Bill C-31

Definition

Bill C-31, passed in 1985, was an important piece of Canadian legislation that aimed to amend the Indian Act, specifically addressing the discriminatory provisions regarding the status of Indigenous women and their children. This bill was significant in its efforts to eliminate gender-based discrimination and restore Indian status to individuals who had lost it due to marriage to non-Indigenous persons. The impact of Bill C-31 is still felt today, as it has shaped the conversation around Indigenous rights and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bill C-31 allowed women who had lost their Indian status by marrying non-Indigenous men to regain their status, addressing historical gender discrimination in the Indian Act.
2. The bill also provided for the reinstatement of status for their children, thereby impacting family connections and community ties.
3. While Bill C-31 was intended to promote equality, it led to further complications regarding registration, as some individuals were still excluded based on new criteria.
4. The legislation prompted many Indigenous communities to establish their own membership codes, which sometimes led to disputes over who qualifies for membership.
5. Bill C-31 is viewed as a step towards recognizing Indigenous women's rights but also highlighted ongoing challenges related to identity and belonging within Indigenous communities.

Review Questions

• How did Bill C-31 address gender discrimination in the Indian Act, and what were its immediate effects on Indigenous women?
  • Bill C-31 specifically aimed to eliminate gender discrimination by allowing Indigenous women who had lost their status through marriage to non-Indigenous men to regain it. This legislative change had immediate effects as it restored status not only to these women but also to their children. This was significant because it began to rectify the historical injustices faced by Indigenous women and helped to strengthen family and community ties that had been fractured due to discriminatory laws.
• What were some challenges or complications that arose from the implementation of Bill C-31 in Indigenous communities?
  • The implementation of Bill C-31 led to several challenges within Indigenous communities, primarily regarding registration and membership criteria. Many communities established their own membership codes, which sometimes resulted in disputes over who could be considered a member. Additionally, the new criteria created complexities as some individuals remained excluded from recognition despite the intentions of the bill, highlighting ongoing tensions around identity and belonging.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Bill C-31 on Indigenous identity and rights in Canada, considering both its successes and shortcomings.
  • The long-term implications of Bill C-31 have been mixed; while it was a significant step toward acknowledging Indigenous women's rights and rectifying historical injustices, it also introduced new challenges regarding identity within Indigenous communities. On one hand, it allowed many women and their children to regain status and reconnect with their heritage. On the other hand, it sparked debates over membership definitions and led some individuals to feel alienated due to varying community criteria. Thus, while Bill C-31 laid important groundwork for advancing Indigenous rights in Canada, it also revealed that further efforts are needed to address the complex issues surrounding identity, belonging, and equality within Indigenous populations.

Related terms

Indian Act:

The Indian Act is a Canadian federal law that governs the relationship between the government and First Nations peoples, outlining their rights and responsibilities.

Indigenous Rights: Indigenous rights refer to the collective rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain their cultural practices, land, and self-determination.

Status Indian: A Status Indian is a person recognized under the Indian Act as a member of a First Nation or band, which grants them certain rights and benefits.