Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation Moves to FNEA

Summary#

This order, Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation), removes Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation from the Indian Act election rules and moves the band under the First Nations Elections Act. The order came into force on the day it was registered (August 12, 2025) and the first election under the new law is set for October 20, 2025.

What it does#

• Repeals the listing (Item 10 of Part III of Schedule I) that kept Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation subject to elections under the Indian Act.
• Adds Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation to the schedule of the First Nations Elections Act, so future elections follow that law.
• Fixes the band’s first election under the First Nations Elections Act for October 20, 2025.
• The change was made after a band council resolution dated May 30, 2025 asking to move to the First Nations Elections Act.

Who's affected#

• Members and residents of Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation are the main people affected.
• Local election officials and anyone involved in running or overseeing band elections will follow the rules in the First Nations Elections Act instead of the Indian Act.
• The change is limited to Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation and does not apply to other First Nations.

Why it matters#

• Elections under the First Nations Elections Act are held every four years instead of every two years, which can cut election costs and give leaders more time to carry out longer-term plans.
• The band gains more control over its election rules and procedures, which supporters say strengthens local self‑government.
• Elections under the new law have different dispute and offence procedures (for example, court review and penalties), so the way election complaints and serious election offences are handled will change.
• This is a band-initiated change. It does not by itself change rules for other First Nations.