Which landmark legislation was passed in 1985 to protect Indigenous land rights?

The Comprehensive Land Claims Policy, passed in 1985, was a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the land rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This policy established a framework for negotiating land claims and recognizing the rights of Indigenous communities who had not signed treaties, thereby acknowledging historical injustices and facilitating the return of land to these communities.

Prior to this policy, the Indian Act primarily governed Indigenous affairs but did not adequately address land rights or the complexities surrounding Indigenous claims to land. Similarly, the Métis Rights Act, while important, focused specifically on the rights of the Métis people rather than providing a broad framework for land claims across various Indigenous groups. The Treaty of Niagara, which dates back to 1764, established relationships and agreements between Indigenous nations and the British Crown but is not contemporary legislation pertaining to land rights.

The passage of the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy represented a shift towards recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and securing their rights to land, marking an important step in the ongoing process of reconciliation and justice for Indigenous peoples in Canada.