Own Source Revenue (OSR)

Many people will be surprised to learn that a business plan is often all it takes to build Own Source Revenue (OSR). But what is it and why is it important to increase it now? OSR is money (income/profit) that a first nation government earns on its own activities. This includes things like rent, cigarette sales, lease lands, campgrounds, development corporations, forest corporations, fisheries, taxes and interest etc.

Some of this income will be counted towards the cost of providing programs and services to pay for community needs. The more revenue a community has, the better the ability of its government to provide extra programs or improve programs and services they deliver already.

Although it is not enough, right now we get most of our money for programs from INAC. After treaty we will still get money for programs and services from INAC, but the transfer will be cut back by half of what we generate through new programs ourselves. So if we decide to start a campsite after treaty, and that campsite earns $100,000.00 profit, the government will claw back 50% of what it provides in program and service funding. In this case they would cut back $50,000.00 off of the cheque that they send to us for community needs.

This rule will only apply on revenue we make "after treaty", anything we make "before treaty" will be excluded from this rule, so we need to take advantage of economic development opportunities as soon as possible.

Other First Nations have increased OSR before treaty by leasing land, starting businesses, making foreestry arrangements etc. the business does not have to be operating or generating income before treaty to qualify for exemption. There are many good opportunities for our communities, but we must generate lots of ideas. We should also make as many grant applications a possible to start educating ourselves on how to attract business partners. After Treaty, we'll be running some of our own programs. Lets all start talking about what we can do to maximize support for our communities!

Strong, self governing Nations depend on the skills, passion, energy and commitment of its members!

Our association will be facing a lot of change as we prepare for an Agreement in Principle (AIP) and move towards a Final Agreement. Some of you have heard about those changes at community meetings or the recent post-treaty opportunities fair. For those who haven't, we want you to know that every voice matters and we need to hear from you.

Work and rewards belong to everyone.


While we're all looking to post treaty opportunities, we still need to plan our governments and prepare to enforce our hard won Aboriginal and Douglas Treaty Rights. Thats why we're making some important changes to reach out to members. This website and Te'Mexw Talks are some of those initiatives; they have been designed to build a conversation and tell our story. Over time, we hope it reflects where we've come from, what we want, and where were going.

Through improvements in our website we hope to deliver time sensitive information and event announcements. While we still depend heavily on face to face meetings and personal communication, there are many new tools available to help us communicate. We cannot use them to advertise confidential information, so please come out to community meetings to ensure you are up to date with negotiations.

As we prepare internally to meet the challenges of self government, we must also build relationships with off reserve members, outside communities, and leaders and industry. We need to embrace education, create partnerships, develop business plans, generate mentoring opportunities and think about what laws we want to enact on our land. We have been here for centuries and will thrive for many generations to come, its time to build the foundation for the better future we deserve! Please join us and help make it happen!