Prime Minister Mark Carney has opened the door to potentially changing or abolishing the Indian Act, committing to work with First Nations on moving beyond the 150-year-old law that gives the Government of Canada extensive control over their communities.
On Monday, following a meeting with First Nations leaders and premiers, Carney said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew had raised the possibility of reforming or eliminating the legislation.
“I share his view. I am committed to a process that moves Canada beyond the Indian Act, and I have asked my ministers to work in partnership with First Nations to chart that path together,” said Carney in his address.
This morning, Carney further clarified that the forthcoming review would not necessarily result in the law being abolished. He said the outcome has not been predetermined and that the federal government would work with First Nations and the provinces to examine the legislation and possible replacements.
- You might also like:
- Vancouver International Airport first in line for Prime Minister Carney's privatization strategy, with up to 20% First Nations stake: report
- Confidential pre-election documents reveal David Eby's BC NDP secret plan to transfer 400 Crown parcels to First Nations
- BC NDP government's newly disclosed First Nations land transfer commitments cover area nearly 12 times the size of Vancouver
- Major Richmond developer appeals judge's refusal to reopen Cowichan Aboriginal title case
- Government of Canada's landmark agreement recognizes Musqueam First Nation's Aboriginal title in Metro Vancouver
First passed in 1876, the Indian Act governs matters including who qualifies for legal Indian status, the management of reserve lands, and aspects of band council governance. It imposed a system in which numerous decisions rested with the federal government, and continues to shape how most First Nations in Canada are governed.
Changing that relationship has been debated for decades, with previous efforts encountering strong opposition over what First Nations could lose in the process.
In 1969, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and then-Minister of Indian Affairs Jean Chretien introduced a White Paper calling for the repeal of the Indian Act, the elimination of First Nations’ distinct legal status, and an end to the federal government’s specific responsibilities toward them. It also proposed transferring responsibility for services to provincial governments and finding a way to bring treaties to an end. First Nations overwhelmingly rejected the proposal, with a lack of consultation being among their central objections. The federal government cancelled it in 1971.
Some First Nations communities have already negotiated self-government agreements that give them greater authority over their own affairs. Other arrangements allow First Nations to take control of particular responsibilities, such as land management, without waiting for a complete replacement of the Indian Act.
Carney described Monday’s gathering as the first dedicated meeting between First Nations leaders and first ministers in more than two decades. Alongside the Indian Act discussion, the talks focused on economic opportunities, emergency preparedness, and policing.
A central economic proposal is a possible First Nations Sovereign Wealth Fund, which Carney said originated with First Nations. The idea is to give communities a lasting share of the wealth generated by major projects, with benefits extending to future generations. Carney said he would direct his administration to develop some potential options.
Separately, the federal government plans to amend the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to expand the First Nations Finance Authority’s lending powers. The proposed change would make financing available to Indigenous entities established for economic development and resource projects, helping First Nations invest and earn a share of the returns.
Carney also announced $260 million over four years for an Indigenous workforce fund connecting people with jobs created by major projects.
Other commitments included more than $2.5 billion over five years for emergency preparedness, alongside nearly $450 million in ongoing funding. For policing, Ottawa announced more than $630 million over four years, plus $250 million in ongoing annual funding, to renew and expand First Nations and Inuit Policing Program agreements.
“Our success, though, will not be measured in how often we meet,” said the prime minister.
“Dialogue is necessary. It is the foundation of a productive relationship. But trust and success are built by what we accomplish together. Nation to nation, government to government. That is true nation-building.”
- You might also like:
- Vancouver International Airport first in line for Prime Minister Carney's privatization strategy, with up to 20% First Nations stake: report
- Confidential pre-election documents reveal David Eby's BC NDP secret plan to transfer 400 Crown parcels to First Nations
- BC NDP government's newly disclosed First Nations land transfer commitments cover area nearly 12 times the size of Vancouver
- Major Richmond developer appeals judge's refusal to reopen Cowichan Aboriginal title case
- Government of Canada's landmark agreement recognizes Musqueam First Nation's Aboriginal title in Metro Vancouver