Latest news with #IndianAct
Global News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Global News
Heiltsuk Nation to enact new constitution with ratification feast
First Nations leaders and delegates from around British Columbia are slated to attend a ratification feast on Friday that will officially bring the Heiltsuk Nation's written constitution into effect. Marilyn Slett, the nation's elected chief, called it a 'monumental day' that comes after two decades of development and consultation. 'It's hard to put into words how big it is. It's definitely a day of celebration and reflection on everything that brought us to the day,' Slett said of the feast, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. The Heiltsuk Nation approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia's central coast in February. That followed six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver. The nation said 67 per cent of the 725 people who voted on the referendum were in favour of the constitution. Story continues below advertisement The constitution will help provide clarity for its own members and those it chooses to do business with, Slett said, which will clear up questions around decision-making in Heiltsuk territory that have previously been left to the courts. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Slett explained that the constitution will develop 'core laws' for the nation, which will cover issues such as land management and language. 1:48 Historic Heiltsuk Nation constitution vote underway The nation said in February that 'questions of paramountcy' with respect to other sets of laws would need to be worked out. Slett said the adoption of a written constitution is an act of 'reclaiming' the nation's role in its own governance. 'It's a pathway for our community to move beyond the Indian Act and move forward and grow and reach our full capacity that our ancestors always dreamed of,' Slett said in an interview ahead of the event. Story continues below advertisement British Columbia's Indigenous Relations Minister Christine Boyle said in a statement that the province 'recognizes the hard work the Heiltsuk Nation community has put into a constitutional ratification.' The minister said the province will continue to work with the nation to make tangible steps toward reconciliation. 'Our shared work has set a foundation for a good path forward and we look forward to continuing this work together,' Boyle said. The ratification event will feature speeches from leaders as well as ceremonial dances, Slett said. It will be held at the nations Big House in Bella Bella, which serves as a gathering place for cultural and ceremonial activities. The nation says in a post to its website that the structure was built with funding from the federal government as a 'commitment to reconciliation.' The nation will also be hosting a three-day celebration to mark its anniversary starting Saturday. Boyle's office has confirmed she will be in attendance. Slett said Boyle is scheduled to meet with leaders as well as partake in the celebrations, which she believes is important for reconciliation. 'It's important for the minister to visit our community when we're doing this important work, and to understand our community and develop that relationship,' Slett said. Story continues below advertisement
National Observer
3 days ago
- Politics
- National Observer
Heiltsuk Nation ratification feast brings written constitution into force
First Nations leaders and delegates from around British Columbia are slated to attend a ratification feast on Friday that will officially bring the Heiltsuk Nation 's written constitution into effect. Marilyn Slett, the nation's elected chief, called it a "monumental day" that comes after two decades of development and consultation. "It's hard to put into words how big it is. It's definitely a day of celebration and reflection on everything that brought us to the day," Slett said of the feast, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. The Heiltsuk Nation approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia's central coast in February. That followed six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver. The nation said 67 per cent of the 725 people who voted on the referendum were in favour of the constitution. The constitution will help provide clarity for its own members and those it chooses to do business with, Slett said, which will clear up questions around decision-making in Heiltsuk territory that have previously been left to the courts. Slett explained that the constitution will develop "core laws" for the nation, which will cover issues such as land management and language. The nation said in February that "questions of paramountcy" with respect to other sets of laws would need to be worked out. Slett said the adoption of a written constitution is an act of "reclaiming" the nation's role in its own governance. "It's a pathway for our community to move beyond the Indian Act and move forward and grow and reach our full capacity that our ancestors always dreamed of," Slett said in an interview ahead of the event. British Columbia's Indigenous Relations Minister Christine Boyle said in a statement that the province "recognizes the hard work the Heiltsuk Nation community has put into a constitutional ratification." The minister said the province will continue to work with the nation to make tangible steps toward reconciliation. "Our shared work has set a foundation for a good path forward and we look forward to continuing this work together," Boyle said. The ratification event will feature speeches from leaders as well as ceremonial dances, Slett said. It will be held at the nations Big House in Bella Bella, which serves as a gathering place for cultural and ceremonial activities. The nation says in a post to its website that the structure was built with funding from the federal government as a "commitment to reconciliation." The nation will also be hosting a three-day celebration to mark its anniversary starting Saturday. Boyle's office has confirmed she will be in attendance. Slett said Boyle is scheduled to meet with leaders as well as partake in the celebrations, which she believes is important for reconciliation. "It's important for the minister to visit our community when we're doing this important work, and to understand our community and develop that relationship," Slett said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Heiltsuk Nation ratification feast brings written constitution into force
First Nations leaders and delegates from around British Columbia are slated to attend a ratification feast on Friday that will officially bring the Heiltsuk Nation's written constitution into effect. Marilyn Slett, the nation's elected chief, called it a 'monumental day' that comes after two decades of development and consultation. 'It's hard to put into words how big it is. It's definitely a day of celebration and reflection on everything that brought us to the day,' Slett said of the feast, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. The Heiltsuk Nation approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia's central coast in February. That followed six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver. The nation said 67 per cent of the 725 people who voted on the referendum were in favour of the constitution. The constitution will help provide clarity for its own members and those it chooses to do business with, Slett said, which will clear up questions around decision-making in Heiltsuk territory that have previously been left to the courts. Slett explained that the constitution will develop 'core laws' for the nation, which will cover issues such as land management and language. The nation said in February that 'questions of paramountcy' with respect to other sets of laws would need to be worked out. Slett said the adoption of a written constitution is an act of 'reclaiming' the nation's role in its own governance. 'It's a pathway for our community to move beyond the Indian Act and move forward and grow and reach our full capacity that our ancestors always dreamed of,' Slett said in an interview ahead of the event. British Columbia's Indigenous Relations Minister Christine Boyle said in a statement that the province 'recognizes the hard work the Heiltsuk Nation community has put into a constitutional ratification.' The minister said the province will continue to work with the nation to make tangible steps toward reconciliation. 'Our shared work has set a foundation for a good path forward and we look forward to continuing this work together,' Boyle said. The ratification event will feature speeches from leaders as well as ceremonial dances, Slett said. It will be held at the nations Big House in Bella Bella, which serves as a gathering place for cultural and ceremonial activities. The nation says in a post to its website that the structure was built with funding from the federal government as a 'commitment to reconciliation.' The nation will also be hosting a three-day celebration to mark its anniversary starting Saturday. Boyle's office has confirmed she will be in attendance. Slett said Boyle is scheduled to meet with leaders as well as partake in the celebrations, which she believes is important for reconciliation. 'It's important for the minister to visit our community when we're doing this important work, and to understand our community and develop that relationship,' Slett said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
THE HONOURABLE MANDY GULL-MASTY APPLAUDS THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW BILL TO ADDRESS REMAINING INEQUITIES AND BAND MEMBERSHIP PROVISIONS OF THE INDIAN ACT
OTTAWA, UNCEDED ANISHINAABEG TERRITORY, ON, May 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced the introduction of Bill S-2 in the Senate, which addresses some of the remaining inequities in the registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act. Bill S-2 replaces former Bill C-38 which was introduced in December of 2022, but did not receive Royal Assent before Parliament was dissolved in March 2025. The introduction of this Bill early in the current legislative session reiterates the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation and to eliminating inequities that continue to impact First Nations individuals and families. Bill S-2 proposes amendments in four key areas: enfranchisement, voluntary deregistration, natal band reaffiliation and membership, and the removal of outdated and offensive language related to dependent persons. These changes respond directly to concerns raised by First Nations and individuals impacted by the Indian Act's residual inequities. If passed, the legislation would ensure that individuals with family histories of enfranchisement are entitled to registration under the Indian Act and extend entitlement to their descendants. Bill S-2 continues the legacy of former Bill C-38 which was developed from extensive engagement efforts, including over 50 virtual sessions held with First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and other partners. These discussions were instrumental in shaping the proposed amendments. It is estimated that approximately 3,500 individuals could become newly entitled to registration as a result of the changes in the first five years after it passes. Quotes "As Minister of Indigenous Services, eliminating gender-based inequities and colonial legacies in the Indian Act is a responsibility I take seriously. Today, we are taking an important step to address these long-awaited changes that continue to affect First Nations individuals and their families. This is one of the first bills proposed by this government because we understand the urgency of these measures for those impacted. I look forward to thoughtful study and discussions about this bill as it moves through the parliamentary process." The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty Minister of Indigenous Services Key Moments: In 2018 and 2019, there was a collaborative consultation process on reform with First Nations. Input was received from over 650 participants, representing 395 First Nation communities and/or a tribal councils. The conclusion was that Canada should work with First Nations to proactively address issues related to registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act. In 2019, An Act to amend the Indian Act in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux c. Canada (Procureur général), Bill S-3, came into full force, eliminating various sex-based inequities in the registration provisions of the Indian Act. In 2020 the Final Report to Parliament on the Review of S-3 acknowledged that residual inequities still remained in the Indian Act. These included the impacts of a family history of enfranchisement on entitlement to registration, an inequity that exists to this day. In June 2021, on behalf of 16 individual plaintiffs, Juristes Power Law launched a Charter challenge seeking to end the inequities and exclusion faced by families descended from forebears who were enfranchised under earlier versions of the Indian Act. This is referred to as the Nicholas v. AGC civil claim. In March 2022, the litigation was placed in abeyance, in order to allow the parties to pursue an out of court legislative solution to end the ongoing impacts of enfranchisement. The Department held over 50 virtual engagement sessions, which included more than 300 participants, from August to December 2022. Further consultation with First Nations, Indigenous organizations who represent non-status First Nations, and other interested or impacted individuals, will be required to co-develop options to address the broader suite of remaining issues in the registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act. On January 6, 2025, Bill C-38 died on the Order Paper, following Parliament dissolution due to the election. Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: X: @GCIndigenous Facebook: @GCIndigenous Instagram: @gcindigenous Facebook: @GCIndigenousHealth SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
THE HONOURABLE MANDY GULL-MASTY APPLAUDS THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW BILL TO ADDRESS REMAINING INEQUITIES AND BAND MEMBERSHIP PROVISIONS OF THE INDIAN ACT
OTTAWA, UNCEDED ANISHINAABEG TERRITORY, ON, May 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced the introduction of Bill S-2 in the Senate, which addresses some of the remaining inequities in the registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act. Bill S-2 replaces former Bill C-38 which was introduced in December of 2022, but did not receive Royal Assent before Parliament was dissolved in March 2025. The introduction of this Bill early in the current legislative session reiterates the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation and to eliminating inequities that continue to impact First Nations individuals and families. Bill S-2 proposes amendments in four key areas: enfranchisement, voluntary deregistration, natal band reaffiliation and membership, and the removal of outdated and offensive language related to dependent persons. These changes respond directly to concerns raised by First Nations and individuals impacted by the Indian Act's residual inequities. If passed, the legislation would ensure that individuals with family histories of enfranchisement are entitled to registration under the Indian Act and extend entitlement to their descendants. Bill S-2 continues the legacy of former Bill C-38 which was developed from extensive engagement efforts, including over 50 virtual sessions held with First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and other partners. These discussions were instrumental in shaping the proposed amendments. It is estimated that approximately 3,500 individuals could become newly entitled to registration as a result of the changes in the first five years after it passes. Quotes "As Minister of Indigenous Services, eliminating gender-based inequities and colonial legacies in the Indian Act is a responsibility I take seriously. Today, we are taking an important step to address these long-awaited changes that continue to affect First Nations individuals and their families. This is one of the first bills proposed by this government because we understand the urgency of these measures for those impacted. I look forward to thoughtful study and discussions about this bill as it moves through the parliamentary process." The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty Minister of Indigenous Services Related products Backgrounder THE ROAD LEADING UP TO INTRODUCATION OF BILL S-2 Key Moments: In 2018 and 2019, there was a collaborative consultation process on reform with First Nations. Input was received from over 650 participants, representing 395 First Nation communities and/or a tribal councils. The conclusion was that Canada should work with First Nations to proactively address issues related to registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act. In 2019, An Act to amend the Indian Act in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux c. Canada (Procureur général), Bill S-3, came into full force, eliminating various sex-based inequities in the registration provisions of the Indian Act. In 2020 the Final Report to Parliament on the Review of S-3 acknowledged that residual inequities still remained in the Indian Act. These included the impacts of a family history of enfranchisement on entitlement to registration, an inequity that exists to this day. In June 2021, on behalf of 16 individual plaintiffs, Juristes Power Law launched a Charter challenge seeking to end the inequities and exclusion faced by families descended from forebears who were enfranchised under earlier versions of the Indian Act. This is referred to as the Nicholas v. AGC civil claim. In March 2022, the litigation was placed in abeyance, in order to allow the parties to pursue an out of court legislative solution to end the ongoing impacts of enfranchisement. The Department held over 50 virtual engagement sessions, which included more than 300 participants, from August to December 2022. Further consultation with First Nations, Indigenous organizations who represent non-status First Nations, and other interested or impacted individuals, will be required to co-develop options to address the broader suite of remaining issues in the registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act. On January 6, 2025, Bill C-38 died on the Order Paper, following Parliament dissolution due to the election. Associated links Former Bill C-38, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements) Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: X: @GCIndigenous Facebook: @GCIndigenous Instagram: @gcindigenousFacebook: @GCIndigenousHealth You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
