Georgina Island First Nation's Journey to the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management

Located on Lake Simcoe's Southern Shores, Georgina Island First Nation (GIFN) lands were once subject to the Indian Act. This meant the Canadian federal government controlled how the First Nation’s land was managed, from leasing lands to collecting rents. Issues arose when cottagers on Snake Island used inadequate septic systems, letting waste flow into Lake Simcoe, the community’s main drinking water source. The Indian Act restricted GIFN from taking any action to address these challenges.

GIFN’s former Chief, Bill McCue, spearheaded a transformation, advocating for land rights through the Framework Agreement on First Nations Lands Management (FNLM). In 1996, the community moved towards creating their land code, ratifying the first Land Code in 1997. Thanks to the First Nations Land Management Act of 1999, the transition was complete in 2021, granting GIFN greater autonomy over their land and resources.  

To get a comprehensive grasp of GIFN’s journey to self-governance of their own lands, we've curated a list of essential readings:

• ‍How Georgina Island First Nation took back control of lands and resources | CBC News  ‍
• 25 Years: A History of the Framework Agreement • First Nations Land Management Resource Centre (RC) ‍
• FAQs about First Nations Land Management

For an in-depth perspective, watch former Chief Bill McCue reflect on this transformative era.