Cowichan opts for custom election code

Summary#

The Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Cowichan) removes the Cowichan First Nation (British Columbia) from the Indian Act’s band-election system. From now on, Cowichan will run its own elections under a community election code, with the first election set for February 24, 2024.

What it does#

• Repeals the part of the federal order that required the Cowichan council to use elections under the Indian Act.
• Recognizes that Cowichan will use its own community (custom) election code to choose Chief and councillors.
• Fixes the date of the first election under the community code as February 24, 2024.
• Shifts responsibility for running elections and handling election disputes from the federal government to Cowichan; disputes are to be handled under the community code or in court.

Who's affected#

• Members of Cowichan First Nation (voters, candidates, and community leaders) are the primary people affected.
• Indigenous Services Canada will no longer organize or officially manage Cowichan’s future band elections.
• The general public in the region may notice changes only when election events or local governance decisions occur under the new code.
• The change follows a community ratification vote where 332 electors cast ballots: 234 in favour and 98 opposed.

Why it matters#

• This gives Cowichan more control over how it chooses leaders. That can let the community use rules that reflect local traditions and needs.
• The federal government steps back from running or deciding on those elections. That means the community’s election code and local processes determine who wins and how disputes are resolved.
• For Cowichan members, the change can affect voter procedures, timelines, eligibility rules, and how complaints are handled.