Identity and Citizenship

MNBC 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 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 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 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 Communities There are currently 37 Métis Chartered Communities in BC

Historical Métis Homeland

M é tis Nation BC Citizenship Cards Birth - 5 yrs yrs Adult Card 16 yrs plus 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 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 ” An explanation of Primary & Secondary Source Documentation Primary Source Documentation Secondary Source Documentation

Métis 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 Information For any questions or if you would like to apply for your Métis citizenship in the Northwest, please contact: Leanne Ballinger # Park Avenue Terrace, BC V8G 4N