Author: setheridge
ACLS Cost Drivers Study – Draft Toolkit
August 30, 2018
To the Various Land Managers across Canada:
In 2015, the Association of Canada Lands Surveyors (ACLS), in partnership with the Surveyor General Branch (SGB) of Natural Resources Canada and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) conducted a “Survey Cost Study” to consider the assertion made by ISC that “the costs of surveys on Canada Lands is 2 to 3 times more expensive then on non-Canada Lands”.
The “Survey Cost Study Working Group” was formed, comprising of members/personnel from the above-mentioned organizations/departments. The Working Group contracted out the research and preparation of a Report to a third party, to investigate the validity of the assertion related to costs of surveys.
It had to be an “Apples to Apples” comparative study of the survey projects between those surveys on First Nations lands, and those done under the Provincial system. For example, a subdivision survey done on First Nation Reserve lands, compared to a subdivision survey done on neighbouring Provincial lands.
It would not be practical, nor be a meaningful collection and analyzation of the data, to compare two surveys prepared for different purposes on the different lands.
There were 3 parts to the Data Collection:
A. Interviews with First Nations
B. Surveys Research and Land Surveyor Interviews
C. Comparison of Surveys
The Cost Study Report has been prepared, reviewed and finalized. As you can imagine, the volume of data collected from 76 First Nation responses, 73 sample survey projects and a few dozen follow up interviews, was immense and highly technical. In reviewing the Report, it contained a wealth of data, but being at a decidedly technical level, the ACLS felt that it could be a challenge and a time-consuming effort for those trying to extract useful information from, when wanting to obtain a survey on First Nation Reserve lands.
Therefore, the ACLS created a sub-committee of their Members and have prepared this DRAFT version of a Toolkit, that pulls out the applicable information that Land Managers may find useful when looking to have a survey conducted on their Reserve lands.
Please note the following terms referenced, may be interchanged in the Cost Study Report and the following pages:
• Survey(s), land survey(s) – are both intended to have the same meaning;
• Surveyor, land surveyor, Canada Lands Surveyor (CLS) – they are intended to have the same meaning, unless otherwise specifically referencing surveys conducted on Provincial lands;
• Surveyor General Branch (SGB), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)- they are intended to reference the same Federal Government Department;
• Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) – they are intended to reference the same Federal Government Department
In reading through the Report, the cost drivers relating to surveys seemed to relate to 1 of 4 categories:
1. Project Initiation and Preliminary Planning and Research
2. Fieldwork
3. Plan Preparation and Office Work
4. Approvals and Registration of Survey Plans
We encourage you to read through the following documents as they relate to these 4 sections. The intent of these documents is to provide clarity and information on the cost drivers and potential ways to mitigate the cost drivers, while referring to the data collected and analyzed in the Report.
As these are only in a DRAFT format, we encourage any feedback you may have on these documents. Please contact Jean-Claude Tétreault (contact information is on the attached business card) with your questions or comments by November 30, 2018.
The intent is to have this document evolve and provide further information on surveys on Canada Lands. The Indigenous Relations Steering Committee od ACLS is already working on additional documents to add to the Toolkit. With your feedback, we are confident that we can create a useful resource tool for surveys.
Thank you for your time taken to review the documents,
Tania Bigstone, CLS, PEILS(np)
Chair, Survey Cost Working Group
Request for Proposals: COEMRP Dispute Resolution Project
The National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) is requesting proposals from experienced consultants or firms for the development of two dispute resolution models. These models would be for use by First Nations wishing to provide on-reserve spouses and common-law partners with a mechanism to resolve matrimonial real property disputes on separation or survivorship. Additional deliverables include training materials to be used to introduce the models and provide instruction on the use, customization and implementation of the model and a work-book to guide the First Nation technicians or committee tasked with the development, customization and implementation of the dispute resolution process.
Proposals will be received by the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association located at 1024 Mississauga Street, Curve Lake, Ontario K0L 1R0 until 4:30 pm on August 24, 2018. Proposals can also be emailed to Leona Irons – Executive Director at lirons@nalma.ca with the subject line COEMRP Dispute Resolution Proposal. Proposals received after the closing date will not be considered.
QUERIES AND CLARIFICATONS:
The RFP Contacts are Kathy McCue, MRP Specialist West– kmccue@coemrp.ca (available now until August 17th) and Chris Angeconeb, MRP Specialist East – cangeconeb@coemrp.ca (available August 17 – August 24).
The proponent is responsible for obtaining any needed clarification. Questions should be directed in writing to the RFP contact.
NALMA Update: February 2018
NALMA Resource Library
Good Morning NALMA Members! We are working very hard on the NALMA Resource Library, and assure you that it will be up and running very soon. In the meantime, if you have a specific lands question or are looking for resource materials, you can contact Melanie Jacobs-Douglas at the NALMA office. We appreciate your patience!
10th National Conference – Prize Winners
3 Grand Prizes were awarded to registered conference participants (land managers), who completed and submitted their overall conference evaluation form.
Prize #1: Magnetic Pin Locator
Edith Spence, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB
Prize #2: Garmin Montana 680 GPS
Yvonne Wienert, Osoyoos Indian Band, BC
Prize #3: Phanton 3 Advanced Drone
Deanna Ryder, Carry the Kettle First Nation, SK
Congratulations!
10th National Gathering – Regional Lands Association Challenge
Each of NALMA’s 8 Regional Lands Associated were tasked with determining the distance between 2 fixed points, by pacing only. The winning Regional Lands Association was announced on the final day of the Conference…
…..and the winners were the
First Nations Lands Managers Association for Quebec and Labrador (FNLMAQ&L)!!!
10th National Conference – General Event Pictures
10th National Conference – Achievement Awards
CIBC Highest Academic Achievement Award 2015
Jennifer Predie, Wasauksing First Nation, ON
CIBC Highest Academic Achievement Award 2016
Victor RumboltO’Chiese First Nation, AB
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Land Technicians – Strength & Perseverance Award
Land Manager who has excelled overall in lands management within their community
Land Manager who has excelled in lands management, and has contributed and influenced the field of land management beyond their community
Land Manager who has excelled overall in land management within their community
Land Manager who has given a lifetime contribution to land management of ten (10) years or more
Recognition of past NALMA Board members:
Also recognized were:
- Joe Sabattis, Atlantic Region Aboriginal Lands Association
- Lance Yellow Face, Treaty and Aboriginal Land Stewards Association of Alberta
- Troy Beaulieu, Planning and Land Administrators of Nunavut
10th National Conference – Graduation Gala
Graduation Ceremony
Class of 2014-2015
Class of 2015-2016