The Indian Act turned 140 years old this week and Ontario’s Regional Chief says it’s time it was abolished. Isadore Day says the Act is the root cause of the social trauma that affects First Nations right across the country. The Act details how the feds interact with Aboriginal communities. But Day says despite being amended numerous times, the Indian Act is an oppressive piece of legislation that prevents First Nations from charting their own future.
Twenty years ago a royal commission recommended that the Indian Act be replaced by native self-government. Day says two decades later, many Aboriginal communities are still waiting for this to happen. He says it’s time to turn the words into action with all parties negotiating on how First Nations can determine their own future.