AFN chief says no one besides Carney, Kinew talked about abolishing Indian Act

"Only two leaders discussed abolishing the Indian Act during a recent meeting, says its national chief," reports Global News. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew were the only two mentioned in this context, according to the source. Carney indicated he was open to the idea following the meeting, although he later suggested the Indian Act could be reformed instead of repealed.

Kinew, who is Anishinaabe, called for its abolition during the gathering of leaders from federal, provincial, and First Nations backgrounds in Ottawa. The Indian Act, dating back to 1876, grants the Canadian government extensive control over First Nations communities and individuals, including the authority to determine eligibility for status and the regulations surrounding reserves.

Despite the consensus among First Nations leaders that the law is outdated and restrictive, there is no unanimous agreement on whether the Indian Act should be entirely abolished or replaced. The federal government has not committed to any changes to the rules governing the Act. Previous attempts to reform or eliminate the Indian Act, such as the 1969 "White Paper" proposed by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, faced strong opposition from First Nations leaders who feared it would lead to cultural assimilation and the loss of their heritage.

Gull-Masty's office stated that Carney acknowledged the racist nature of the Indian Act and the need for a broader discussion with First Nations about its future. Self-governing communities, like the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi under the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, are already operating without the Indian Act.

Discussions about reforming or abolishing the Indian Act are occurring as Carney seeks to expedite the development of major projects alongside Indigenous Peoples and the provinces.