Worried by an influx of people from other bands, the Moose Cree First Nation has amended its membership code to make it harder to join the band.
From now on, anyone who gets married to a Moose Cree band member doesn’t automatically become one too. Anyone applying for membership will have to go through a committee.
“The amendments suggested by the membership are to tighten the loopholes that allow people to become First Nations members,” said Chief Ernest Beck.
The band has seen more people applying for membership from other communities. They include people who want to transfer from other First Nations or marry local band members. There is also an increase of new Indians through reinstatements under Bill C-31.
Anyone applying for membership under Bill C-31 after June 1987 is affected. Bill C-31, enacted in 1985, ended sexual discrimination in the Indian Act and returned Indian status to Native women (and their children) who married non-Natives.
“The First Nations across Canada have the right to establish their own membership codes based on unique cultural relevance to their First Nation,” said Chief Beck.
Band members have grown concerned about protecting their resources. This concern is being echoed by other bands across Canada which charge that Ottawa isn’t providing sufficient funding to cover increased housing costs and benefits for their growing reserve populations. The shortfall in funds is causing serious conflict.
The amendments will limit the resources spent on non-band members. For example, non-members of the band living on the reserve will no longer get welfare from the band, and have to go to the Moosonee welfare office.
“The intent is to be able to choose which people would best be suited to become part of our membership,” said Chief Beck. Applications for membership will go before a leadership committee which will make recommendations to the Chief and Council for the final decision.
