A Statement of Intent must be a current document. Circumstances may arise where the governing body no longer meets the definition of a “First Nation”; for example, where it no longer has a mandate from its constituents or needs substantial restructuring. In such a situation, the Commission will review the Statement of Intent, advise the governing body representatives of its concerns and seek their comments. The Commission will then determine whether to return the Statement of Intent to the governing body.

If that occurs, the First Nation is free to file a new Statement of Intent when it is able to meet the definition of “First Nation”.

Where a Statement of Intent is returned, the Commission will return the original documents to the governing body and notify Canada and British Columbia.