The Indian Act was a horrible agreement signed at the point of confederation.  Ignorant of other people’s culture, the Englishman wanted everyone to be the same and this act forced everyone to do so.  Currently, in a time of acceptance and openness to other cultures, the native culture is accepted throughout Canada.  Because of this, the natives want this act to be abolished and everyone in Canada to be treated the same.  Though there are many restrictions, there are many pros that do come with this: no taxes, free schooling, and free healthcare.

In most times, there is a lot of give by the government and nothing given up by the First Nations.  Status First Nations do not pay tax as a return for the hatred that was shown towards them many years ago.  Since this is the case, all the public amenities provided by the government are free.  Regular citizens can pay up to 40% of their income in taxes, which goes towards healthcare, roads, public schooling and government worker wages. By getting rid of the Indian Act, First Nations will be treated equally, just as they are now. However, this will also force them to give up all the special treatment they are given.

Throwing the Indian Act in the Garbage

Discrimination has been going on throughout the world since the beginning of time and it has been a horrible occurrence. However, the First Nations are not the only ones to be targeted.  During World War II, the Japanese were forced to go into camps and all their possessions were taken away.  Compensation for these items were given back.  Once it was done, that was the end of the discussion.  East Indians were discriminated when many of them came to Canada and have had no compensation for their struggle.  Jewish people were killed in the masses during World War II and were enslaved in Egypt thousands of years ago.  Yes, they have been given some compensation and the US army helps them, but this is a strategic offering because Israel is located to an oil hotspot.  Black people from Africa were taken by the Whiteman and brought to America as slaves.  For their struggles, they have been given nothing in return.  All four of these examples have been given compensation or nothing at all, but one thing in common is that there is not a constant argument with governments to be given more.

Getting rid of the Indian Act is an agreement that should be erased.  However, with this, there will have to be some things given up: no taxes, free schooling, and maybe even property tax having to be paid on their land.  In the end, Canada is run by the government and the First Nations are given a substantial amount of money, weather it is direct, (funding) or indirect (no taxes, free schooling etc…)

News Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/background-the-indian-act-1.1056988

Picture Source: http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/4469095.jpg