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.

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.

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!

The MRP Committee recently sent survey packages to all members, both on and off reserve. An address information card was included that can be filled out and returned by any member who wishes to receive a thank you gift.

Information from the 4-part survey is vital in creating a law that truly reflects values of the Chippewas of Nawash. Your responses will help determine the principles upon which the law will be based. We ask that the survey be filled out by any member who is 18 years or older.

Paper versions of the survey may be returned in the enclosed envelope or scanned and emailed to mrpcoordinator@nawash.ca. If you don’t have access to a scanner, you can take clear pictures of each page with a cell phone and text to 519-379-8414.

To fill out the survey online, visit the MRP website at www.nawash.ca/mrp and use the MRP Survey link on the right. Please complete only the paper copy OR only the online version.

We are also holding Zoom meetings on May 18th, 2021, to answer any questions you may have about the MRP Law, or the process we’re using to develop it.

You can participate by phone or computer (your computer should have at least a working microphone and sound). Available time slots are:

• 10:00 AM to noon
• 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Call Nuala Robinson, MRP Coordinator, to select a time-slot and receive an invitation link by email.

Nuala can be reached at the Band Office at 519-534-1689, or at 519-379-8414.

If you prefer a one-on-one conversation about our MRP Law, please call one of the numbers above, or email Nuala at mrpcoordinator@nawash.ca.

Please drop the paper surveys in the mail or complete the online survey by May 31, 2021.

Thank you! We can’t do it without you!

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.