OTTAWA — The federal government has decided to change course on its proposed legislation to end sex-based discrimination in the Indian Act. “Something that First Nations women have been waiting for for nearly 150 years.”The Indian Act, which dates back to 1876, remains the primary law defining the relationship between the federal government and First Nations across the country. Its original definitions focused primarily on men, denying women many of the same privileges and powers as their male counterparts when it came to their Indian status. Once passed, the government amendment would ensure Indigenous women finally get the same ability to transmit their registered Indian status to family members, Dyck said. First Nations women can breathe a sign of relief, Dyck added.

Source: National Post November 07, 2017 22:13 UTC