What is an addition to reserve?
As defined by the Indian Act, a reserve is a tract of land, the legal title to which is vested in Her Majesty, that has been set apart by Her Majesty for the use and benefit of a First Nation. An addition to reserve is a parcel of land that is added to the existing land base of a First Nation. The legal title also becomes vested in Her Majesty, and is set apart by Her Majesty for the use and benefit of the band having made the application. TLE agreements allow some First Nations to select land in either an urban or rural setting. Approval of reserve status is not automatic. Both the TLE framework agreements and the federal Additions to Reserves/New Reserves (ATR) policy require that a step-by-step approach be taken when creating either rural or urban reserves. This approach includes among other steps, environmental site inspections and boundary surveys. Individual agreements outline all of the roles and responsibilities of the various parties.
