First of all, the longer we wait, the more our people will be impacted, so we must move forward without hesitation. First nations have been consulted on this question of status and citizenship since at least 1985. We're in this position because Indian status has been a reality in first nations communities since at least 1850. It is the federal government that legislated indigenous identity in the first place, and the federal government must take responsibility for discrimination under the legislation. First nations are ready to move forward in a good way and find a good path together, so there is no excuse for further delays.
First nations also agree that the second-generation cut-off should be removed. Solutions to this must be adequately co-developed with first nations rights holders. Some have voiced that the one-parent rule could be a potential option.
The AFN also urges Canada to prioritize first nations' perspectives and solutions on the second-generation cut-off. While the current indigenous advisory process led by ISC is an important step, the real solution will come from Canada creating multiple options and pathways for first nations rights holders to assert their laws and jurisdictions.
A solution to implement the changes to the Indian Act to remove the second-generation cut-off rule is long overdue. There will be an adjustment period in terms of the impact on first nations communities, but delaying that process and furthering discrimination within the Indian Act isn't doing any good.
The lack of resources within communities is a serious concern, but it cannot be used as an excuse to just pass the buck. Expanding entitlement without ensuring predictable, sustainable funding risks worsening critical gaps in housing, health and infrastructure, so recognition must be matched by these resources.