Damien Lee: Let First Nations determine their citizenship laws

Adoption stories provide us with an opportunity to see inherent indigenous citizenship laws in action.

As Wilson's case demonstrates, inherent Indigenous citizenship laws are not based on blood quantum or race; they are based on families choosing to include all who rightfully belong.

As Don Wilson said, "We as the Heiltsuk Nation accept my son as one of us."

Yet, in each story I've read over the past few days, Wilson's status card slips into the discussion seemingly as a authenticator.

On one hand, including Wilson's Indian status in this story is understandable.

Collectively, we are suffering from "status hangover" given that, for generations, Canada made Indian status a re-requisite for membership in an Indian band. Put simply, many now see Indian status as a pre-requisite to being indigenous.