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Band Council Elections

The Chief and Council of an Indian Band are selected in one of three ways –

1. Using the election process contained within the Indian Act regulations. There are currently 252 Bands that select their leadership this way.
2. Using a process that is developed under a self-government agreement.  There are 29 Bands that use this type of system.
3. Using a community based system, including “custom” code or hereditary Chief system.  There are currently 333 Bands that select their leadership in this way.

The term Band “custom” code actually refers to a variety of leadership selection processes.

• In some cases, the leadership of a community is hereditary – no elections are held;
• In other communities, the election code has been recently developed and ratified by the community.  It reflects an election process that has been adopted by the community, but may not reflect leadership selection processes that were in place before contact with Europeans;
• Other communities use processes that are not codified (written down) and may reflect a combination of practices that have been in place for many years. 

How can I find out the election rules for my Band?

If the Band uses the Indian Act, you can contact the Department of Indian Affairs to obtain information on your Band’s election process.

If the Band uses a “band custom” process, you will have to obtain information directly from the Band Office.

How do I know if my Band uses “Indian Act” or “Band Custom” election rules?

For a list of Band Councils that use BAND CUSTOM rules, select your Region below:

Alberta
Atlantic
British Columbia
Manitoba
Northwest Territories
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon