Sunchild First Nation switches election regime

Summary#

The federal government registered an order on September 23, 2024 that removes the Sunchild First Nation from the election rules under the Indian Act and the Indian Bands Council Elections Order. This change lets Sunchild hold its Chief and Council elections under the First Nations Elections Act instead.

What it does#

• Repeals Item 11 of Part II of Schedule I to the Indian Bands Council Elections Order, which removes the Sunchild First Nation from the Indian Act election regime.
• Enables Sunchild to be placed on the schedule to the First Nations Elections Act so its Chief and Council are chosen under that Act.
• The community requested the change by council resolution on May 30, 2024. The order was signed by Patricia Hajdu on September 17, 2024 and registered on September 23, 2024.
• According to the related regulatory statement, the first election under the First Nations Elections Act is set for March 13, 2025.

Who's affected#

• Primarily the members of Sunchild First Nation (the community that asked for the change).
• People involved in running elections there, such as the electoral officer and candidates, because election rules and timing will change.
• The change does not apply to other First Nations — the government says it is limited to Sunchild.

Why it matters#

• Moving from the Indian Act system to the First Nations Elections Act gives Sunchild more control over its election rules and timing.
• Under the First Nations Elections Act, general elections are held every four years instead of every two years, which the government says can reduce election costs and allow councils to plan longer-term projects.
• This is part of a broader effort to let communities choose election systems that better fit their needs and governance goals.