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Indian Act - Amendment
Amendments have been made to the Indian Act throughout the life of the statute. In 1884, MacDonald and his government amended the Indian Act, making it illegal to encourage or participate in the Potlatch ceremony. This prohibition in the Indian Act became known as the Potlatch Law. -
Indian Act - Passed Legislation
Parliament enacted “an Act to amend and consolidate the laws respecting Indians,” commonly known as the Indian Act, in 1876. This legislation consolidated earlier colonial Acts dealing with First Nations. The primary goal of the Act was to encourage assimilation. It was also supposed to protect and defend First Nations people from those who would do violence against their persons, goods or possessions. The Act includes provisions that regulate membership, taxation, education, and land use, and