10 - Write a letter to your MP to support dismantling the Indian Act
This series of blog posts is inspired by the list 21 Things You Can Do to Change the World created by Bob Joseph in his book 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act. Focusing on actionable steps, these blog posts will take each step and provide links, contacts, and suggestion lists.
View all of our 21 Things posts here.
The next action we are highlighting isWrite a letter to your MP to support dismantling the Indian Act
The Indian Act was introduced in 1876 by the federal government. It’s official role is and was to administer Indian status, local First Nations governments and the management of reserve land. The Act was made up of prior colonial laws intended to destroy Indigenous culture and force assimilation to Western ideas of “civilized” society. You can read it in its entirety here. We highly suggest reading 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph, a quick read that explains just 21 (out of many more) issues with the Indian Act in plain, easy-to-understand language.
Many attempts have been made to amend the Indian Act. The White Paper in 1969 called for the repeal of the Indian Act, but it was rejected by most First Nations groups because of the lack of consultation with Indigenous people. The Indian Chiefs of Alberta published a response in 1970 called the Red Paper which called for a more gradual devolution. More attempts in the 1990s were also tabled because changes were suggested without any consultation. Most further amendments suggested removing some of the more discriminatory aspects of the Act. You can view a full timeline of amendments here.
The Indian Act: Can it be abolished?
It is agreed that the Indian Act is problematic and was constructed with a 19th century colonial view of how First Nations people should be treated. However, abolishing the Act is going to be very difficult, since many laws are entwined with many aspects of First Nations governance and daily life. So far what changes have been made are First Nations directed, for example the First Nations Land Management Act, passed in 1999.
What can you do to help? You can send a letter to your MP to state your desire for abolishing the Indian Act. When the many people speak up, change tends to happen. If MPs receive dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of letters about an issue they will be more likely to start a dialogue in parliament. This month’s Action is just that, using your power as a citizen to show your local MP that this is something they should prioritize, because it is something you care about.
Here are some general tips on how to write a letter to your MP. This particular guide recommends drafting your own unique letter, but if you would prefer a template, those exist also. This one is more specifically about the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s 94 Calls to Action but can be easily customized.
Remember, writing a letter to your MP requires no postage, so it’s an easy and free way to let the government know what’s important to you!
These blog posts are designed to be a starting point to help people toward the path of reconciliation and allyship. We encourage everyone to do their own reading and research. Want to learn more? Check out the Indigenous Relations Academy, which has books, training, and resources. You can also purchase 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act here.