Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty has emphasized that the Assembly of First Nations has conveyed a clear message to the government regarding the elimination of the second-generation cut-off in the Indian Act. However, she stated that any such alteration would only occur after thorough consultations with leaders.
During a recent special assembly in Ottawa, First Nations chiefs voted in favor of supporting Senate amendments to a government bill aimed at removing the second-generation cut-off in the Indian Act. This cut-off currently hinders individuals from registering for status under the law if both their parent and grandparent did not possess status. The resolution, passed unanimously at the Assembly of First Nations gathering, also urges the government to allocate additional funding to assist communities in accommodating new members.
The Assembly of First Nations serves as an advocacy group for 600 First Nations chiefs, convening biannual meetings to address issues and pass resolutions guiding the executive committee on government lobbying efforts. While attendance at these gatherings is open to all chiefs, some opt not to participate, such as those from Alberta who lack a regional representative on the AFN executive committee.
Mi’kmaw Liberal MP Jaime Battiste previously highlighted the necessity for the government to secure approval from First Nations, facilitated through the AFN, for any amendments to the Indian Act.
Minister Gull-Masty stressed her obligation to engage in consultations with chiefs to explore alternative solutions following discussions on the second-generation cut-off at the AFN meeting. The proposed Bill S-2, supported by the Liberal government, aims to address gender disparities in the Indian Act, potentially enabling around 6,000 individuals to qualify for Indian status. Senators have revised the legislation to eliminate the second-generation cut-off, initially introduced in a 1985 amendment to the Indian Act.
Some chiefs have cautioned that the cut-off may jeopardize their communities by erasing their distinct identity and rights in the future. Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay First Nation emphasized that individuals who would gain status once the cut-off is lifted have existing ties to their communities.
Minister Gull-Masty expressed reservations about the Senate amending the legislation without House of Commons involvement and prior consultations with First Nations. She acknowledged the concerns raised by chiefs regarding the current state of the law, given her role as a Cree woman overseeing legislation that impacts the lives of First Nations peoples.
Senator Paul Prosper, involved in amending the legislation in the Senate’s Indigenous Peoples committee, highlighted the overwhelming support from witnesses for repealing the second-generation cut-off. He noted that some view changes to status eligibility as primarily a financial issue, as increased federal recognition would necessitate a rise in per-capita funding for First Nations.
Overall, the AFN’s resolution and the ongoing dialogue between government officials and First Nations leaders underscore the importance of collaborative decision-making in addressing critical issues within Indigenous communities.