Registered Indian Status or Metis Citizenship for adopted individuals

If you were adopted, you can find out if you are eligible for Registered Indian Status or Métis Citizenship.

Overview

Over time, there have been significant changes to federal policies about status. Even if you or your adoptive parents were advised that you were not eligible for Registered Indian status or you were never told if you were eligible, you may now be eligible. You may need to re-apply for status.

An official inquiry must be made to find out if you are currently eligible.

How to apply

Registered Indian Status

Send a written request to Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Canada requesting an examination of your records to determine eligibility. You must include a photocopy of your Adoption Order, which is one of the documents you received from Records, Registry and Connections with your adoption records.

If you do not have a copy of the Adoption Order, you can send an email request to [email protected] with a photocopy of 2 pieces of identification, one of which is photo identification. If you are not sure whether your ID meets requirements, please contact our office.

Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Terrasses de la Chaudiere
10 Wellington, North Tower
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0H4

Email: [email protected] 
Toll free: 1-800-567-9604
TTY: 1-866-553-0554

Website

Métis Citizenship (Status)

To find out if you are eligible for Métis Citizenship with the Metis Nation of Alberta you will need to complete the application on the Métis Nation of Alberta website.

Métis Nation of Alberta Association
#100, 11738 Kingsway Avenue NW 
Edmonton, Alberta  T5G 0X5 

Phone: 780-455-2200
Toll free: 1-800-252-7553