The Lands and Trust Services Sector recently reorganized to better focus on its responsibilities under the new INAC Results Framework for Lands, Governance and Individual Affairs. Traditionally, the Lands and Trust Services Sector has been viewed as the administrator of the Indian Act with a mandate which is an articulation of its fiduciary and statutory responsibilities. In the past few years, the Lands and Trust Services Sector has reshaped itself as an agent of change, facilitating a shift in the relationship between INAC and First Nations to one based on government-to-government relations.

Lands and Trust Services is well-positioned to continue with its change agenda within the context of INAC’s evolving strategic policy framework, as well as the renewed federal emphasis on policy and machinery of government where Aboriginal peoples are concerned. To act as a compass for future change the sector has adopted a three-pronged approach that includes:

• re-engineering and improving processes in terms of efficiencies;
• building partnerships and understandings with First Nations and other stakeholders; and
• promoting legislative and regulatory renewal to better meet the demands of First Nations.

BUSINESS LINES AND KEY INITIATIVES

Operationally, the sector is managed through the following four inter-dependent branches and various specialized directorates and organizations. Collectively they manage business lines concerned with activities predominately on-reserve.

Inter-dependent branches:

• Lands
• Policy, Planning and Coordination
• Governance
• Individuals Affairs

Specialized directorates and organizations:

• Indian Oil and Gas Canada
• Legislative Projects

Other sites:

• Government On-Line Public Report
• Standard Departmental Forms
• Electronic Service Delivery

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