Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will instruct his ministers to work with First Nations to move Canada beyond the Indian Act — which could mean reforming it or abolishing it altogether.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with First Nations chiefs and premiers in Ottawa today, Carney said the elimination of the Indian Act has been sought by many First Nations leaders, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.
Earlier in the day, Kinew told reporters Canada needs a relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the government “that reflects who Indigenous people are as Canadians.”
Carney said “moving beyond” the Indian Act could involve abolition or reform.
But he said it would only happen in partnership with First Nations leadership.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said there are some protections in the act for Indigenous Peoples and First Nations should be able to decide how to move forward.
— With files from Nick Murray
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2026.