Earlier this week, the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) voted in favour of a study to examine options to amend the Indian Act – meant to address the Second Generation Cut-Off and not-stated paternity policies.
Over the next few months, we hope to be presented with options directly from First Nations and Indigenous voices as to how we can appropriately address these matters, with the aim of giving First Nations communities the ability to expand their band lists – should they chose to do so.
I do not believe in unilateral federal decisions on matters that I know are deeply meaningful to Indigenous communities across Canada, and know that a one-size-fits-all approach generally does not work.
Now is the time for the conversation.
You can see my full comments I made in committee on my Facebook page here