Read the Draft Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) Law here: MRP Law Package -August 2022

Update June 24, 2022

March 25th, 2022: Welcome Spring! For those of you who are not sure what Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) Law is, why it is important, there is a long and short answer…

December 8, 2021

The Matrimonial Real Property Law committee has been hard at work over the last while to analyse the survey results and start work on the law.  In the course of reviewing responses to the surveys several additional questions came up that resulted in the creation of a supplemental survey.  The purpose is to dig a little deeper into some of the issues raised in the original surveys.

All four original surveys are available on the MRP page of the Nawash website in electronic/online format, or for download to your device for printing.  The supplemental survey is also available on the same page.  At this time, we ask that you take a few moments to fill out the supplemental survey – it’s quite short.  If you have not yet filled out the original four surveys, you are invited to spend a few minutes doing that as well.  All surveys can be obtained in paper format by contacting Nuala Robinson, MRP Coordinator, at the band office (519-534-1689).  Nuala is also available to answer any questions you may have, or to set up a time to make a personal presentation on MRP to you and your family or workgroup.

The committee wishes to thank everyone who has already found the new survey and filled it out.  We are confident that with your help we will be able to create a law that truly reflects the values and traditions of the Chippewas of Nawash.  Our website address is www.nawash.ca/mrp and the link for the surveys is on the right side of the page under the title “Documents”.  Remember:  We can’t do it without you!

Have a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a very Happy New Year!

On behalf of the Matrimonial Real Property Committee, I would like to thank everyone who helped out by filling out and returning the MRP surveys.

One consistent concern was worry over non-members possibly being given the right to own or hold property on the reserve.  I want to assure you that this cannot be the case.  By law, non-members are not allowed to own property on reserve lands.  The right to own property on the reserve rests exclusively with band members.

As a ‘thank you’ to everyone who took the time to fill out surveys, gifts were sent in return.  It was lovely to see a picture that one member posted on Facebook showing off their gifts (see next page).  If you have not yet filled out the surveys, please feel free to do so either online or by paper and return to the band office, attention Nuala Robinson.

Jun 20, 2022

Thank you for your participation. The surveys are now closed.

Jun 3, 2021

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 is in 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. (Please note the surveys are now closed)

You can download and print paper copies of the MRP Survey, or ask for them at the Band Office. Completed paper surveys can be dropped off at the Band Office, “Attn: MRP Coordinator”, or sent in by regular mail.  Thank you for all the input we’ve received so far. We can’t do it without you!

If you have any questions, or additional feedback, please contact Nuala Robinson, MRP Coordinator. Telephone: 519-534-1689  ex:241, or email: mrpcoordinator@nawash.ca.

The MRP Committee recently sent survey packages about our proposed MRP Law to all members, both on and off reserve. It’s an important issue and we know that you may have questions. We’re here to help.

We’ve added a second date for members to participate virtually in the development of our MRP Law. We’re using Zoom teleconference software to allow you to give feedback and ask questions.

Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021
Times Available: 10:00 AM to Noon, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Please contact Nuala Robinson, MRP Coordinator, at either 519-379-8414 (phone or text), or by email at mrpcoordinator@nawash.ca, to sign up for a session. Nuala will give you a time slot and send you a link to the Zoom meeting.

Additional Note: We’ve learned that some survey packages have been delayed in the mail. The deadline for sending in your surveys has been extended to June 11th as a result. We look forward to hearing from you!