Greens say they’ll help dismantle Indian Act

COWICHAN BAY — A Green government would create a framework for Indigenous communities to opt out of the Indian Act as part of its strategy for reconciliation, party leader Elizabeth May said Saturday.

May said dismantling what she calls the “racist and oppressive” Indian Act, the law that defines much of the relationship between the federal government and First Nations, will be a complex process.

“It’s time to end the era of colonial oppression and genuinely support Indigenous Peoples’ work and efforts toward self-determination so no one is left behind or excluded from their rightful heritage,” May said in a statement.

The Indian Act has been extremely controversial and there is intense, continuing discussion on how to move past its limitations.

Indigenous peoples must have a deciding and leading role in that process, May said.

Should her party form government, the Green leader said she would also introduce legislation to implement calls to action of both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

A Green government would also enshrine the tenets of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law.

In her announcement May also endorsed the election agenda of the Assembly of First Nations, which includes measures on the environment, reconciliation and a broad range of other issues.

May was speaking in Cowichan Bay, campaigning with Green candidate Lydia Hwitsum in a Vancouver Island riding neighbouring her own seat. She was also scheduled to participate in an all-candidates debate for her riding.

The Greens are hoping for a breakthrough on the Island, and recent polls suggest they may be set to win several of the area’s seven seats.