As Canada’s leaders openly debate abolishing the Indian Act in its 150th year, one question is front and centre: what comes next? Bestselling author Bob Joseph, a member of the Gwawaenuk Nation, has already answered it in 21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government: A Conversation About Dismantling the Indian Act. Published in 2025, the book is a practical, First Nations–centred guide to life beyond the 1876 law, and it has never been more relevant.

The push to replace the 1876 legislation gained renewed interest this week after Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew urged federal leaders to dismantle the Indian Act with consultation from Indigenous nations. Prime Minister Mark Carney shared federal openness to transition away from the act, emphasizing that any solution must be co-developed directly with Indigenous consultation.

Leaders acknowledge that repealing the act cannot be done unilaterally. The central question remains: What replaces the Indian Act, and how can the current government avoid past failures like the 1969 White Paper?

Following Bob’s first bestseller, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, his latest book explores the question of how we might move beyond the Indian Act as a country. 21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government demystifies the concept of self-government and outlines how true self-determination works in practice.

Key themes examined in the book include:

• Dismantling the Indian Act: How modern treaties and sectoral agreements prevent administrative vacuums during the transition.
• Reclaiming Jurisdiction: Case studies on child welfare, land management, education, taxation and policing led by First Nations.
• Economic Growth: How moving past the Indian Act unlocks regional investment and economic prosperity for all Canadians.
• Debunking Myths: Clarifying persistent misconceptions around sovereignty, rights, and funding models.

“With 150 years of subjugation under the Indian Act, it is more important than ever to dismantle this historic injustice, and create economic certainty and opportunities that will set up Indigenous Nations for ongoing success and self-government.” —Bob Joseph

21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government and 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act are available at retailers nationwide. Learn more about the books here.

 

About Bob Joseph: 

Bob Joseph is a member of the Gwawaenuk Nation and is an initiated member of the Hamatsa Society. He is the founder of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. and is the author of several books about Indigenous history and relations, including Indigenous Relations and Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples.