The Indian Act had a significant impact on indigenous women’s identity. It took away women’s right to own marital property. A woman could not remain in the marital home if her husband divorced her. Furthermore, the Act was amended to enable men to leave their wives’ marital assets in their wills. However, before this deal could be completed, an Indian agent would need to verify the wife’s high moral character.
In terms of race, political systems, cultures, and literacy among First Nations peoples, the Indian Act provided the government with broad authority. These powers prohibited First Nations groups and communities from using government and culture to reflect their identity. Traditional governance structures were replaced by band council elections under the Act, where Hereditary chiefs were leaders who inherited power rather than being elected.