Historical treaties signed with the Crown (Canada) as well as
other old and new legislation guarantee certain rights and
benefits to Aboriginal people living in Canada. Aboriginal
rights are also protected in Canada's Constitution. Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) is responsible
for fulfilling the Government of Canada's obligations and
commitments to First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The Department
also deals with specific rights and benefits for First Nation
people such as "Indian Status", and, in some cases, managing
band moneys or individual estates. The Honourable John Duncan,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development,
announced on June 17, 2011 that any decisions made or actions
taken by band councils and the federal government, made under or
pursuant to the Indian Act , would now be subject to the
Canadian Human Rights Act . This applied immediately to the
federal government with the passage of An Act to Amend the
Canadian Human Rights Act in June 2008. The Departme