On-Reserve Matrimonial Property Dialogue Continues

On-Reserve Matrimonial Property Dialogue Continues

Friday, September 29, 2006 at 14:52

The federal government has launched the second phase of a national consultation process regarding matrimonial property rights on reserves.

Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice was accompanied by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine and Native Women’s Association of Canada President Beverley Jacobs when he made the announcement this morning in Ottawa.

Consultation and dialogue sessions will take place in communities across the country until January, at which time ministerial representative and former Musqueam chief Wendy Grand-John will present a final report with recommendations to Prentice.

Currently, when there is a breakdown of a marriage or a common law relationship on reserve, there is no legal provision for an equitable division of the family home and the land on which it is situated.

Prentice says the present situation is unacceptable and has had a devastating impact on a number of First Nations families, especially women and children.

Fontaine says the situation needs First Nations solutions that are based on tradition and accommodate human rights.