Members of the Caldwell First Nation gathered on Parliament Hill Thursday to urge the government to end enfranchisement and second-generation cutoff policies.
Chief Nikki van Oirschot said the policies introduced under the Indian Act create division, inequality, and maintain discriminatory practices.
"We can exercise authority over our membership and we do as Caldwell First Nation but the divide is created by the federal policy that acknowledges Indian Status. That is the key issue for us. Because although we may be able to recognize our own people under Section 10, it still doesn't recognize them federally," said Chief van Oirschot. "So they are divided from the rest of the community in terms of post-secondary supports, point of sale tax exemption, non-insured health benefits, and other programs and services offered at the community level and beyond it blocks them from being able to access that."
Community member Theresa Lewis said that inequality has negative effects for her and her children.
"The continued delays have negative effects on our enfranchised family. Each day that passes, you are causing more loss of culture and language, disconnect from their family, and you are enforcing the feeling that they don't matter," said Lewis.
Bill S-2 was introduced in the Senate on May 29, 2025. The Bill proposes changes to the Indian Act, including the introduction of a single-parent rule and ensuring entitlement to registration is transmitted the same way for people with a family history of enfranchisement as it is for those without.
Both the House of Commons and the Senate need to approve the bill before it comes into effect.
