Final answer:
In Canada, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is the most important document for granting rights, including the landmark interpretation that includes women as 'Persons'. In the U.S., the Constitution and specifically treaties with Indigenous nations, as well as laws like NAGPRA, are critical for protecting rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important piece of legislation in Canada in terms of granting rights is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This pivotal document ensures a variety of fundamental rights and freedoms, including democratic rights, freedom of expression, and the right to equality. Established in 1982 as part of the Constitution Act, the Charter has become a cornerstone of Canadian constitutional law. Its significance is underscored by the way it has been interpreted and applied in landmark court cases, such as the Persons Case, which helped define the constitutional understanding of 'Persons' to include women, thereby advancing gender equality under the law.
In the United States, equivalent rights are protected under the U.S. Constitution and its amendments, notably the Bill of Rights. In the context of Indigenous peoples, the most important pieces of legislation pertain to the treaties established between Indigenous nations and the U.S. government, as well as laws such as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which protects Indigenous cultural artifacts and remains.