Constitution Act 1867
  • The Constitution Act of 1867 to 1982 (which was previously the British North America Act) is known for many things such as creating the Canadian Confederation comprising of four provinces, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia and later creating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which marked Canada's independence from Britain.
  • However, one of the most significant aspects of the Constitution Act (when it was revised in 1982) was the recognition of Indigenous rights.
  • These rights meant that there are designated rights and treaty rights set out for Indigenous peoples, which can include land for Indigenous peoples (reserves), annual payments (annuities), hunting and fishing rights, funding for schools and teachers on reserves, and one-time benefits.
Citation

Constitution Act, Statutes of Canada 1867, 30 & 31 Victoria, c.3 (U.K.). https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/CONST/FullText.html

Further Readings

For more information on the Constitution Act: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/transparency/committees/inan-jan-28-2021/inan-section-35-consitution-act-1982-background-jan-28-2021.html
& https://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/constitution_act_1982_section_35/

Policy Sub-Topic
Legislation, Land Claims and Self-Government (Indigenous Peoples)
Policy Type
Federal Statute

X

RECENT POSTS
CATEGORIES