Nagamo applies for Niska’s Indian Status Card
Disclaimer
The story and characters are fictional but inspired by common experiences. References to program and benefits offer general information and help you explore options for planning your family's future. For more complete details, please visit the Government of Canada benefits page.
Honouring Niska’s identity
In the Sagkeeng First Nation, near the Winnipeg River in Manitoba, lives a loving family: baby Niska Sky, her parents Autumn and Nagamo Littlefeather, and her kokum (grandmother).
Niska is almost one year old. Her dad, Nagamo, decides it’s time to apply for her status card. This card gives access to important rights and benefits, for example education funding, tax exemptions in certain situations, and non-insured health benefits.
He also understands that it carries a deeper history, one that is both meaningful and complex.
Being registered under the Indian Act
Nagamo begins the application for Niska’s Certificate of Indian Status (status card) but quickly realizes she must first be registered under the Indian Act. Confused by the process, he calls the Public Enquiries Contact Centre for guidance.
Nagamo learns that he can apply for both registration and the status card at the same time and find a trusted source for help completing the application. Instead of submitting the application by mail or travelling to the Indigenous Services Canada regional office in Winnipeg, he decides to visit the registration administrator at their First Nations office.
Thankfully he didn’t travel to Winnipeg, as the registration administrator tells him he’ll need some more documents before he can submit the application. Since the registration administrator is a trusted source, he doesn’t have to find a guarantor now either. He feels more confident having a registration administrator at their First Nations office review his application before mailing it in.
A guarantor is a person that can confirm your identity when you are applying for registration under the Indian Act or a secure status card. Since the registration administrator is a trusted source, Nagamo doesn’t need a guarantor now either.
Gathering the right documents
Nagamo must have Niska’s birth certificate close by. He’ll need it before he can fill out the forms for registration and the status card. He works with Autumn and Kokum to gather everything else they need. For them, it’s more than just paperwork. It’s a moment to share family stories and honour their past.
As Kokum tells stories of their ancestors, she reminds them that identity lives not only in documents, but in memory.
Proudly First Nations
One day, a letter arrives confirming that Niska is now registered. A short time later, her official Secure Certificate of Indian Status (status card) arrives. A small card with a big meaning.
Nagamo smiles at Niska.
Kokum adds gently, “This card is important but remember, it’s not what makes you Anishinaabe. That comes from your spirit, your ancestors, and the stories we carry. It’s your connection to our people, our land, and your future.”
"Mii sa go gii-mazina’iganan ezhiwebag. Gii-mazina’iganan giwii-niigaan, giwii-anishinaabeg, miinawaa giwii-aki"
Note of Acknowledgment
We recognize that the Indian Act offers access to certain rights and benefits but also part of a colonial legacy that has deeply impacted Indigenous communities. 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. This story is shared with respect for First Nations families. It supports those going through this process, while honouring the strength and identity that live beyond government systems.
Smart tips
Obtaining a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS)
To get, renew, or replace a Status Card, you must already be registered under the Indian Act.
Your registration under the Indian Act doesn’t expire, but your Status Card does! Make sure to renew it before it expires.
Jordan's Principle is a human rights principle established by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to make sure that First Nations children do not face gaps, delays, or denials in accessing government services because of their identity as First Nations children.
Under Jordan’s Principle, families can:
- Learn what help is available and how to access it
- Get support coordinating services and products
- Receive funding quickly to avoid delays in care
Need help? Call 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453) — available 24/7.
To find out more about this service, refer to Jordan's Principle
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program is a federal initiative that provides eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals with coverage for a range of medically necessary health-related goods and services not covered by other plans.
The program provides coverage for the following medically necessary goods and services:
- Vision care
- Dental care
- Mental health counselling
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Prescription drugs and select over-the-counter products
- Medical transportation to access medically required health services not available:
- on reserve
- in the community of residence
Find out more details on Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit
The Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) is a federal initiative that funds community-based groups to support pregnant women, new mothers, and their babies who face health risks due to factors like poverty, isolation, or substance use. Services may include:
- Nutrition counseling
- Prenatal vitamins
- Healthy meals and snacks
- Breastfeeding support
- Parenting education
- Referrals to other services
CPNP services are delivered through local organizations, which offers:
- Healthy meals/snacks for pregnant and new mothers (including adoptive mothers)
- Health and parenting education from Elders and health representatives
- Activities like traditional crafts and sewing
- Support on topics like breastfeeding, gestational diabetes, and emotional stress
Find out more details on Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides tax support and services for Indigenous Peoples. If you are a First Nations person and your income or property is on a reserve, you may qualify for tax exemptions under Section 87 of the Indian Act.
Even if your income is tax-exempt, you file your tax return to access benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and the GST/HST credit. The CRA offers free tax clinics, simplified forms, and personalized help through community centers and liaison officers.
For more information and support, refer to Taxes and benefits for Indigenous Peoples