Weekly Newsletters
Tsawout First Nation - Community Spotlight
The Tsawout First Nation is moving ahead on a number of fronts. Of particular interest is Land Development which was initiated by the signing of the First Nations Goods and Service Tax (FNGST).
The signing of the FNGST by the Tsawout First Nation in 2006 was groundbreaking. As the first Band in any Canadian province to sign the agreement with the federal government, Tsawout’s FNGST replaces the federally imposed GST and sets a goods and service tax for the First Nation at 6% on reserve land. The FNGST has the same basic operating rules as the HST and the same goods and services taxable under the HST are taxable under the FNGST.
Following the unprecedented signing of this agreement Tsawout First Nation sought to purchase more land with the goal of unleashing the full potential of the FNGST for economic and community development purposes. As this allowed Tsawout the discretion to apply tax revenues to their own properties, the Tsawout Council ensured Land development policies were drafted immediately following the agreement. The following policies are being shared by Tsawout First Nation with the hope that other First Nations will be able to learn and use the ideas contained in them for their own drafting of land policy and governance.
Lands Advisory Committee Policy : view more
This policy establishes appointments and terms, meeting procedures and powers of the award winning Lands Advisory Committee. Click here To download.
Tsawout First Nation Development Permit : view more
This document sets out the conditions of land development and identifies required permits. Click here To download.
Community Impact Assessment Policy : view more
This policy establishes the requirements and procedures of the community impact assessment and identifies what needs to be included in the report. Click here To download.
External Land Reference Decision Making Checklist : view more
This document is meant to help establish decisions on land and water proposals that have been submitted by external sources. Click here To download.
2010 Land Development Procedures : view more
Establishes Tsawout First Nation Law for Land Development. The policy identifies public notice processes, lists required permits, and includes flow charts and application fees. Click here To download.
The Tsawout First Nation Community
Tsawout’s top priority after signing the FNGST was to complete the Community Health centre. Since 2006 the Health Centre has flourished and offers services such as pre-and post-natal care and medical transportation. The new Gathering Strength Community Facility recently merged with the Health Centre and offers a location for many gatherings to take place. The Gathering Strength Community Facility features a full size professional gymnasium, commercial kitchen, educational space, meeting rooms and studio space. Events that are often held include talking circles, ancestral teachings, tax workshops and parent and tot classes.
