“Full Citizenship For All Indians,” British Daily Whig. March 9, 1920. Page 06. --- New Federal Act Calls For Compulsory Enfranchisement and Education --- Ottawa, March 9. - To bring the Indian, to mature citizenship is the object of the new Indian act to be placed before parliament this session by Hon. Arthur Meighen. It provides for the evolution of the Indians from wards of the crown to responsible and independent citizens by compulsory enfranchisement and compulsory education. Both in civil life and in military effort the Indian has shown capacity for responsible citizenship and the present act will release him from hampering tribal control, and permit his acquirement of equality and independence. [AL: The Indian Act was amended in 1920 to make it mandatory for Aboriginal parents to send their children to Indian residential school. (Indian Act, 1920 s.10(1)) It was also amended to allow the Department of Indian Affairs to ban hereditary rule of bands. Further amended to allow for the involuntary enfranchisement (and loss of treaty rights) of any status Indian considered fit by the Department of Indian Affairs, without the possession of land previously required for those living off reserve.]
