Land Governance Authority, Committees and Priorities
Presented by: RC
Description
Once a First Nation’s Members have approved a land code, the transition into land governance under that land code typically begins with establishing a priority-based strategic workplan that focuses on how newly acquired authorities will be exercised and responsibilities will be met. Many First Nations will build Lands Governance Committees to support land code implementation and give community members an important way to participate in the governance of First Nation Lands. Join the Resource Centre for an overview and discussion of the best practices and tools for establishing land governance authority, committees, and priority-based workplans for land governance under a land code.
Speakers
- Shawn Speirs, First Nation Land Management Resource Centre
- Tabitha Donkers, First Nation Land Management Resource Centre
- Bonnie Hill, T’Sou-ke First Nation Councillor
Speaker Bios
Shawn Speirs, Land Code Governance Advisor BC
Originally from Pointe-Claire Montreal, Shawn Speirs grew up in Westbank, BC. He attended UBC for his undergraduate degree and subsequently received his Law degree from Thompson Rivers University. His legal practice initially focussed on estate and trust planning before he transitioned into law and policy development. Shawn accepted a position with the Resource Centre in 2017 as part of the BC support services team and is excited to continue working with communities both in the development and implementation of their land codes.
Tabitha Donkers, Land Code Governance Advisor Fraser Valley
Tabitha grew up in the Fraser Valley of BC in Coast Salish territory and is now living on Central Vancouver Island. She completed her undergraduate degree in business at UBC and her master’s in public policy from SFU. Prior to joining the RC Tabitha worked in the private sector, non-profit, and First Nation government. In her role with the RC, Tabitha focuses on supporting First Nation communities in the Fraser Valley in implementing their Land Codes. In her free time, Tabitha enjoys volunteering at local community events, gardening, Mountain biking, and almost everything else outdoors.
Bonnie Hill, T’Sou-ke First Nation Councillor
Bonnie is a proud member of T’Sou-ke First Nation on Southern Vancouver Island and resides in the village of Siaosun. For 17 years Bonnie worked with her Nation in their efforts to create sustainable systems of Governance including management of lands and resources, cultural revitalization and food security. In 2015, Bonnie accepted a position with the Resource Centre as a Developmental and Operational Support Technician. She assists Nations on Vancouver Island and in northern BC to develop and implement their Land Codes. In addition to taking an active role in her community, Bonnie most enjoys spending time with her three grown children and extended family. Most of the time, she can be found at her desk, but in her down time, beachcombing and live music are on the agenda!