Indigenous Officiants can now perform marriage ceremonies & register marriages

The Ontario Government has made amendments to the Ontario Marriage Act which will now enable Indigenous officiants to perform marriage ceremonies and have them registered with the Ontario Registrar General.

“Our government is proud to take action to build a more inclusive province by legally recognizing the role of Indigenous marriage officiants and ceremonies,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “We have listened to advice from Indigenous partners and acted to ensure the Marriage Actrespects the diversity of Indigenous communities and cultures, reflecting our commitment to advancing reconciliation.”

A person can solemnize a marriage in Ontario if they:

• Belong to a band, a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit organization or community; or a permanently established Indigenous entity, located in whole or in part in Ontario.
• Are recognized by the band, First Nation, Métis or Inuit organization or community or Indigenous entity as entitled to perform marriages in accordance with its customs and traditions.
• Are registered to solemnize marriages under the Marriage Act.

“Culture is at the heart of marriage traditions, and I am pleased we have been able to recognize the role of marriage solemnizers from Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. “Thank you to our Indigenous partners for your support in amending the Marriage Act to include a greater diversity of marriage officiants. This is an important step forward in strengthening our relationship.”