Indian Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. I-5)

Marginal note:Uncultivated or unused lands

• 58 (1) Where land in a reserve is uncultivated or unused, the Minister may, with the consent of the council of the band,

  • (a) improve or cultivate that land and employ persons therefor, and authorize and direct the expenditure of such amount of the capital funds of the band as he considers necessary for that improvement or cultivation including the purchase of such stock, machinery or material or for the employment of such labour as the Minister considers necessary;

  • (b) where the land is in the lawful possession of any individual, grant a lease of that land for agricultural or grazing purposes or for any purpose that is for the benefit of the person in possession of the land; and

  • (c) where the land is not in the lawful possession of any individual, grant for the benefit of the band a lease of that land for agricultural or grazing purposes.

• Marginal note:Distribution of proceeds

  (2) Out of the proceeds derived from the improvement or cultivation of lands pursuant to paragraph (1)(b), a reasonable rent shall be paid to the individual in lawful possession of the lands or any part thereof and the remainder of the proceeds shall be placed to the credit of the band, but if improvements are made on the lands occupied by an individual, the Minister may deduct the value of the improvements from the rent payable to the individual under this subsection.

• Marginal note:Lease at request of occupant

  (3) The Minister may lease for the benefit of any Indian, on application of that Indian for that purpose, the land of which the Indian is lawfully in possession without the land being designated.

• Marginal note:Disposition of grass, timber, non-metallic substances, etc.

  (4) Notwithstanding anything in this Act, the Minister may, without an absolute surrender or a designation

  • (a) dispose of wild grass or dead or fallen timber; and

  • (b) with the consent of the council of the band, dispose of sand, gravel, clay and other non-metallic substances on or under lands in a reserve, or, where that consent cannot be obtained without undue difficulty or delay, may issue temporary permits for the taking of sand, gravel, clay and other non-metallic substances on or under lands in a reserve, renewable only with the consent of the council of the band.

• Marginal note:Proceeds

  (5) The proceeds of the transactions referred to in subsection (4) shall be credited to band funds or shall be divided between the band and the individual Indians in lawful possession of the lands in such shares as the Minister may determine.