First Nations in Saskatchewan are hoping Bill S-2 will give them better control of their own nation’s citizenship.
The Bill, currently moving through legislation in Ottawa aims to end sex-based inequality in the Indian Act, but some critics say the bill does not go far enough.
Some want to add an amendment that would include ending second-generation cut offs for status.
At the recent FSIN Assembly in Yorkton, Chiefs passed a motion to establish a task force to lobby the government over the legislation.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron says First Nations identity shouldn’t be in the hands of the federal government.
“That’s not for government or any bureaucrat to decide who is and who isn’t a treaty rights holder,” he said in an interview with MBC Radio News. “That’s for each First Nation to make that call.”
Cameron says they have received verbal commitment from some ministers, but wants to see things in writing.
“We would like to hear the Prime Minister say to the Chiefs of Canada, we will assure each First Nation that you are in control of your own membership and who is a treaty rights holder and who isn’t.”
Bill S-2 is currently the subject of several senate committees occurring in Ottawa.