What is Nen Ch'eh (Land Code)?
On May 10th, 2024 at 8:25pm the Nen Ch'eh Vote closed.
Live ballot counting was completed and Nen Ch'eh was passed with %94 approval from Xeni Gwet'in membership. All relevant reporting documents are compiled and linked below.
Nen Ch'eh became officially Operational as of July 1, 2024. Traditional Nen-Law Making Meetings are presently being scheduled within the Nenqay Calendar of Engagements for Fall/Winter 2024. A Nen-Law Making Comittee will be formed.
Land Code is a framework designed by LABRC for land management decision-making which replaces
the 44 land management provisions of the Indian Act. It is a document that would officially take back jurisdiction, land management, governance and sovereignty over the 8 Xeni Gwet'in reserve land areas that Canada still claims to hold control of.
The Xeni Gwet'in Land Code is called Nen Ch’eh – it is “the land’s way”. The name was choosen by community through discussion with Elders and Tsilhqot'in speakers.
RATIFICATION VOTE DATES: MAY 8 and 10 2024
Read more by clicking on the key documents listed below.
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 regain jurisdiction and independent control over the 8 reserve land areas, 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 without waiting on 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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Since 2021, XGFNG Nenqay Department has held a number of information events, community engagements, and special 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.
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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 without Ministerial approval.
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Should Nen Ch'eh be passed by community, 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 Nenqay Manager is Niki Cesta. Please contact Niki, nicole.cesta@xeni-gwetin.ca to submit questions, inquire to learn more about the process and the positive impact on capacity building and land management that Nen Ch'eh will have now that it has been voted in by membership.
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Supporting Documents
44 Sections of the IA that cease to apply with Land Code:
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Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management
First Nations Land Management Act
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Lands Advisory Board Resource Centre
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Environmental Site Assessment Presentation, Sept 26, 2023:
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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?
