QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Indigenous Services
Entitlement to Indian Registration
May 7, 2026
Thank you for talking about the importance of the links to the community and the supports in the community.
This morning, when I was at the House committee, I noticed that there was much discussion about what’s going to happen with Bill S-2.
Can you confirm that your community actually has a one-parent rule that assists those individuals in your community to be able to be part of the community and enjoy the very services and supports that you just discussed?
Actually, I can’t because my nation has chosen to undertake a number of criteria. We do have the link to what your lineage is. You have to demonstrate that you have a connection to the community. We also have a residency rule that requires members to be acknowledged by their community. It is not a perfect model, but it is the one that my nation chose to undertake.
I want to be clear that with Bill S-2, I do think that one of the initiatives that we have to speak to across the country is the distinctive nature of each First Nation and their relationship to their members. We have to show respect in this space. We need to look forward and move beyond what status speaks to. Yes, status is something that offers you access to services. Being First Nations is defined by your relationship to your community, to your territory, to your language, to —
Thank you, minister.
