Indian Act

Indian Act • Created in 1876 • The act allows the federal government to develop specific policies to administer Treaty rights to First Nations • The act created “Indian Agents” who made individual decisions

Indian Act • The act defines who is a “status Indian” with Treaty rights • The act originally aimed to assimilate First Nations peoples • The act defined how to conduct affairs • It restricted their rights

• The act remains in force today

Indian Act Amendments • In 1985, parliament attempted to bring the act in alignment with the Charter • Three principles: • Removal of discrimination • Restoring status and membership rights • Increasing control of own affairs

Indian Act Amendments • Latest attempt was in 2002, but First Nations rejected the attempt • Read the article on pg. 138 and complete the spot and respond on the same page