About Our Land
Hiawatha First Nation is located on the north shore of Rice Lake, east of the Otonabee River. The First Nation consists of approximately 2145 acres of land, of which 1523 are held under Certificates of Possession. Hiawatha First Nation is made up of three tenure areas consisting of – primary reserve land, Serpent Mounds Park, and Islands in the Trent. Hiawatha boasts a population of 235 citizens, approximately 163 homes and 75 leased properties.
Lands Department Services
Effective August 1, 2021, Hiawatha First Nation introduced its own Land Code, meaning we will no longer manage and administer lands-related affairs on behalf of the Minister of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada. Previously we were the 53/60 delegated authority under the Reserve Lands Environmental Management Program (RLEMP). Going forward Hiawatha First Nation will have full control of our lands.
Land Use Plan
Hiawatha is currently in the process of ratifying the Land Use Plan. The Land Use Plan provides designations for defining the use of specific areas on the reserve. The majority of land in Hiawatha is designated as residential/commercial, but there are areas owned by the band that are designated as commercial, cultural, or parks and recreation. For more details about the Land Use Plan, please reach out to any members of the Lands Department.
Matrimonial Real Property
Matrimonial Real Property is a federal law that came into effect on December 16, 2014. The legislation affects all aspects of First Nation Land Management (e.g. land transfers, leasing, house sales and mortgages). As a direct result of this law, there are forms required for all Hiawatha land transactions. For further information regarding Matrimonial Real Property, contact Georgette Howard.
Forms
Contact Information
Lands Officer
Phone: (705) 295-4421 Ext 207
Email:
Jill Foster
Lands Assistant
Phone: (705) 295-4421 Ext 220
Email:
Charlotte Dales
Lands Clerk
Phone: (705) 295-4421 Ext 219
Email: