Self-government agreement
Indigenous RightsA negotiated agreement between a First Nation and the federal (and sometimes provincial) government that transfers governance powers from the Indian Act to the community. Self-governing nations set their own rules around taxation, land management, and financial administration.
Related terms
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Indian Act
Federal legislation that governs many aspects of First Nations life in Canada, including band governance, reserve lands, and tax exemptions. Originally a tool of control, it still defines key rights like Section 87 tax exemptions and Section 89 property protections that affect your finances directly.
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Treaty rights
Rights held by First Nations as set out in treaties signed with the Crown. These can include rights to land, hunting, fishing, education, health, and annuity payments. Treaty rights are constitutionally protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.