Carney Open to Abolishing or Reforming Canada's Indian Act

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he is open to abolishing or reforming Canada's Indian Act, calling the law racist and anachronistic. He made the remarks during a meeting in Ottawa on Monday with premiers and First Nations leadership.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and other First Nations leaders called for the act to be quashed during the gathering. Carney said any changes would only be made in concert with Indigenous communities.

“There are numerous inequities and anachronisms, which starts with the very name, of course, of the act.”

The Indian Act was first approved by Parliament in 1876. It remains the primary legislation through which the federal government exercises jurisdiction over First Nations, including defining who is considered First Nations.

The law gives Ottawa sweeping powers over First Nations communities and people, including the authority to decide who qualifies for status and what reserves can and cannot do. It does not apply to Inuit or Métis people.

While heavily criticized by First Nations leaders, the act also protects reserve lands. Status under the Indian Act entitles people to certain health and social services.

The law was used to outlaw ceremonial practices and served as the foundation of the residential school system that took roughly 150,000 children away from their families.

Carney said there are numerous inequities and anachronisms starting with the very name of the act.