Further changes are made to the Indian Act

March 28, 2017

David Thomas, Six Nations Reserve, Ontario, 1951, Marius Barbeau. Canadian Museum of History, Photo Archives, J9892

1951

In 1951, significant revisions to the Indian Act eliminated bans on potlatching and other traditional ritual and spiritual practices, and on the retention of legal counsel by Aboriginal organizations. However, discriminatory provisions mandating the loss of Indian status for Indian women marrying non-Indian status spouses remained. In the same year, the North American Indian Club was founded in Toronto, heralding the start of the contemporary urban Aboriginal friendship centre movement.

Each day for 150 days leading up to the opening of the Canadian History Hall, we’re presenting one moment among the many that have shaped our country. Discover more of Canada’s significant historical events in the new Canadian History Hall, opening July 1, 2017.