nations have the right to vote on Nen Ch'eh.
Membership participation is vital to the success of this historic document.
Nen Ch'eh will give us back the authority to govern our lands and resources.
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Should Nen Ch'eh become operational, it will remove control and responsibilities from the federal government and place them back into the hands of the community, for this generation and the generations to follow. Share with your friends, family, and neighbours! We will continue to update this website with important resources and supporting documents.
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Contact us with Questions
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XGFNG Nen Ch'eh Coordinator is Niki Cesta. Please contact Niki below. Submit questions, inquire to learn more about the developmental process and the positive impact on capacity building and land management that Nen Ch'eh would have should it be voted in by membership.
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Supporting Documents
Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management
First Nations Land Management Act
Communication and Connection
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Nen Ch'eh Podcast and Video - coming soon
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Eligible Voter Submission Form - linked here
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Lands Advisory Board Resource Centre
Submit Questions and Inquire Below:
Contact: Niki Cesta,
Nen Ch'eh Coordinator
(647) 637-7942
Your questions may anonymously addressed and
answered in an upcoming Nen Ch'eh Podcast
As of May 19, 2023, there are 203 First Nations across Canada (signatories and wait-listed First Nations) that are involved in the Framework Agreement. 103 of these are Operational First Nations - those who have already passed their own Land Codes and are now governing with their own land law.
Click on the map for a closer view of where some of these First Nations are located, or
here for a full list of participating communities.
What other First Nations are involved with Land Code through the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management?
