First Nations leaders in BC say they were blindsided by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s calls to abolish the Indian Act at Monday’s First Nations-First Ministers meeting.
Union of BC Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stewart Phillip called it highly inappropriate and disrespectful to leaders in attendence.
BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee agreed, calling it a cavalier move that came out of left field.
They say, regardless of its undoubtedly racist history, the Act does provide some protections for First Nations, especially smaller ones.
It offers a legal framework for land claims and management, Band registration, and funding allocations.
Without it, Bands would also be on the hook for funding services like water and healthcare.
As Skeena MP Ellis Ross pointed out, BC’s modern treaty process already provides an avenue for Nations to shed the Act.
Some Chiefs have also called it a distraction as Ottawa continues to stall the passage of Bill S-2.
It seeks to amend the act to remove discriminatory sections like the second generation cut-off rule.
