Special Projects

Wills and Estate Management Project

Wills and estate planning is complex in any community. In First Nations communities, it carries additional layers: the importance of oral tradition, the intersection of federal and treaty law with community membership codes, and deep cultural considerations around land, property, and what we leave behind for those who come after us.

NmTC works with Member Nations to navigate this complexity with care — conducting Nation-specific research into Land Codes, treaty agreements, membership codes, and estate-related policies, and working closely with each Nation to find the most appropriate and culturally respectful approach.

The work looks different in every Nation. Some may prefer scheduled access to a qualified lawyer. Others may want to build their own internal capacity over time. NmTC's role is to make sure each Nation has the information, the resources, and the support to decide for themselves.

Phase 2 Begins in 2026

We are undertaking Phase 2 of the Wills and Estate Management Project in 2026. Our goal for Phase 2 is to create and distribute unique Wills and Estates Guidebooks for each Member Nation, and bring them to all community offices, community centres, and health centers.

To create these guidebooks, Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council will be conducting detailed research for each Member Nation to gather information about their specific Land Code, treaty agreements, membership code, and estate-related policies. Legal support will be essential in compiling this information accurately and ensuring it encompasses all aspects of estate-related policies.

Working Together With Member Nations

We will work closely with each Member Nation to determine the most appropriate and culturally respectful approach to administering will-writing. Each Nation may prefer a different method, and our team will remain flexible and supportive in response to these preferences.

Possible approaches include scheduled drop-in days with a qualified lawyer, or helping Member Nations secure the necessary funding to manage will-writing independently. These strategies are intended to reflect a responsive, Nation-specific approach that honours community autonomy and supports long-term capacity building.

Project Coordinator: Ethan Whitelaw, ethanw@nautsamawt.com