Reversal of Legislative Assimilation

The AFN advocates for an end to the practice of legislative assimilation through the Indian Act and the full recognition of First Nations’ inherent right to self-determination over citizenship. The Government of Canada must work in full and meaningful collaboration with First Nations to develop options to recognize First Nations’ exclusive responsibility to determine their citizenship structures. This will require the Government of Canada to provide sufficient resources to ensure that First Nations can establish and maintain their own citizenship laws and processes.

While engaged in the broader effort to move beyond the registration provisions of the Indian Act, the AFN continues to monitor proposed legislative amendments to the Indian Act. This includes calling on the Government of Canada to fulfill its obligations to consult with and accommodate First Nations, and obtain their free, prior and informed consent before enacting changes that could impact First Nations’ rights and interests.