📣 Senate Votes to Remove Second-Generation Cut-Off: A Significant Step for Mi’gmaq Families
Pabineau First Nation joins Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI) and the Mi’gmaq Chiefs of New Brunswick in acknowledging an historic and long-awaited development in federal law reform. On December 5th, Senators voted 63–0 in support of amendments to Bill S-2, which would eliminate the second-generation cut-off under the Indian Act and restore status eligibility to many individuals and families previously excluded.
For decades, the second-generation cut-off, the “unknown paternity” rule, and the 1985 registration provisions have separated families, restricted identity recognition, and caused deep, generational impacts across Mi’gmaq communities. Removing these discriminatory rules is an essential step toward correcting long-standing injustices and restoring the rights of many who were unfairly removed from the registry.
🔸 What the Amendments Would Do
If passed in the House of Commons, the amended Bill S-2 would:
Remove the second-generation cut-off rule
Eliminate the “unknown paternity” provision
Restore a one-parent rule for determining status
Reinstate eligibility for those who lost or were denied status under previous federal policies
These changes reflect decades of advocacy from First Nations leadership urging Canada to align registration laws with fairness, equality, and the principles of reconciliation.
🔸 MTI Chiefs Urge Immediate Action
MTI Chiefs recently wrote to Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, calling on the federal government to:
Remove the second-generation cut-off without delay
Eliminate all remaining 1985 cut-off provisions
End the “unknown paternity” rule
Address the impacts of increased registration on community resources, including fisheries and other sectors critical to Mi’gmaq livelihoods
Restoring status must be paired with meaningful support, ensuring Mi’gmaq communities have the resources, capacity, and authority to support all members.
🔸 A Message from Chief Terry Richardson
Pabineau First Nation Chief Terry Richardson emphasized the urgency of this moment:
“Bill S-2 has now passed the Senate, with only eight opposing votes — a strong signal that change is both needed and overdue. The next step is critical. The bill now moves to the House of Commons, and we need to make sure our MPs hear from us. Let us remind the government that our children matter, our families matter, and this legislation must pass without delay.”
🔸 Next Step: The House of Commons
While the Senate’s unanimous support is a powerful milestone, Bill S-2 is not yet law. The bill now moves to the House of Commons for debate and approval. MTI, Mi’gmaq leadership, and communities across the region are urging Members of Parliament to support these urgently needed amendments.
Legislative change, however, is only one part of the conversation. True progress requires long-term investment in First Nations as we build, strengthen, and implement our own citizenship and identity laws — laws defined by our people, our Nations, and our inherent rights.
Pabineau First Nation stands with Mi’gmaq leadership in advocating for justice, recognition, and restored rights for all Mi’gmaq families.