Identity and CitizenshipIdentity and Citizenship

MNBC Citizenship ComponentsMNBC Citizenship Components

Self Identification ∞A person who Self Identifies

Is of Historic Métis Nation Ancestry∞Genealogy

Accepted by the Métis Nation

∞Chartered Métis Community Membership

Distinct from other Aboriginal Groups∞Are not First Nations, Inuit or non-status

The Métis PeopleThe Métis People• Emerged out of the relations of North

American Native women and European men

• Gradual Establishment of distinct Métis communities

• Connected through the highly mobile fur trade network, seasonal rounds, extensive kinship connections, and a collective identity

The Métis NationThe Métis Nation

• Constitute a distinct Aboriginal Nation based mainly in western Canada

• Shared history, common culture (song, dance, dress, etc.), unique language (Michif), extensive kinship connections from Ontario westward, distinct way of life, traditional territory, and a collective consciousness

The Métis Nation’s HomelandThe Métis Nation’s Homeland

• Based on traditional territory (e.g. Rupert’s Land) which the Métis people have historically lived and relied on

• The historic territory continues to be researched by MNBC to assist the citizenship process

BC Métis Chartered CommunitiesBC Métis Chartered Communities

• There are currently 37 Métis Chartered Communities in BC

Historical Métis HomelandHistorical Métis Homeland

Métis Nation BC Citizenship CardsMétis Nation BC Citizenship Cards

Birth - 5 yrs

10 - 15 yrs

Adult Card 16 yrs plus

6 - 9 yrs

Harvester’s Card

MNBC Citizenship is separated into four age groups Adult 16 and older Youth 10 – 15 years Children 6 – 9 years Children 5 and under

Applying for Métis CitizenshipApplying for Métis Citizenship• Each applicant has to prove their ancestry

with documents such as birth certificates, baptismal records, marriage records, census records, etc.

The “objectively verifiable process”The “objectively verifiable process”An explanation of Primary & Secondary An explanation of Primary & Secondary

Source DocumentationSource Documentation

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING EXPLANATION OF REQUIRED PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENTATION: A primary source is a record that was created at the time of an event. For example, a primary source for a birth date would be a Long Form Birth certificate and/or copies of original hand written parish records. While birth dates may be indicated on other documentation, such as Marriage certificates, they would not be primary sources for the birth date, because they were not created at the time of the birth. Example - Birth, Marriage and Death certificates that name the parents on them. A secondary source is a record that was created a significant amount of time after an event occurred. For example, a Marriage certificate would be a secondary source of the birth date, because the birth occurred several years prior to the date of marriage. However, that same Marriage certificate would be a primary source for the marriage date, because it was created at the time of the marriage.

Primary Source Documentation

Secondary Source Documentation

Métis Population in CanadaMétis Population in Canada• September 2002: The Métis people adopted a

national definition of Métis for citizenship in the Métis nation

• Based on this definition, it is estimated that there are 350,000 to 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada

• Statistics show that Métis who self identify now represent 26% of the total Aboriginal population of Canada

Regional Registry Clerk Regional Registry Clerk InformationInformation

• For any questions or if you would like to apply for your Métis citizenship in the Northwest, please contact:

Leanne Ballinger#304-4546 Park Avenue

Terrace, BC V8G 4N4

250-615-9700reg6registrar@mnbc.ca