Bonaparte First Nation Custom Election Code

Summary#

The Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Bonaparte First Nation) removes the Bonaparte First Nation from the federal election rules in the Indian Act and lets the community use its own election rules. The order was signed by Patricia Hajdu on February 14, 2025 and registered on February 20, 2025; the first election under the community code is set for May 3, 2025.

What it does#

• Removes the Bonaparte First Nation from the parts of the Indian Bands Council Elections Order that make the Indian Act apply to their council elections (specifically repeals Item 11 of Part I of Schedule I).
• Recognizes that the First Nation will run future chief and council elections under its own community election code.
• Fixes the date of the first election under the community code as May 3, 2025.

Who's affected#

• Members of the Bonaparte First Nation in British Columbia.
• The Bonaparte First Nation leadership and election administrators, who will now run and manage elections locally.
• Indigenous Services Canada — its role shifts to recording results only; it will no longer run or interpret these elections.
• If disputes arise, they will be handled under the community’s election code or in the courts, rather than by the federal department.

Why it matters#

• This change gives the Bonaparte First Nation more control over how it chooses leaders.
• Local rules may allow more flexible voting options and reflect community traditions.
• Community members who voted in the ratification process — 138 electors total, with 79 for and 59 against — chose this change during a 19-day ratification vote that closed on December 12, 2024.
• For residents, the practical effects are that elections, appeals, and procedures will be set and enforced by the community code instead of federal election rules.