The ‘Zero-In-Ten” Plan Ending the Indian Act and Reserve System

It is no secret that the Indian Act is universally reviled among Indigenous leaders and activists, yet none of them really have come up with a realistic plan to repeal […]
Published on April 11, 2020

It is no secret that the Indian Act is universally reviled among Indigenous leaders and activists,
yet none of them really have come up with a realistic plan to repeal or move away from it. There
have been some attempts to remove major parts of the legislation over the years, but they
have all ended in failure. The fact of the matter is that the Indian Act and the reserve system
it created is all that Indigenous communities have known for almost 150 years. Consequently,
it has deep roots in the psyche of Indigenous peoples and the Canadian public, and is the main
paradigm through which we view Indigenous affairs.

This paper seeks to present a realistic plan for First Nations to move out from the Indian Act
over a long period of time. This so-called “Zero-in-Ten” plan is to create a situation where zero
provisions of the Indian Act are applicable to First Nation communities in 10 years.

Read Entire Policy Series Paper 229 Here

Featured News

MORE NEWS

Why Canada Still Deserves A Cheer

Why Canada Still Deserves A Cheer

Senior Fellow Gerry Bowler says it’s time to stop apologizing and start celebrating. Canada has pioneered peace, democracy, and invention—from insulin to instant replay—while offering a better path on Indigenous relations than most of the world. So why the shame? Bowler urges Canadians to stand tall this Dominion Day and reclaim their pride.

Court Ruling On Indigenous Title Threatens Private Property Rights

Court Ruling On Indigenous Title Threatens Private Property Rights

Joseph Quesnel examines the growing conflict between Indigenous rights and private property ownership. Using the 2024 dispute between the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and the Town of South Bruce Peninsula as a case study, he warns that governments and Indigenous groups must collaborate before court cases escalate. Quesnel calls for universal rules on land ownership to prevent confusion and proposes constitutionalizing property rights to secure fair resolution. Click to read more on how this legal battle could reshape Canada’s property landscape.