Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty emphasized the importance of consulting with leaders before making any changes to the Indian Act’s second-generation cut-off, despite the Assembly of First Nations’ clear support for eliminating this restriction. During a recent special assembly in Ottawa, First Nations chiefs unanimously backed Senate amendments to broaden eligibility under the Indian Act, aiming to remove barriers that prevent individuals from obtaining status if their parent and grandparent were not registered.
The resolution passed at the Assembly of First Nations gathering also urged the government to provide increased funding to assist communities in accommodating new members. The AFN, representing 600 First Nations chiefs, acts as an advocacy group directing the executive committee on lobbying governments at biannual meetings.
While attendance at AFN gatherings is open to all chiefs, not every region has representation on the executive committee. For instance, Alberta chiefs lack a regional representative, although some participate in AFN-led events. Liberal MP Jaime Battiste highlighted the necessity of obtaining approval from First Nations, facilitated through the AFN, for any revisions to the Indian Act.
Minister Gull-Masty stressed her obligation to consult with chiefs and explore alternative solutions following conversations at the AFN assembly. Bill S-2, supported by the Liberal government, aimed to address gender disparities in the Indian Act, potentially granting Indian status to approximately 6,000 individuals by eliminating the second-generation cut-off introduced in 1985.
Chiefs expressed concerns that maintaining the cut-off could jeopardize their communities’ federal recognition and distinct rights in the future. Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay First Nation emphasized that those affected by the removal of the cut-off have strong ties to their communities and are not strangers.
Minister Gull-Masty objected to the Senate’s unilateral amendment of the legislation without involving the House of Commons or conducting consultations with First Nations. She acknowledged chiefs’ apprehensions about legislation that grants the federal government control over Indigenous lives. Sen. Paul Prosper, advocating for the repeal of the second-generation cut-off, highlighted the financial implications of expanded status eligibility, emphasizing the potential need for increased per-capita funding for recognized members.
In conclusion, the push to eliminate the second-generation cut-off in the Indian Act has garnered significant support from First Nations chiefs, signaling a potential shift in status eligibility criteria pending further consultations and discussions with Indigenous leaders.
