“It is time to change this racist rule, to ensure future generations can access what they need to better their lives. They must have status to access their rights as First Nations people, such as harvesting rights and education funding.” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 17, 2024
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB —Today the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) joined in a growing call to make significant changes to the federal policy known as the second-generation cut-off. The second-generation cut-off prevents many First Nations people with status under the Indian Act from passing entitlement on to their children and grandchildren if they chose a non-status partner.
“This policy is based in systemic racism, and it was designed to eventually disconnect our peoples from their cultures, lands, and Nations,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Like its predecessor, the federal Indian Act, this continues to negatively impact all First Nations, especially when it comes to our younger citizens accessing Treaty negotiated federal health and education benefits.”
The second-generation cut-off or two parent rule was introduced by the federal government in 1985.The policy states that after two consecutive generations of parents where one does not have ‘Indian’ status, the third generation is no longer entitled to registration. The rule is not fair as it does not consider individual situations or family circumstances and perpetuates Canada’s erasure of First Nations peoples.
SCO is calling on the federal government to replace the second-generation cutoff with a one-parent rule, which is the standard for transmission of Canadian citizenship.
“What’s good for non-Indigenous Canadians, should be the minimum standard for the First Peoples of this land especially when it comes to determining who we are,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “I am calling on our federal Treaty partner to commit to meaningful consultation and cooperation on this matter and reverse a policy that will only lead to the further loss of status rights for our descendants.”
According to the government of Canada, the second-generation cut-off impacts all First Nation communities at various times and in varying degrees to the point that some will not have any children eligible for Indian status within the next generation.
“This outdated and misguided policy is just the latest chapter in the systemic genocide that we have been enduring for generations,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “I call on Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to work with us and replace the second-generation cut-off rule with a mechanism that addresses the inequity it has caused.”
SCO calls on the federal government to meaningfully consult with us as one of the largest First Nation aggregates in Canada.
SCO offers free in-person guidance to help fill in paperwork to apply for registration on the Indian Register and to renew, replace, or obtain a Status Card. Last year the SCO Status Card and ID program supported more than 7,750 First Nation citizens. It is critical for all who qualify to register to protect the status of your children and future generations.
Inquiries (and appointments) regarding Applications for Registration on the Indian Register can be made by calling 204-946-1869, toll free at 1-866-876-9701, or email statuscard@scoinc.mb.ca
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions
through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca