However, until the 1985 amendments, its basic features remained the same from 1867 to 1985. The federal government continues to maintain the Indian Register. Those who were recorded in the Indian Register when the amendments came into force continue to be recorded there. Those whose status was to be restored or who are eligible to be regist ered for the first time must apply to the Registrar to be recorded. Band Membership Those who lost their membership in a band through sexual discrimination in the past, can apply to regain membership.
Bands can control their own membership based on their own membership rules.
Bands may still take control of their own membership registration, but the rights of those individuals already registered and added to the band list are protected. A woman who marries a member of another band no longer automatically becomes a member of her husband's band. Transfers between bands are still possible if the receiving band agrees. Bands can better control development on reserve lands. Bands can seek court orders to enforce all by-laws made under section 81.