How the Indian Act has impacted the lives of one Anishinaabe family – CBC

Apr 09, 2026

Jeanette Corbiere Lavell fought sex discrimination in the act

Jeanette Corbiere Lavell still remembers when First Nations people got the right to vote in 1960 without losing their Indian status.

And she remembers then Liberal leader Lester B. Pearson arrived by bush plane to her community, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, campaigning for their vote.

The Indian Act, a federal piece of legislation, has dictated the lives of First Nations people for 150 years, including Indian status, the reserve system, and attendance at residential schools.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indian-act-jeanette-corbiere-lavell-9.7156519