SCO Calls for Full End to Second-Generation Cut-Off and Respect for First Nations’ Jurisdiction

Press Release

December 9, 2025

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) attended a Senate sitting last week as Senator Paul Prosper presented amendments to Bill S-2: An Act to Amend the Indian Act in the second reading. The debate of Bill S-2 carries profound implications for First Nations identity, belonging, and sovereignty.

The Assembly of First Nations passed a pivotal resolution—motioned by Chief Gordon Bluesky of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation—on December 4, that calls for the elimination of the second-generation cut-off in Bill S-2 and its replacement with a one-parent rule that must be balanced with the recognition of the rights that First Nations have to determine their own processes and pathways of belonging. SCO strongly supports this direction and urges the Senate to ensure Bill S-2 reflects this clear mandate from First Nations across the country.

SCO has been instrumental in advancing the call to end the second-generation cut-off, including through advocacy at the United Nations, where Chief Bunn helped elevate the issue to international attention and reinforced the inherent rights of First Nations to define their own citizens.

Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation Chief Tréchelle Bunn emphasized the importance of both national and international advocacy. She states: “Ending the second-generation cut-off is not just a legislative change—it is a human rights issue. At the United Nations, we made it clear that First Nations have the inherent right to define belonging in our own ways. The one-parent rule must support us, not replace us, as we restore our own laws, traditions, and pathways of citizenship.”

“The second-generation cut-off is a continuation of colonial control over our families, our identities, and our future,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “SCO was in the Senate chamber to make it unmistakably clear: First Nations—not Canada—have the inherent right to determine who we are. Bill S-2 must fully eliminate discriminatory policies that legislate our people out of existence.”

SCO has consistently called for:

• the full removal of the second-generation cut-off and its replacement with a one-parent rule that respects First Nations’ own citizenship processes;
• restoration of citizenship determination to First Nations governments; and,
• an immediate end to federal legislation that defines who “counts” as First Nations.

“Our Nations have spoken clearly—citizenship belongs with us, not with Ottawa,” said Chief Cameron Catcheway of Skownan First Nation. “We came to the Senate to ensure that the voices of our Elders, youth, and families were present in this crucial debate.”

“As First Nations, we have never surrendered the right to determine our own citizens,” said Chief Gordon Bluesky of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. “The second-generation cut-off has divided families and diminished our sovereignty for far too long. Bill S-2 must respect our inherent jurisdiction and put an end to policies that legislate our people out of existence.”

“Bill S-2 is only a beginning,” added said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “True reconciliation means returning full control of citizenship to First Nations governments. This is about correcting generations of harm caused by the Indian Act and restoring our inherent rights.”

SCO calls on Senators and federal officials to work in true partnership with First Nations leadership as Bill S-2 advances. Ending the second-generation cut-off is a necessary step toward repairing generations of harm, restoring rightful jurisdiction, and ensuring that future legislative reforms uphold First Nations sovereignty and identity.

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

For media inquiries:

Email: media@scoinc.mb.ca

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