OFNYPC Announces Participation in Indigenous Advisory Process as Part of Broader Indian Act Reforms

(Toronto, Ontario — November 30, 2023) The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) has issued the following statement to announce its participation in the Indigenous Advisory Process (IAP)’s Women and Youth Caucus as part of broader Indian Act reforms:

“We extend our gratitude to Minister Hajdu for inviting the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) to be part of the Indigenous Advisory Process. The voice of First Nations youth is essential to the success of this process. We are not only First Nations rights-holders, but the future and continuation of our nations. The OFNYPC is committed to engaging with the youth from our 133 First Nations to ensure their voices are heard. Historically, youth have not had a say in First Nations membership. When we are starting families we should not have to worry about whether our children will be status or not, yet this is a common cause of concern. We look forward to and encourage youth to share their stories and experiences with us to help shape how our future will look, and to move forward from the harmful Indian Act policies.”

• OFNYPC Youth Representative Tehya Quachegan

A recommendation was made in 2018-2019 to address the second-generation cut-off issue, which has significant impacts on First Nations families. Bill C-38, introduced in December 2022, aims to amend the Indian Act based on First Nations’ input. Youth involvement is crucial to ensure that gender-based analysis and unique perspectives are incorporated into the Indigenous Advisory Process. This is especially so regarding the second- generation cut-off issue, which affects the future of First Nations’ youth and our entitlement rights.

On November 23, 2023, during the Fall Chiefs Assembly (FCA), the Ontario Chiefs-in-Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to support the OFNYPC and the Chiefs of Ontario Youth Sector’s participation in the Indigenous Advisory Process. The resolution was introduced by Councillor Marla Monague (proxy) of Beausoleil First Nation, and Ogimaa Kwe Rachel Manitowabi of Wiikwemkong Unceded Territory.

Through funding provided by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to support the OFNYPC’s participation in the Indigenous Advisory Process, there will be engagement opportunities for First Nations youth in Ontario to provide their input and perspectives into the broader reform of the Indian Act.

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The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) is the official youth voice for the 133 First Nations in Ontario.

Media Contact:

Lance Copegog

Chiefs of Ontario

Lance.Copegog@coo.org

416-597-1266

NT4