Proposed changes to a federal policy regarding land additions to native reserves has Regional District directors expressing concern.

Chief Administrative Officer Bill Newell told the board that there were “weaknesses in the policy that we are concerned about,” while Osoyoos Director Stu Wells added that the new policy had “major implications” that the board needed clarity on.

An addition to reserve (ATR) is a parcel of land that is added to the existing land base of a First Nation or is used to create a new reserve. The legal title to the land is set apart for the use and benefit of the First Nation making the application. Land can be added to reserve in rural or urban settings.

The addition to reserve policy  was created by the Government of Canada in 1972 and was last updated in 2001. Changes currently being contemplated by the federal government aim to streamline the ATR proposal and remove duplication, clarify roles and responsibilities, facilitiate economic development.

RDOS board directors stated that there hadn’t been enough consultation with local governments regarding changing policy for locating reserve lands within municipal boundaries. While not against First Nations economic development or additions to reserve, the board’s concern stemmed from possible adverse impacts an application may have on local government or on constituents, such as lost taxes, competing land use issues, differing standards, consultation, etc.

An invitation has made to the Department of Indian Affairs to speak to the board.