OTTAWA, ON-Canada's government remains committed to making legal and policy reforms happen for Indigenous peoples, stated the Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould as she addressed the First Nations "Expanding the Circle" conference in Ottawa on February 15, 2017.

"Let me say this: our commitment is as strong as ever," Wilson-Raybould told the assembly. "Our prime minister has made it very clear that we need an all-of-government approach based on recognition of Indigenous peoples and their rights to address the colonial legacy in a substantive and meaningful way that will be transformative."

The minister pointed out the Indian Act, which she called a significant barrier preventing First Nations from developing their reserve economies as well as their ability to engage with businesses and industries off-reserve.

In 1876, Parliament passed the Indian Act, which gives the federal government enormous power to control First Nations people on reserves. The minister said she is looking to Indigenous communities to tell her and the government how to govern themselves and define who they are.

"Clearly, if we want to unlock our collective social, cultural and economic potential, it is needed," the minister stated. First Nations and Canada's economy are intertwined, noting it is essential to undertake the work of reconciliation together.