Background: Rights-Holder Information Sharing Initiative on the Second-Generation Cut-Off

Why this Video was Created

The Wolastoqey Tribal Council Inc. (WTCI) is sharing this video to provide an overview of a rights-holder information-sharing initiative led by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). For further clarity, WTCI is not leading this work, nor will we be involved in the consultations (phase 2).

This initiative addresses critical issues, such as the impacts of the “second-generation cut-off” under the Indian Act, which prevents many First Nations from passing entitlement on to their children due to the circumstances of their parentage. Additionally, ISC is examining the “double majority” voting thresholds to ensure that any legislative solutions do not obstruct First Nations’ control over their membership.

Understanding the Collaborative Process

The collaborative process is designed to address issues related to registration, band membership, and citizenship, emphasizing the need for Indigenous perspectives. It began with consultations on the impacts of Bill S-3 and has since evolved to address broader reforms:

  • Phase 1 focused on co-development and information sharing.
  • Phase 2 involves consultation activities based on feedback from Indigenous organizations.

To support community understanding, ISC distributed a Rights-Holders Information Sharing Kit to First Nations across Canada, detailing the second-generation cut-off and voting thresholds.

Timeline of Key Events

  • 2018-2019: Consultations on the implementation of Bill S-3 and registration issues.
  • June 2019: Claudette Dumont-Smith’s report recommended an in-depth consultation on the second-generation cut-off.
  • December 2020: Parliamentary report outlined next steps for addressing inequities.
  • June 2023: Canada committed to a consultation process in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
  • November 2023: ISC launched the Collaborative Process on the Second-Generation Cut-Off and Voting Thresholds, in partnership with 17 Indigenous organizations.
  • February 2024: ISC began distributing the Rights-Holders Information Kit.

Next Steps: Consultation and Participation

Get Informed with the Rights-Holders Information Kit
ISC has prepared a  Rights-Holders Information Sharing Kit to support First Nations in preparing for upcoming consultations. This kit includes comprehensive background information and community-specific data to highlight the second-generation cut-off’s impact on First Nations.

Upcoming Information Sessions

A virtual information session has been scheduled with ISC specifically for Wolastoqey members on December 4th from 3pm-4pm. Public virtual information sessions will be hosted by ISC as well and the dates can be found by visiting the  Information Sessions Page .These 60-minute sessions will cover the issues at stake and include a Q&A period. 

Assess Consultation Readiness

To ensure that communities are ready for deep consultation, First Nations are encouraged to complete a  Consultation Readiness Form.

Stay Updated

For more information, to join the distribution list, or to access further updates, contact ISC’s Registration Reform team at:  Reforme-de-linscription-Registration-Reform@sac-isc.gc.ca.