Page 68 - Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

Features
• Section 91(24) assigned responsibility for “Indians and lands
reserved for Indians” to the federal government.

Implication for First Nations Peoples
• The government could make laws concerning “Indians” and
their rights, status, and management of their lands.

• No financial responsibility was assigned for “Indians.”

3. Indian Act 1876

This act still governs the operation of reserve life in terms of
government, economy, land use, and the rights and status of
Indian people, but it has been amended over time.

In fact, some First Nations have made agreements removing
them from many of the codes in the Indian Act. Even so, the
Indian Act remains a big issue between all First Nations and the
government of Canada.

Historical Perspective

The Indian Act defines federal responsibilities and powers to
govern “Indians and lands reserved for Indians” under the British
North America Act (BNA).

Features

The Indian Act codifies certain rights and obligations of Status
“Indians.” It defines “Indians” (status) and provides for their
registration. It also regulates
• possession of reserve land

• management of reserve lands
• surrenders
• estates

• wills
• band council powers

• taxation
• liquor use
• education

66 Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

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