About Indian status
Find out more about registration under the Indian Act, rights and benefits, and the Indian Register.
Use of the term "Indian"
Many Indigenous people in Canada prefer not to describe themselves as Indians and view this term as rooted in colonialism and racism. Under the Indian Act, the precise legal meaning of the term Indian refers to First Nations persons who are entitled to registration.
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Indian status
Indian status is the legal standing of a person who is registered under the Indian Act.
Registration under the Indian Act is not the same as applying for a status card.
You need to be registered before you receive a status card, but you can apply for both at the same time.
This infographic helps explain the differences.
To find out if you are entitled to register and would like to apply, visit How to apply for Indian status. You may want to get help researching your First Nations ancestry.
If the Registrar confirms your entitlement to registration, your name will be added to the Indian Register.
Registration and First Nation membership or citizenship
To be registered under the Indian Act isn't the same as being a First Nation member or citizen.
If your First Nation's membership list is maintained at Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), your name will automatically be added to the First Nation membership list that your parents are affiliated with once you are registered.
If your First Nation controls its own membership or citizenship, you must apply directly to the First Nation to become a member or citizen.
To find out more about the differences, visit Applying for registration under the Indian Act, First Nation membership and status cards, what's the difference?
Rights and benefits
Registered persons have certain rights and benefits.
To find out more about what is available to you as a registered person, visit Rights and benefits for people registered under the Indian Act and First Nation members.
What is the Indian Register
The Indian Register, maintained at ISC, is the official record of persons registered under section 6 of the Indian Act. The Register also includes membership lists maintained by ISC under section 11 of the Indian Act.
If Métis or Inuit
There is no register at ISC for Métis or Inuit.
If you self-identify as Métis, you may want to register with your local Métis organization.
If you are Inuit, you may already be a member of a land claim agreement.
Who is the Registrar
The Registrar is the official officer in charge of the Indian Register and First Nation membership lists maintained at ISC.
The Registrar is the only person who has the authority to make changes to the Register and First Nations membership lists maintained at ISC, including:
- adding a person's name
- omitting a person's name
- deleting a person's name
About Indian Act reform
To find out more on eliminating sex-based inequities, new registration entitlements and the collaborative process on the second generation cut off and section 10 voting thresholds, visit Indian Act reform.
How to prove you're registered
You can use any one of these documents as proof of registration: