Nisga'a Individual Property Ownership

NEW AIYANSH, BC, Oct. 28 /CNW/ - The Nisga'a Nation has taken another major step today towards the achievement of individual property ownership on Nisga'a Lands.

Wilp Si'ayuukhl Nisga'a (WSN), the legislative body of Nisga'a Lisims Government, today unanimously passed the new Nisga'a Land Title Act, Nisga'a Property Law Act, Nisga'a Law and Equity Act and Nisga'a Partition of Property Act.

The newly passed Nisga'a legislation complements the Nisga'a Landholding Transition Act, enacted last year, which gives Nisga'a citizens the opportunity to own their residential properties in fee simple. The new legislation permits the registration of transfers and mortgages of such properties to any person, without restriction. It is believed to be the first Torrens-type, fee simple land title system established by an aboriginal government anywhere in the world. The legislation will be brought into force by a subsequent regulation.

"This is a significant step towards true property ownership for Nisga'a individuals. It will give freedom of choice to our people and allow them to make decisions about their property for themselves.  It is part of our ongoing process for increasing economic prosperity for the Nisga'a," stated Mitchell Stevens, President of the Nisga'a Nation. "It is important for us to be able to find ways of building capacity for our people so that they can stand on their own."

For further information:

Contact: Eric Grandison, Communications Coordinator, Nisga'a Lisims Government
[phone]