April 17, 2007
Background on Indian Affairs Initiative on Matrimonial Real Property On-Reserve

The Issue:

On June 21, 2006, the Minister of Indian Affairs, Jim Prentice, announced a federal government initiative on Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) on-reserve. The initiative involves consultations with First Nations and other parties.

The Minister made the announcement with the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). NWAC was to consult specifically with First Nations women living on- and off-reserve. The AFN was to consult with First Nations leadership and First Nations citizens living on- and off-reserve (including youth and Elders). The Minister appointed Wendy Grant-John to act as his Special Representative on this issue.

The timetable for the consultations and outcomes was established by the Minister as follows:

• Planning & Development of Consultations: June to September 2006
• Federal Consultations/AFN Regional Dialogue: October to December 2006
• Consensus Building: January to March 2007
• Legislation Tabled: April/May 2007

The purpose of this backgrounder is to provide some information on the key issues related to MRP, as well as the position of the Chiefs of Ontario.