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Indigenous Identity Confirmation

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  2. Indigenous Initiatives
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In response to a recommendation from the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy, Bi-Naagwad | It Comes Into View, and following an engagement process with First Nations, Inuit and Métis students, staff, faculty and community members, U of G has implemented an Indigenous identity confirmation process for some student awards, scholarships, bursaries and opportunities.

Skip to sections below:

  • Confirmation Process
  • How To Submit
  • How will this information be used?
  • Support and Resources

Confirmation Process

Prepare your submission from one of the options below:

Option 1: Documentary Evidence

Documentary evidence submitted must be current. Expired Indian status cards are accepted but must be valid. Other citizenship or membership cards that have passed an expiration or renewal date will not be accepted.

Submit one of the following documents:

  1. A copy of the front and back of one of the following:
    • Indian status card issued by the Government of Canada;
    • Métis citizenship card from the
      • Métis Nation-Saskatchewan,
      • Métis Nation of Alberta,
      • Métis Nation British Columbia
      • Métis Nation of Ontario
      • Manitoba Métis Federation,
      • Northwest Territory Métis Nation; or
      • Métis Settlements General Council showing connection to a Métis Settlement of Alberta;
    • Inuit enrolment card issued by any one of the four Inuit modern treaty bodies including Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik or Inuvialuit;
    • Land claim beneficiary card; or
    • American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian citizenship document from tribes that are state or federally recognized
  2. A copy of the front and back of a parent’s or grandparent’s Indian status card, Métis citizenship card, Inuit enrolment card, land claim beneficiary card or US tribal citizenship documentation, as outlined above, along with the individuals’ long-form birth certificate or baptismal certificate that shows family connection
  3. A letter from one of the organizations, governments or nations outlined above, on letterhead with contact information that includes the individuals’ name and information confirming their ancestry, kinship and citizenship

Option 2: Statement and Other Evidence

If the individual does not possess the documentary evidence outlined in "Option 1: Documentary Evidence", they may submit a statement and other documentary evidence about their ancestry and kinship connections to an inherent and recognized First Nation, Inuit or Métis nation, treaty, land claim, territory or region for review. Depending on the individual circumstances, one or more forms of documentary evidence (e.g., oral or written format) may be required.

How To Submit

Step One: Complete the Indigenous Identity Confirmation Process for Students Qualtrics form.

Step Two: Submit evidence from "Option 1: Documentary Evidence" or "Option 2: Statement and Other Evidence" and your name and student ID should be submitted to Indigenous Initiatives through the Indigenous Identity Confirmation Secure Link as a PDF.

Evidence may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

If it is determined that additional information is required, the individual will be contacted to discuss their agreement to the next steps which may include:

  • Contacting the organizations, governments or nations providing the documentary evidence for further information and confirmation; and/or
  • Consulting with external experts, as necessary.

Please note that identity confirmation does not guarantee selection for awards or opportunities.

How will this information be used?

This is a confidential process facilitated by Indigenous Initiatives. Once confirmed, students don't need to resubmit for future awards and opportunities.

Personal information collected to support Indigenous identity confirmation is managed in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the University of Guelph's Privacy and Access to Information Guidelines. Access to personal information is restricted to university employees whose duties requires such access. Questions on the collection of personal information to support the Indigenous Identity Confirmation Policy process should be directed to Indigenous Initiatives at indigenous@uoguelph.ca, (519) 824-4120 ext. 58687 or the Information Governance & Privacy Office at privacy@uoguelph.ca.

Support and Resources

For more information about Indigenous Identity confirmation at U of G please contact Indigenous Initiatives at indigenous@uoguelph.ca.

For Indigenous student support connect with a Indigenous Student Advisor. All First Nations, Inuit and Métis students are invited to engage in opportunities for self-identified Indigenous students including participation in the programs and services offered by the Indigenous Student Centre.

  • Student Counselling Services: 519-824-4120 Ext. 53244
  • Good2Talk: 1-866-925-5454 or Text "UofG" to 686868
  • Student Support Network
  • International and ELP Student Mental Wellness Student Support Programs
  • Elders available through Indigenous Student Centre: book by emailing elders@uoguelph.ca
  • Compass Community Services: 1-888-821-3760 or 519-821-3760
  • Hope for Wellness: 1-855-242-3310
  • 24/7 Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
  • 24/7 Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Support: 1-800-721-0066