Should the Indian Act Be Amended to Fix Remaining Registration Inequities?

Official title: Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements)

open Legislation Indigenous & Northern Justice & Rights
Bill S-2 proposes changes to who qualifies for Indian status under the Indian Act. Previous amendments didn't fully fix sex-based discrimination in how status is passed down through generations. This bill aims to address those remaining gaps and give more people the right to register.

Why This Matters

Were you or your ancestors denied Indian status because of outdated rules? This bill could change that. Thousands of Indigenous people lost status rights due to sex discrimination in the Indian Act. If you've been affected—or know someone who has—this directly impacts your family's legal recognition and access to benefits.

What Could Change

If passed, more Indigenous people could qualify for Indian status registration. The bill addresses discrimination that previous reforms like Bill C-31 and Bill S-3 didn't fully fix. Band membership rules and access to treaty rights could expand for affected families.

Key Issues

  • Should remaining sex-based discrimination in Indian Act registration be eliminated?
  • How should new registration entitlements be implemented?
  • What impact will expanded registration have on band membership?

How to Participate

  1. Read the text of Bill S-2 to understand the proposed changes to Indian Act registration.
  2. Review the Library of Parliament legislative summary for background analysis.
  3. Contact your Member of Parliament to share your views as the bill is now at second reading in the House of Commons.

Key Documents