Kinew stands firm on call to repeal Indian Act

Premier Wab Kinew reiterated his call to abolish the Indian Act on Monday during a fireside chat at a democracy-focused conference. Kinew, who belongs to the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation in northwestern Ontario, emphasized that the Indian Act should be dismantled, stating that it is 2026 and the country should have advanced technology but still cling to outdated legislation.

Kinew, a minister of Indigenous reconciliation in Manitoba, argued that Indigenous communities should have the ability to self-govern without the paternalism and barriers imposed by the Indian Act. He further stated that he does not believe becoming prime minister would be necessary to achieve this goal.

The Indian Act, enacted in 1876, governs First Nations and grants the federal government significant control over funding and executive governance over communities. Previous attempts to abolish the Indian Act have not been successful, with the last one dissolving in 2004. Kinew acknowledged that repealing the Act would be a multi-year process but expressed his determination to see it through.