“There are over 170 active discussion tables across the country where the federal government is working with Indigenous partners to conclude modern treaties, self-government agreements, and other constructive arrangements that support Indigenous Peoples to exercise their rights in areas such as education, child and family services, land and resource management, health, justice, and language and culture. Since 2017, Canada has signed 33 new rights-based reconciliation agreements with Indigenous partners, including: The Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement (October 1, 2022), the first of its kind in Ontario, which recognizes Anishinabek control over the governance and law-making powers of signatory First Nations. A Self-Government Treaty Recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate (May 2, 2023), which recognizes that Whitecap Dakota Nation has jurisdiction and law-making powers, facilitates the creation of economic opportunities, and improves community well-being for its members. The Nang K̲’uula • Nang K̲’úulaas Recognition Agreement (July 18, 2023), which recognizes the Haida Nation as the holder of Haida title and rights, and the Council of Haida Nation as the governing body of the Haida Nation. While these agreements take significant steps towards affirming and implementing Indigenous rights, there is still important work to do. To advance rights-based discussions, Budget 2024 proposes to provide $96.4 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. This funding would ensure that Indigenous communities can fully participate in the negotiation process.”

“In December 2022, the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act received Royal Assent, building on the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management’s 25-year record of empowering First Nations to exercise their jurisdiction by opting out of Indian Act provisions related to land management.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for that good question. […] As for his question on the Indian Act, I am prepared to sit down with the member, but also with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to try to find a way that makes sense in order to work first with the first nations on replacing the Indian Act with something better.”