What is the Indian Act? Talk and Q&A with William Wadsworth
| April 12, 2026, marks the 150th anniversary of the Indian Act — one of the most consequential and controversial pieces of legislation in Canadian history. Join The Confluence and special guest William “Billy” Wadsworth, a member of the Kainai Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy and a prominent cultural and community leader, for an afternoon conversation that explores what the Indian Act is, how it has shaped life for First Nations peoples for generations, and why it remains deeply relevant today.
During this one-hour talk, Billy will unpack the origins and intentions of the Indian Act, how it has governed nearly every aspect of life for many First Nations communities, and why understanding it is essential to discussions about reconciliation and Indigenous sovereignty today. As we increasingly seek to decolonize how we understand history, examining the Indian Act — its legacy, impacts, and ongoing presence —offers an opportunity to confront the structures that shaped relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian state. The presentation will be followed by a moderated Q&A session, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with Billy and reflect on the questions the Indian Act raises for our present and future. |
