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Secure Certificate of Indian Status - Information Kit
Secure Certificate of Indian Status
Individual Affairs
Lands and Trust Services
Origin of the Certificate of Indian Status
The Certificate of Indian Status (CIS), more commonly referred to as the Status card, is an identity document issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to confirm that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act. The Status card is provided to assist registered Indians in accessing a wide range of entitlements, programs and services administered by federal agencies, provincial governments and other private sector program and service providers. Annually, about 85,000 Status cards are issued and about 75,000 life events (such as births, deaths and marriages) are recorded in the Indian Registration System (IRS).
The security of the Status card has been questioned for a numberof years due to concerns over forgery and counterfeiting. In 2001, INAC in partnership with the Treaty 7 First Nations of Alberta, created a pilot project to introduce a more secure Status card and issuance process. The pilot project has four phases: re-engineer the IRS, enhance the Certificate of Indian Status cards, deploy the re-engineered IRS and launch the secure Status card nationally. The first three phases have been completed.
This new, more secure Status card features several security improvements that significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized alterations or duplication. This helps to ensure the ongoing integrity of the programs and services by protecting them from fraud and identity theft. Status Indians will have easier access to the services and benefits they are eligible to receive since service providers will be more assuredthat these cards are legitimate.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada intends to begin implementingthe secure Status card nationally in 2008. This will likely take up to a year to complete. Progress reports will be regularly posted on the INACwebsite.
The secure Status card represents the Government of Canada’s continued commitment to strengthening its relationship with First Nations individuals and organizations. All partners continue to work to address concerns around the current Status cards and the broader goal ofimproving their quality of life by ensuring that eligible individuals receive services and benefits quickly and efficiently.
Holographic Design
A Hologram is a 3 dimensional image enhanced to give the illusion of depth. Depending on the angle of viewing of the image and the way the light hits it, the objects within the image appear to pop out
What this Hologram represents
The large semi-circles represent four people reaching out to each other and forming a seamless circle. They represent First Nations from the North, South, East and West.
The inner circle contains a stylized image of the medicine wheelused among many First Nations and easily recognizable to most members.
Unseen within the above 2 dimensional picture and within the circle formed by First Nations, there are seven icons on a circle. These represent seven generations of First Nations people --a concept used among many First Nations to reflect the importance of past and future generations. These icons are also meant to represent the large youth population among First Nations, and their worth to First Nations communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Certificate of Indian Status or Status card and why does INAC issue it?
- Who is eligible for a Status card and what is it used for?
- Will I be charged a fee to obtain or renew my Status card? And is the Status card compulsory?
- Why and how often do Status cards need to be renewed?
- Why is INAC creating a new and improved Status card?
- How will the secure card be an improvement?
- What are the accepted forms of identification required to obtaina secure Status card?
- What are the advantages of introducing the secure Status card?
- Will the secure Status card contain a microchip or "smart card" features?
- What will the magnetic strip contain and how will it be used?
- Are there any changes in the type of personal data on the securecard?
- Where are Status cards issued and will First Nations continue tobe involved in the card issuance process? How long will it take toobtain a secure Status card?
- When will the secure Status card be available?
- Will the secure Status card be accepted for Canada–United States border crossing?
- Will the secure Status card enable First Nations persons born inCanada to travel to the United States to live or work without obtaining an alien registration card (green card) or work permit?
- Is there a link between the secure Status card and the Jay Treaty?
- Can First Nations expect any changes concerning the ways the secure Status card will be used?
- How will stakeholders such as service providers and provinces/territories be made aware of the implementation of thesecure Status card?
- After the secure Status card is introduced, how many different versions of valid Status cards will there be?
- How is personal information appearing on Status cards protected under Privacy legislation?
- Do service providers and other organizations have access to the information contained in the secure Status card? What will theydo with the information?
- Can I apply for the secure Status card by mail?
1) What is a Certificate of Indian Status or Status card and why does INAC issue it?
The Certificate of Indian Status (CIS), more commonly referred to as a Status card, is an identity document issued for administrativereasons by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to confirm that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act.
2) Who is eligible for a Status card and what is it used for?
Any individual registered as an Indian under the Indian Act is eligible for a Status card, regardless of age, and can voluntarily apply for a card. The Status card is provided to assist registered Indians in accessing a wide range of entitlements, programs and services administered by federal agencies, provincial governments and other private sector program and service providers. Many of these organizations use the Status card as the main or sole proof thata person is entitled to receive the benefits.
3) Will I be charged a fee to obtain or renew my Status card? And is the Status card compulsory?
No, the Government of Canada will not be charging you any fees to obtain or renew your Status card.
This card is NOT compulsory, but will help you obtain all the benefits you are entitled to as a registered Indian quickly and efficiently.
4) Why and how often do Status cards need to be renewed?
Although Status cards do not expire, renewals are necessary to comply with international standards (ICAO) and because a cardholder’s personal information and photograph require updating. Renewal dates for Status cards are automatically linked with thecardholder’s date of birth. For those 18 years of age and over, the secure Status card will be renewable every five years on or before the individual’s birthday. For those under 18, the secure Status card will be renewable every three years on or before the cardholder’s birthday.
5) Why is INAC creating a new and improved Status card?
This initiative is called the Secure Certificate of Indian Status Issuance System Project. It originated through a joint initiative between the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Lands and Trust Services Sector of INAC and a related project with Treaty 7. The goal is to address the need for increased security features on Status cards so issues of stolen identity and fraud could be reduced or eliminated.
The current version of the Status card is a laminated paper document that is not protected from forgery or counterfeiting. It can easily be misused through alteration or illegal reproduction. This has caused problems inaccessing benefits for some legally entitled First Nation individuals and has led to significant pressures to replace the current card with a card that incorporates the security features of a modern identification document.
The new, more secure Status card features several security improvements that significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized alterations or duplication. This helps to ensure the ongoing integrity of the programs and services by protecting them from incidences of fraud and identity theft. Status Indians will have easier access to the services and benefits for which they are eligible to receive since service providers will have renewed confidence knowing these cards are legitimate.
6) How will the secure card be an improvement?
The enhanced version of the Status card incorporates modern national and international standards for document security. The prototype card has been designed as a result of a survey, focus group testing and several evaluations led by the Canada Border Services Agency. This secure version of the Status card will include specialized graphic design elements and enhanced security features that will protect the privacy of the cardholder while minimizingthe opportunity for unauthorized alteration, duplication or use. Once we begin to issue the secure Status card, all earlier paper laminated versions will no longerbe issued. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will ensure that all cardholders aremade aware of any potential changes in a timely manner.
The secure Status card represents the Government of Canada’s continued commitment to strengthening its relationship with First Nations individuals and organizations. All partners continue to work to address concerns around the current Status cards and the broader goal of improving the overall quality of life of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples by ensuring that those eligible to receive services and benefits are able to access them quickly and efficiently.
7) What are the accepted forms of identification required to obtain a secure Status card?
Applicants are required to provide two of the following identity documents:
- Driver's licence
- Birth or baptismal certificate
- Provincial health card
- Employee ID card with digital photo
- Student ID card with digital photo
- Guarantor form
- Firearms licence
- Previous paper laminated Status card
Also, a passport or a secure Status card are accepted on their own without a second form of identification when applying for, renewing or replacing a Status card.
These documents are used to verify an individual’s identity. They will be viewed and matched with the entitlement information in the Indian Register for validation purposes only. Once completed, the application for a secure Status card will be processed.
8) What are the advantages of introducing the secure Status card?
A broad range of potential advantages, both direct and indirect will result from introducing the secure Status card. Immediate benefits include improved client service, ease of use and fewer cards being rejected or questioned by service providers. Cardholders will have easier access to the programs and services they are legally entitled to receive. It also means faster processingof transactions, a reduction in identity fraud and misuse related to the existing card, and reduced complexity in accessing programs and services.
9) Will the secure Status card contain a microchip or “smart card” features?
No.
10) What will the magnetic strip contain and how will it be used?
The magnetic strip on the back of the secure Status card will contain no more information than is already clearly visible on the card. Indianand Northern Affairs Canada will use the magnetic strip solely for activating and deactivating the card.
An Indian Registry Administrator or an INAC officer will verify that the individual is the person noted on the card before “swiping”the card to activate it immediately prior to delivering it to the cardholder. On activation of this new card, any previously issued card to this cardholder will be deactivated.
11) Are there any changes in the type of personal data on the secure card?
No. The secure card will contain the same data as the current paper laminated Status card.
12) Where are Status cards issued and will First Nations continue to be involved in the card issuance process? How long will it take to obtain a secure Status card?
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Headquarters, Regional and District offices and about 485 Indian Registry Administrators (IRAs) located at First Nations’offices issue Status cards.
Once the Secure Certificate of Indian Status Issuance System is in place, the only change will be with the First Nation IRAs and INAC District offices who will continue to process the applications, but the actual cards will now be printed at a National Print Centre. Once printed, the secure cards will be sent to the First Nation IRAs and INAC District Officers who will then contact the individual to pick up and activate the card. This should happen within about one weekof the application being submitted for processing.
To obtain a card immediately, INAC’s Headquarters and Regional offices will also continue to provide direct, walk-in service for applicants.
13) When will the secure Status card be available?
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada intends to begin issuing the Secure Certificate of Indian Status in 2008. This phase of the project will likely take up to a year to complete as it involves many INAC offices and up to 485 Indian Registry Administrators.
14) Will the secure Status card be accepted for Canada-United States border crossing?
INAC understands that this is an important issue for First Nations citizens. There is not a definite answer to this question at this time. Discussions between Canadian and U.S. officials are ongoing. The Government of Canada is working with U.S. officials to ensure that the secure Status card can be used for crossing the border. However, this U.S. Homeland Security decision is beyond the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada. When U.S. authorities make a final decision, INAC will inform all First Nations.
15) Will the secure Status card enable First Nations persons born in Canada to travel to the United States to live or work without obtaining an alien registration card (green card) or work permit?
Laws of U.S. Immigration and Naturalization require that First Nations persons born in Canada have at least 50 percent Aboriginal bloodquantum to enter the United States to live or work without a green card or work permit.
Canadian law is different in that registration as an Indian under the provisions of the Indian Act is not based on percentage of Indian blood quantum. Under previous Indian Acts, it was possible for non-Indians to gain Indian status through marriage. Under the current Act, non-Indians can gain status through adoption by registered Indians.
As such, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization usually requests that an individual provide a letter of blood quantum from his or her First Nation or a letter from an INAC office verifying an individual's Indian ancestry. For further information, check the First Nations and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative website.
16) Is there a link between the secure Status card and the Jay Treaty?
No. The Jay Treaty of 1794 provided free border crossing rightsfor “the Indians dwelling on either side of the boundary line”between Upper and Lower Canada and the United States, and exemption fromduty or taxes on their “own proper goods”when crossing the border.
After the War of 1812, the Treaty of Ghent between Britain and the United States was intended to restore the border crossing rightsof the Jay Treaty, but legislation implementing these rights in Upper and Lower Canada lapsed. Because of this, the Jay Treaty is not recognized in Canada. There is therefore no link between the secure Status card and the Jay Treaty.
In the 1920s, the United States changed its immigration laws andever since Canadian-born people with at least 50 percent Aboriginal blood can enter, live in and work in the United States without immigration restrictions.
17) Can First Nations expect any changes concerning the ways the secure Status card will be used?
There are no changes planned as to how INAC will use the secure Status card. This is largely a matter determined by service or program providers outside of INAC. However, INAC will take steps to raise awareness among cardholders, service providers, and all government agencies of the new secure Status card as a valid and credible proof of Indian status.
18) How will stakeholders such as service providers and provinces/territories be made aware of the implementation of the secure Status card?
A communications plan developed for this initiative will use a variety of communications tools (including federal information circulars, advertising, etc.) to inform all stakeholders of the secure Status card implementation plan.
19) After the secure Status card is introduced, how many different versions of valid Status cards will there be?
There will be a short transition period while INAC and Indian Registration Administrators’offices are provided with equipment necessary to process and activate the secure Status card. Until that time, it is likely that three versions of the card will co-exist: the paper laminated version, the pilot Status card and the new secure Status card. However, as soon as the secure Status card processing equipment is available regionally and at the First Nation level,only the secure Status card will be issued.
20) How is personal information appearing on Status cards protected under Privacy legislation?
Privacy is a key element for all aspects of this project. Personal information contained in the Indian Register and maintained by INAC is protected under the federal Privacy Act. Any concerns regarding this Act should be directed to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at the toll-free number of 1-800-282-1376 or you can view further information on the Privacy Commissioner of Canada Web site.
Status cards containing personal information from the Indian Register are issued to individuals only with their consent in the form ofa signed Application for a Certificate of Indian Status. Personal information contained on the secure Status card includes the name, card number, registration number, gender and date of birth. Once a Status card is issued to an individual, it is then the responsibility of the individual to protect the card and the information it contains.
21) Do service providers and other organizations have access to the information contained in the secure Status card? What will they do with the information?
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has no ability to control howservice providers and other organizations use the information. It is up to individual cardholders to decide if they want to voluntarily allow such organizations to have access to the information on their card. Keep in mind that the magnetic strip contains no more information than is already clearly visible on the card. Once a cardholder voluntarily allows a service provider or other organization access to the Status card, the information that is visibly present on the card is then available to that business or organization.
22) Can I apply for the secure Status card by mail?
Due to the security measures associated with the Secure Certificate of Indian Status Issuance System, mail-in applications will not normally be accepted. However, if circumstances prevent you from applying in person, please contact your Regional INAC office.
Further Information
For further information related to eligibility to be registered as a Status Indian or to obtain a secure Status card once you are registered, contact any IRA or INAC office. Further information regarding the secure Certificate of Indian Status is available by telephoning toll-free 1-800-567-9604, emailing InfoPubs@ainc-inac.gc.ca or viewing the INAC website.
Further information relating to various benefit entitlements canbe found at the following websites:
Benefits Information, Non-Insured Health Benefits, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada or 1-800-259-5611
Status Indians, Aboriginal Peoples, Canada Revenue Agency
or 613-598-2275
Dental 1-888-332-9222
