Amendments to the Marriage Act recognizing Indigenous marriage ceremonies go into effect Friday.
The Ontario government said the change would enable Indigenous officiants to perform the ceremonies according to their customs and traditions. The marriage will need to be submitted for registration with the Ontario Registrar General.
The changes will allow a person to perform a marriage ceremony in Ontario if they belong to a band, First Nation, Metis, or Inuit organization or community. They will also have to be registered to perform ceremonies.
"We have listened to advice from Indigenous partners and acted to ensure the Marriage Act respects the diversity of Indigenous communities and cultures, reflecting our commitment to advancing reconciliation," said Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford.
The amendments received Royal Assent on July 8.
