Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Moves to First Nations Elections

Summary#

The Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Biigtigong Nishnaabeg) removes the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg from the list of First Nations whose chiefs and councils are elected under the Indian Act. That change took effect when the order was registered on August 18, 2021, and a companion order moves the community into the First Nations Elections Act regime (first election set for November 1, 2021).

What it does#

• Repeals Item 46 of Part V of Schedule I to the Indian Bands Council Elections Order, so the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg are no longer covered by the election rules in the Indian Act.
• Enables the community to hold future elections under the First Nations Elections Act instead.
• A related order fixes the community’s first election under the First Nations Elections Act for November 1, 2021.
• The change was made by the Minister of Indigenous Services and was published in the Canada Gazette on September 1, 2021.

Who's affected#

• Primarily members of the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation — voters, candidates, and local leaders.
• The community’s electoral officers and anyone helping run or challenge elections.
• The change does not affect other First Nations; it applies only to the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg.

Why it matters#

• Moving from the Indian Act rules to the First Nations Elections Act gives the community a different, standardized election system.
• Under the new rules, general elections are held every 4 years instead of every 2 years, which the government says can lower election costs and help leaders plan longer-term projects.
• Elections under the First Nations Elections Act bring different procedures for contests and offences, including court challenges and penalties enforced by local law enforcement and federal prosecutors.
• This is a local governance change driven by the community’s request; it increases the community’s control over how its leaders are chosen.