There are 122 sections, and insults, theft, and imprisonment begins at the beginning . . . . "Section 2 (1) (Definitions) In this Act, "band" means a body of Indians (a) for whose use and benefit in common, lands, the legal title to which is . . . . " under the aegis not of the First Nation people).
"The Indian Act seems out of step with the bulk of Canadian law. It singles out a segment of society -- largely on the basis of race -- removes much of their land and property from the commercial mainstream and gives the Minister of Indian & Northern Affairs, and other government officials, a degree of discretion that is not only intrusive but frequently offensive," says Bill Henderson.
"The Indian Act seems out of step with the bulk of Canadian law. It singles out a segment of society -- largely on the basis of race -- removes much of their land and property from the commercial mainstream and gives the Minister of Indian & Northern Affairs, and other government officials, a degree of discretion that is not only intrusive but frequently offensive," says Bill Henderson.
Bill says the IA "removes much of their land and property from the commercial mainstream" and this is very important, because how many Canadians realize that 60 percent or more of Canadian law is commercial law? Therefore, First Nations people have NO access to 60 to 70 percent of the law of Canada! It seems to me that when a group has no access to legal recourse, they are deprived the rights enjoyed by the rest of the population.
SEE Bill Henderson`s Annotated Indian Act HERE
