Patriation refers to the process of bringing a country's constitution under its own control, allowing it to amend or change its laws without external approval. In Canada, this term is often associated with the Constitution Act, 1982, which transferred the authority to amend the Canadian constitution from the British Parliament to Canada itself. This act also included the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all Canadians. The patriation of the constitution was a significant milestone in Canada's history, marking a shift towards full sovereignty. Prior to this, Canada relied on the British North America Act, 1867, which required British approval for constitutional changes. The successful patriation process was a result of negotiations among federal and provincial governments, reflecting a desire for greater autonomy and self-governance.