Who can obtain it?

How can it be obtained?

Where can I find answers to my questions?

it's the only card recognized by The Indian Act

Also called the Indian Card or the Indian Status Card, the Certificate of Indian Status is an identification card that is renewable every 5 years .

The certificate is delivered free of charge and only to people registered in the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Register pursuant of The Indian Act.

The entitlement to be registered is defined in Article 6 of The Indian Act.

It is important to remember that only the Certificate of Indian Status bearing the signature of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development can identify you as a registered Indian. For registered Indians, inclusion in the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Register confirms access to certain federal programs and services as described in the publication"You Wanted To Know".(PDF Version 277 kb)

All persons registered in the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Indian Register.

For example, children born to registered Indian parents are mentioned on the Indian Register.

In other cases, the Indian Status applicant has to demonstrate that he or she is entitled to registration by producing official documents. The official documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc) must be related to the applicant, his or her parents, or grandparents. The Tracing Your Ancestors in Canada guide indicates how to proceed.

Many people in Quebec have Indian blood but are not entitled to registered Indian Status. Are you eligible for registration? This is the question.

Major changes have been made to The Indian Act since 1985, when Parliament adopted Bill C-31, ending over 100 years of discrimination, while also allowing the First Nations to assume control of their membership.

The guide to legislation governing registration and the right to registration entitled The Indian Act Past And Present, lists all the changes related to registration from 1850 to nowadays.

The issuing of Certificates of Indian Status is controlled by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, which keeps the Indian Register up to date using documents supplied by the Indian Register Administrators.

To avoid any unnecessary legwork for you, whether it's for an application or the renewal of your Certificate of Indian Status, it is highly recommended that you initially contact your band's Indian Register Administrator (PDF Version 82 Kb) or the Administrator from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Quebec Regional Office before filling out the following forms.

• Application for registration of an adult under The Indian Act (PDF Version 56 kb)

• Application for certificate of Indian Status (PDF Version 35kb)

To consult or to order free publications from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Indian Registry System / Certification of Indian Status

Registered Indian Status - Most often asked questions

Regional directive concerning the issuance of Certificates of Indian Status

Any other information request