The Indian Act (1876) is a  Canadian Law that places many restrictions on the First Nations People.  The Act was an attempt to push  First Nations People into European Civilization.  Today, the Indian Act controls 71% of our affairs and Akwesasne only controls 29%; Akwesasne Membership Code, 1987 and Akwesasne Election Law, 1988.  The Canadian Government has powers over lands, resources, people and governance.  The Indian Act allows the Canadian Government to determine what is good for us.