Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Citizenship Registry
The Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Citizenship Registry objective is to register eligible Métis citizens in Saskatchewan through a secure, efficient, standardized, and objectively verifiable process. The Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Citizenship Registry system needs to be designed to fairly and efficiently register Métis citizens with an objectively verifiable process. Having an objectively verifiable process is the key element from which all other aspects of governance and funding will flow.
The MN-S Constitutional Definition of Métis is utilized in the development and implementation of this objectively verifiable registry. The Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Constitutional definition is:
“Métis means a person who self-identifies as Métis, is distinct from other Aboriginal Peoples, is of historic Métis Nation ancestry, and is accepted by the Métis Nation”.
All four parts of the Métis Nation –Saskatchewan’s Constitutional Definition must be met in order to receive a MN-S Citizenship Card.
Part 1) Self – identifies is demonstrated by signing a declaration on the MN-S Citizenship Application form.
Part 2) Historic Métis Ancestry is demonstrated by:
A) The applicant provides a copy of their long form birth certificate and/or their short form birth certificate with a baptismal certificate and/or a christening record, with parental information. If your name has been changed due to marriage or legal name change additional legal documentation will be required.
B) Provide a copy of the long form birth certificate and/or baptismal certificate of the parental with information through which Métis ancestry will be verified. Connecting documents with parental information is required for direct Métis ancestors born after 1901.
C) Provide genealogical information that goes back to the year 1901 using the supplied 5 generation pedigree chart, including as much information and documentation as possible. All applicants must prove their connection to a Métis Historical Ancestor who is recognized as Métis/Half-breed in the historical Métis homeland by completing a family tree that shows the connection from generation to generation.
D) The applicant is required to provide historical records that indentify his/her ancestors. These historical records are Métis scrip or census.
- Census Records
- Métis Scrip
All genealogical supporting materials are mandatory for the completion of the Citizenship Application Form. The burden of proof of ancestry rests with the applicant.
Part 3) Distinction from other Aboriginal Peoples is accomplished by submission of a completed Indian & Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Registry consent form. The MN-S Citizenship Registry department has developed a partnership with the local branch office of INAC and sends weekly batches of these consent forms for screening.
Part 4) Acceptance by the Métis Nation is accomplished by belonging to one of the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Locals or by belonging to the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan.
These components are considered an integral part of the objectively verifiable process Citizenship Application Package
The Citizenship Application Package contains:
♦ Application for Citizenship Form.
♦ Consent to Release Confidential Information Form.
♦ Consent to Contribute Personal Information and Historical Documents.
♦ INAC Indian Registry Consent Form.
♦ Statutory Declaration & Authorization
♦ Genealogy (family tree) Chart.
♦ Vital Statistics Form for Long Form Birth Certificate.
♦ Application Package Checklist.
♦ Citizenship Application Information Guide – Applying For Citizenship.
♦ Citizenship Application Information Sheet – Where to Obtain the Components of Your Citizenship Application.
Note that Saskatchewan Vital Statistics requires up to approxiamately 3 months to process requests for long-form birth certificates. MN-S can only order birth certificates in Saskatchewan. If the applicant is born out of province, it is up to the individual to order their out of province birth certificate.