Where is georgina island

Sandford was part of the Snake Island Cottagers Association. At the meeting, he met with representatives from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to discuss the leases. Sandford recalls seeing Georgina Island First Nation council and band members sitting at the back of the room.

In , after decades under the Indian Act's land management regime, the First Nation was finally able to control its own leases — and land, and natural resources — through the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management. Under the Indian Act, First Nation land is managed by the federal government. This means the government is responsible for everything from approving leases to collecting rent to ensuring that leaseholders are following the rules.

The problem is the Crown isn't always the most qualified candidate for the job. While Georgina Island was operating under the Indian Act's land management regime, cottagers on Snake Island had been using DIY septic systems that were leaching waste into Lake Simcoe — the same lake that residents drink from. Big Canoe says the First Nation sent photos to Indian Affairs that showed the sewage leaking into the lake.

According to Big Canoe, Indian Affairs did nothing to remedy the problem. As much as they may have wanted to, Georgina Island First Nation couldn't force cottagers to install proper septic tanks, nor could they cancel an offending cottager's lease—under the Indian Act, only Indian Affairs is authorized to enforce First Nation land management rules and regulations. Indian Affairs also managed the funds generated from Georgina Island's leases. In order to get their money, the First Nation had to issue a document detailing a council decision, called a Band Council Resolution, requesting their funds.

They had to tell the government what they wanted to use the money for, too. You can't use it for education. It was terrible, really. Problems like the ones Georgina Island faced are not uncommon for First Nations operating under the Indian Act's land management regime. Some First Nations yearned for land management authority, and beginning in the late s, Canada introduced a series of initiatives aimed at increasing the land management capacity of First Nations.

Still, Canada overruled many of the decisions made by participating First Nations, says Meko Nicholas. The early '90s brought the Regional Land Administrative Program, but there were issues with that, too — a evaluation found both programs "failed to adequately address the complex nature of reserve land management.

Created in partnership with First Nations, RLEMP was more comprehensive than its predecessors, which have been wound-down in favour of this model.

The program has three tiers, designed to incrementally increase the First Nation's capacity for managing its own lands. Bill McCue was introduced to the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management by a group of chiefs, shortly after becoming a chief himself in The Framework Agreement promised to relieve First Nations of some of the constraints posed by the Indian Act, and give them more control over their land, which piqued McCue's interest.

Signing onto the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management would allow Georgina Island to develop a comprehensive, personalized law called a land code, which replaces dozens of sections of the Indian Act and enables First Nations to take back control of their land and natural resources, including minerals, forestry, agriculture and water.

The Cedar Trail introduces you to the diversity of the forests, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds that live on the island.

The Sage Trail offers robust woodlands that serve as a fine example of our natural heritage and support the growth of rare species of herbs and shrubs. You can walk for over an hour, or you can choose a shorter segment for a less vigorous hike. Located on the southern tip of Lake Simcoe, we offer docking slips, boat and engine repair, fuel services for propane, gas and pump outs, as well as a boat ramp and outside storage facilities.

Houses were built to accommodate the families, the Methodist minister and the Schoolmaster. The land was not considered good for cultivation and the yield was light.

Expenditures of a lifestyle almost completely dependent on the government was higher than expected and cutbacks resulted. Also compounding this issue were the economic problems of Great Britain. Consequently, Snake, Yellowhead and Aisance were urged to surrender the reserve. This compliance resulted in the surrender of 9, acres. By the reserve was deserted and Snake and his people returned to Snake Island. Again they were encouraged to farm and give up their hunting. To reinforce this, guns and ammunition were no longer part of the annuities received.

Progress remained slow. The nomadic way of life was difficult to divert. The government contributed to this by uprooting the people and relocating them. Another attempt was made to move the people to Owen Sound and Manitoulin Island.

There were problems such as unfulfilled promises of blankets for the children. When some parents removed their children, the Indian Department threatened to curtail the annual presents.

Pressure also came from other Indians to give up their heathen ways and listen to the good council of the whites.

Alcohol had been introduced into their communities from profiteering traders and settlers, further complicating matters.