Kinistin Saulteaux Nation Elections Transition

Summary#

The Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Kinistin Saulteaux Nation) (SOR/2023-53) removes the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation from the election rules under the Indian Act so the community can hold elections under the First Nations Elections Act instead. The change took effect when the order was registered on March 17, 2023, and a related order sets the first election under the First Nations Elections Act for May 1, 2023.

What it does#

• Repeals Item 14 of Part III of Schedule I to the Indian Bands Council Elections Order, removing the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation from the Indian Act election regime.
• A separate, related order adds the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation to the schedule of the First Nations Elections Act and fixes the date of the first election under that Act as May 1, 2023.
• Confirms that, going forward, the Nation’s Chief and Council will be chosen under the rules of the First Nations Elections Act rather than the Indian Act.

Who's affected#

• Members and residents of the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation — this change applies specifically to that First Nation.
• Local election officials and the community’s governing council, who will run elections under the First Nations Elections Act rules.
• Indigenous Services Canada is the federal department involved in making the order at the Nation’s request.
• It is unclear from the order whether off‑reserve members, neighbouring communities, or other organizations will see any direct effects beyond the Nation itself.

Why it matters#

• The change moves the community from elections every two years under the Indian Act to elections every four years under the First Nations Elections Act, which the government says can lower election costs and allow longer-term planning.
• It gives the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation more control over how it runs elections and is intended to support local governance autonomy and community priorities.
• Elections under the First Nations Elections Act use different dispute and enforcement rules (including court processes), which may affect how election complaints are handled.
• The order was made at the request of the Nation and follows engagement the community says it carried out with its members.