Plans, Laws, Codes and Policies

Creating Blueprints For A Strong Nation

Plans, laws, codes and policies that are developed by various departments and then approved by the community through referendum govern the Líl̓wat Nation. The strategic plan that guides all activities of Governance informs all of these plans, policies, laws and codes.

Strategic Plans

Since 2005, the Líl̓wat Nation has developed five-year overall strategic plans, this was changed in 2016 to extend the term of the plans to eight years. These plans not only set the course for Governance, they act as a yardstick for measuring the progress and success of individual departments. The strategic plans are not just roadmaps for the business of government but are important expressions of traditional values and the importance of cultural vitality. The most recent strategic plan, Líl̓wat 2030, will be in effect until 2030. It was adopted in July 2024.

Read the Líl̓wart 2030: The Liĺl̓wat Nation̓s Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2030

Land Use Plan

The Líl̓wat Land Use Plan helps to ensure healthy lands and waters in the Líl̓wat Nation’s Traditional Territory. The Líl̓wat people have lived on this land since time immemorial, using the many resources that it offers to support our way of life. We live in a rapidly changing world with resource extraction, land development, and other forms of activity altering the place we live, every day. This plan outlines how the land within Líl̓wat Nation’s Traditional Territory should be treated and used.

A living document, the Land Use Plan continues to evolve. The cultural, environmental, and economic information base that supports the plan is being updated as interviews are conducted, documents are reviewed, and archeological sites are found.

Read the Land Use Plan
View the Land Use Plan Map

Líl̓wat Nation Forestry Policy

Adopted on April 2, 2024, the Líl̓wat Nation Forestry Policy was created to update the policy directives in the Líl̓wat Land Use Plan (2006) with respect to Líl̓wat Nation management of forest resources and forestry practices, and to address the current political pressure to protect old growth forests.

Read the Líl̓wat Nation Forestry Policy

Community Land Use Plan

Adopted in 2015, the Community Land Use Plan (CLUP). outlines the community vision for the management of the land and resources in Líl̓wat Traditional Territory. In 2013, a Land Use Pilot Program (LUPP) came into effect allowing staff to update the CLUP with a specific emphasis on creating an agricultural plan and strategy and asset management policy. As well, the CLUP afforded an opportunity to carry out infrastructure mapping.

Read the Community Land Use Plan

A Library of Laws and Codes

In the past few years, the Líl̓wat Nation has ratified a number of laws and codes intended to further the goals of self-determination, transparency, and openness. As always, the direction for these pieces of legislation comes from the community. From simple housekeeping policies to codes of major political importance, the will of the people is carefully considered. Input from the community is sought, gathered and applied to the development process.

Financial Administration Law

Adopted in 2014, the Financial Administration Law (FAL) provides a best practices framework for the financial activities of the Líl̓wat Nation. The FAL was the first step process that led to Financial Management Systems Certification by the First Nations Financial Management Board. This certification allows Líl̓wat Nation’s access to long-term, affordable, capital.

Read the Financial Administration Law

The Líl̓wat Nation Election Code

In March 2013, the Líl̓wat Nation held a referendum that resulted in the ratification of its Election Code. The code, which came into effect with the March 2015 election, defines the responsibilities of elected officials, election processes, and procedures.

Read the Líl̓wat Nation Election Code

Líl̓wat Nation Citizenship Code

The Líl̓wat Nation Citizenship Code came into effect in 2012. Although the Nation took jurisdiction over its membership in the 1980s, the updated code included key policy changes such as the automatic inclusion of people who have one Líl̓wat parent.

Read the Líl̓wat Nation Citizenship Code

Bylaws

The Líl̓wat Nation’s bylaws are developed to address community concerns, such as the problem presented by free-range horses, and amend legislation when necessary.

Read the Líl̓wat Nation Bylaws

Policies That Guide Governance

Governance policies are internally developed documents that outline procedures and processes for carrying out the work of the Líl̓wat Nation.

Leadership Policy

The Leadership Policy, adopted in 2014, outlines the responsibilities of those in leadership positions within the Líl̓wat Nation.

Employee Policy

Designed to ensure fair hiring processes and extend opportunities to community members, the Líl̓wat Nation’s Employee Policy came into effect in 2014.

Financial Policy

Put into place in 2014, the Financial Policy makes sure that best practices are applied to all of the Líl̓wat Nation’s financial activities.

Land Use Referral Consultation Policy

Adopted in 2012, the Land Use Referral Consultation Policy outlines the processes undertaken by the Lands & Resources Department to ensure land use that is consistent with Líl̓wat values and culture.

Read the Land Use Referral Policy

Chief and Council
Governance’s Role