MRP Program Update

Posted on December 9, 2020December 11, 2020

The past few months have been busy ones for the Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) Law program. If you have not yet had a chance to visit the MRP page on the Nawash website, please do so. The MRP page is updated regularly and provides links to useful information, like the existing federal legislation governing matrimonial real property (the Family Homes on Reserves and Marital Rights or Interests Act), minutes of the MRP committee meetings, upcoming important dates, and contact information for Nuala Robinson, MRP Coordinator.

You’ll also find Part 1 of our own MRP Survey, in both downloadable and electronic formats.

In order to gain input from as many members as possible, several lunch and learn presentations have been held in the community. These have been well-attended, with lively discussions taking place. We’re inviting input from community members so that our new MRP law can be created using the principles and values of the members of the Chippewas of Nawash. Part 2 of the survey will be rolled out soon.

If you are interested in an in-person presentation for your work team or family group, or a virtual presentation using Zoom teleconferencing, contact Nuala to arrange a presentation to be held at your convenience. We’d love to share our MRP information and hear what you think. Your opinions matter!

The MRP committee currently has a vacancy and we are seeking an energetic and enthusiastic Chippewas of Nawash member to join the team. If you would like to be more involved in our MRP law development, committee application forms are available in the Band office.

MRP Committee Seeks Input on Proposed Matrimonial Real Property Law

Posted on October 8, 2020October 9, 2020

Unfortunately, relationships sometimes break down into violence or abuse. Our own Matrimonial Real Property law can help protect the interests of those involved. Find out how we can do it our way, with our own law.

The Matrimonial Real Property Law committee is interested in your input. Please contact Nuala Robinson at 519-534-1689 extension 225, or by cell at 519-374-4310, to arrange a lunch-and-learn MRP presentation for your staff group or a personal MRP presentation for your family group. As the current Covid-19 restrictions allow for gatherings of only 10 indoors, participation is limited to 8 individuals (plus Nuala and one committee member).

Get more information about the proposed Matrimonial Real Property Law, and the survey we’re conducting to gather feedback on it, on the Matrimonial Real Property Law page.

MRP Survey Community Meeting Announced

Posted on September 11, 2020September 11, 2020

Members are invited to a community meeting to discuss Part 1 of the MRP Survey and go through the questions together. Light refreshments will be available.

Date: October 1, 2020

Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Location: Maadookii Senior’s Centre

Door prizes will be drawn and there will be a gift for all participants.

Space is limited to 15 participants due to Covid restrictions. Physical distance will be observed with masks and hand sanitizer available on site.

If you wish to participate, but need transportation or child care, please let us know well in advance so arrangements can be made.

To register, or if you have questions, contact Nuala Robinson, MRP Coordinator, by phone: 519-534-1689, ext. 225 or email: mrpcoordinator@nawash.ca.

MRP Survey Invites Community Participation

Posted on September 11, 2020December 17, 2020

Under provincial law, spouses are granted specific rights of ownership and occupation in the matrimonial home. While all Canadian provinces have approximately parallel matrimonial real property (MRP) laws, there existed a legal grey area with respect to MRP on reserve when one spouse was not a member of the reserve. The Federal Family Homes on Reserve and Matrimonial Interests and Rights Act (FHRMIRA), enacted in 2014, filled in the gap, granting a set of default MRP rights to non-Indigenous spouses on reserves. The legislation also recognized that, as sovereign nations, First Nations had the right to create their own MRP laws. Until a First Nations creates their own law, however, FHRMIRA is the governing legislation.

The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation has begun the process of creating our own MRP law. The Matrimonial Real Property Coordinator of the Lands Department, has developed a survey to assist our members to become aware of, and decide on, what issues they would like to address within our Matrimonial Real Property Law. We have a widespread population, with varied and contemporary relationships. Our law will fill in the gaps in the FHRMIRA, with a solution that works for us, based on our unique needs, and guided by our traditions and perspectives.

We invite all members to provide their feedback. You can find more information and complete the survey online, by visiting the MRP Survey page.

Paper copies of all information, as well as the survey itself, are available from Nuala Robinson, MRP Coordinator. Telephone: 519-534-1689 ex:241, or email: mrpcoordinator@nawash.ca.

Chippewas of Nawash Welcomes New Matrimonial Real Property Coordinator

Posted on July 29, 2020August 10, 2020

Chippewas of Nawash welcomes Nuala (pronounced as “new-la”) Robinson as the new Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) Coordinator. Ms. Robinson is a longtime Grey-Bruce resident who brings a wealth of cross-discipline experience as an executive assistant to the role, in the fields of mental health and addictions, law, accounting and commercial development. She lists as just some of her passions raising her son, reading (particularly sci-fi and fantasy), crochet, motorcycles, and music. Despite Ms. Robinson’s many pastimes, she still finds time to volunteer with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society, and to serve on the Boards of the Victorian Order of Nurses in Grey-Bruce and the Sauble Family Health Team. Her positive outlook and cheerful work ethic is truly inspirational. Ms. Robinson will be an asset to our community and we are excited to have her as part of our team.

Federal FHRMIRA Legislation in force as of Dec 12, 2014

Posted on December 15, 2014September 11, 2020

The law requires expanded information to complete the above transactions. New forms have been created for Assessments, Declarations and Spousal Consent that must be completed, as applicable. The required forms are available at the Lands Management Office. If you are not sure if your transaction requires new paperwork to be filed, please contact the Lands Manager to review your situation.