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Kinew calls on Carney to abolish the Indian Act at meeting with chiefs

  • By Alessia Passafiume and Kyle Duggan

  • Canadian Press

  • October 26, 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney and National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak participate in a First Nations and First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa, on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA -- Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says he's told Prime Minister Mark Carney that Canada should abolish the Indian Act.

Kinew said today he made the comment during a meeting in Ottawa with Carney, premiers and First Nations chiefs.

Speaking with reporters during a midday break in the meeting, Kinew held up his status card, which he said identifies him as an "Indian within the meaning of the Indian Act."

He said Canada should no longer have a "race-based form of identification."

He said the Indian Act has run its course and Canada needs a more modern approach.

Carney and most premiers are meeting today with chiefs from the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa for a discussion AFN Grand Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says is intended to help build prosperity for coming generations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2026.