As citizens of the Saskatchewan Métis Nation, you become a part of something much bigger, a government that is working hard to ensure the rights and interests of Métis individuals and communities in Saskatchewan are respected. The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) Citizenship Registry office formalizes and clarifies citizenship requirements and aids in the accurate return of statistical data about Saskatchewan’s Métis citizens. This information provides the basis for meaningful discussion on Métis rights and issues, which will ultimately improve the quality of life for all Métis people in the province.

The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Citizenship Registry registers eligible Métis persons in the province through a secure, efficient, standardized, and objectively verifiable process. This comprehensive process is the key element from which all aspects of governance and funding flows.

The Registry formalizes and clarifies citizenship requirements and aids in the accurate return of statistical data about Saskatchewan’s Métis citizens. This information provides the basis for meaningful discussion on Métis rights and issues, which will ultimately help to improve the quality of life for all Métis people in the province.

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:

ARTICLE 10: CITIZENSHIP

1. DEFINITION (amended January 2004)

“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.”

“Historic Métis Nation” means the Aboriginal people then known as Métis or Half-breeds who resided in the Historic Métis Nation Homeland.

“Historic Métis Nation Homeland” means the area of west central North America used and occupied as the traditional territory of the Métis or Half-breeds as they were known.

“Métis Nation” means the Aboriginal people descended from the Historic Métis Nation which is now comprised of all Métis Nation citizens and is one of the “aboriginal peoples of Canada: within the meaning ofs.35 of the Constitution Act 1982.

“Distinct from other Aboriginal peoples” means distinct for culture and nationhood purposes

All four parts of the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan’s Constitutional definition must be met in order to receive a MN–S citizenship card.

With its objectively verifiable process, Citizenship Registry staff members have maintained a credible, steadfast and accountable registration process for every Métis citizen in Saskatchewan. Through the commitment and dedication of our Registry staff, the hope of registering all Saskatchewan Métis will be made possible.

In 2004 the Métis Legislative Assembly in Saskatchewan accepted the Métis Nation Council’s definition of Métis for the purpose of citizenship. The Registry was introduced in 2009 and operated until 2014. In the fall of 2017, Registry operations resumed across the province. The Provincial Citizenship Registry Office and regional offices across Saskatchewan have received more than 37,000 citizenship applications to date. Of those, 28,704 people have become registered MN–S citizens.

Citizenship Registration

Any Métis individual who is a descendent of a historically recognized Métis ancestor and who has been a resident of Saskatchewan for the last six months can apply for citizenship with Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S).

Application process

The process requires filling out the MN–S Citizenship Application Form and providing all required documentation (see Required Documents below). Applicants of all ages can apply; each applicant requires their own application. Applications for youth (under 16) are completed by a parent or legal guardian. This step-by-step checklist will help you with the application process. All the required forms can be found in the registry library here.

The MN–S Citizenship Application can be obtained by downloading the form from our website, phoning 306-343-8391 to request that an application be mailed out, or emailing info@mns.ca for an electronic copy.

Required Documents

Your Photo

Here are a few tips to help you with your photo:

• Use a smooth white/off white background
• Use good lighting
• Be sure the photo is clear
• Do not use “filters” on your phone/on an app
• Leave white space around all sides of the head
• Keep your eyes open
• Keep head level
• No glasses or coloured contact lenses
• No hats
• Remove bulky jackets and scarves
• Avoid wearing reflective clothing/accessories
• No smiling

More details can be found here.

Forms

The following forms must be completed, signed and submitted with your application:

1. Individual Citizenship Application Form & digital signature
2. Consent to Release Confidential Information Form
3. Citizenship & Statutory Declaration Form
4. Indian Registry Screening Consent Form

The MN–S Registry may assist with research, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to locate, purchase, and provide the registry with readable copies of the following documents:

• Completed family tree with dates and locations into the 1800’s.
• A photocopy of a valid government issued photo ID, e.g., driver’s license. Photo ID is available fromsgi.sk.ca
• A photocopy of valid Saskatchewan Health Card. These are available fromehealthsask.ca
• Long-form birth certificates include the individual’s full name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, registration number and registration date, PLUS the parents’ full names and their province/state and country of birth.

*Required Certificates

Applicant:

Long-Form Birth Certificate or Short Form Birth Certificate with a Baptismal Certificate or christening record that contains parental information.

Change of name records for each time/event the applicant changed their name.

Métis parent:

Baptismal Certificate with parental information or Long-Form Birth Certificate.

Métis grandparent:

Baptismal Certificate with parental information or Long-Form Birth Certificate.

Métis great grandparents and back:

Baptismal Certificate with parental information or Long-Form Birth Certificate may be requested for each generation connecting back to a historical Métis ancestor.

Historical Métis ancestor:

The applicant is required to provide historical records that identify their ancestors. Historical record(s) that show the historical Métis ancestor was recognized in scrip or census as Métis/Half Breed/Scotch Half Breed/French Half Breed/Canadian Half Breed/French Cree living in the Historical Métis Homeland, before 1901. All documents must clearly demonstrate the connection from one generation to the next and be consistent with the names of the individuals.

*Ordering Certificates

The MN–S Registry can order birth and marriage information for events in Saskatchewan and Alberta for citizenship applications. We cannot provide our clients copies of the records or information acquired from Vital Statistics because of our partnership agreement and privacy laws.

Our partnership with Vital Statistics Saskatchewan allows us to request copies of Saskatchewan event information required for Métis Citizenship, at no cost to you. To allow us to acquire this information, you need to provide copies of your vital statistics form filled out, valid photo ID and health card. If you wish to order copies of certificates, you will be responsible for the cost.

WARNING: Third-party websites often mimic government agency websites responsible for issuing Vital Statistics Records. These sites charge inflated fees to make money.

In Saskatchewan, all records of birth, marriage, death, and legal name change should be ordered through eHealth at www.ehealthsask.ca.

Current prices are:

Birth:

Long Form Birth Certificate ($40.00) The document of choice for children 16 years of age and under, as it is generally required by government agencies, such as Passport Canada, SGI, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and for school registration.

The Long Form Birth Certificate includes the individual’s full name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, registration number and registration date, PLUS the parents’ full names and their province/state and country of birth.

Marriage:

Framed Certificate ($35.00) contains the full name of each spouse, date of marriage, place of marriage, registration number and registration date.

Genealogical Copies:

Genealogical Copy ($55.00) contains all the information that appears on the original marriage/birth/death registration and is stamped “FOR GENEALOGY ONLY”.

The genealogical information consists of documents showing the historical link between each generation of the family from the applicant all the way back to a Métis ancestor within the Métis Homeland.

Saskatchewan Provincial Citizenship Registry Office – 310 20th Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0A7

In-person registration is by appointment. Please call or email for more information or to book:

Ph. 306-343-8391

Toll Free: 1-833-343-8391

info@mns.ca

(*required documents)

This is what your card should look like: