Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has described the Indian Act as a racist and outdated piece of legislation and expressed openness to either reforming or repealing it. The comments came in response to a proposal from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and several First Nations leaders who called for the abolition of the act during a meeting with Carney and provincial premiers on Monday.

The Indian Act, originally enacted by Parliament in 1876, remains the principal federal statute governing the relationship between the Canadian government and First Nations. It defines key elements such as Indigenous identity and the legal framework for federal oversight of First Nations communities.

Carney emphasized that any changes would be part of a broader effort to modernize and improve the federal government’s relationship with Indigenous peoples. He also stressed that reform or repeal would proceed only in close collaboration with Indigenous communities to ensure their needs and perspectives are fully respected.

Premier Kinew acknowledged that dismantling the Indian Act would be a complex, multiyear undertaking given its deep roots and wide-ranging implications. The proposal reignites ongoing debates about the act’s relevance and the path forward in addressing Indigenous rights and governance in Canada.

Speaking in French during his remarks, Carney used the term “racist” to characterize the act, highlighting longstanding criticisms of its paternalistic and discriminatory nature. The government’s willingness to engage in discussions about major legislative changes marks a significant development in contemporary Indigenous-federal relations.