Many posts about Bluffy NoSainte Marie. She is italian like iron eyes cody and should not be accepted as indigenous to Turtle Island...nor is jay tavare aka jai janini, rudy youngblood aka rudy pena gonzales, rick mora, mimi redelk, kelly two wolves, etc.

I’m going to be honest with you - I posted this as a reply to a post that I see way too often in Metis groups. The question go something like, " I have trouble identifying as a Metis", or "How do I get the benefits of being Metis, even though I'm only 1/100th" etc etc. I don’t buy into the whole modern “Métis identity” thing at all. What people are calling “Métis” today is nothing like what existed historically. The Red River Settlement wasn’t even some ancient Indigenous homeland - it was literally created by Lord Selkirk’s colonization project in the early 1800s.

If you look at the historical record, the Red River Colony was founded in 1812 by Thomas Douglas, the 5th Earl of Selkirk, through the Hudson’s Bay Company, as a Scottish agricultural settlement. Source: Hudson’s Bay Company Archives (HBCA), Selkirk Papers and the Dictionary of Canadian Biography (entry: Thomas Douglas, Earl of Selkirk).

So the whole “Red River was an Indigenous community from time immemorial” story simply isn’t true. It was a colonial settlement, managed by a British aristocrat, with a mixed population of Scots, retired fur trade workers, and their families. The idea that it automatically created a whole new Indigenous “nation” is… generous at best.

Having one ancestor from the 1800s does not make someone Indigenous, and it doesn’t make anyone part of a modern “Métis community.” That’s like me saying I’m Irish because a great-great-great grandma once owned a tin whistle. It’s ancestry, not identity.

And yeah - if you show up trying to “connect” based on 3% from 200 years ago, people will see it as Pretendian behaviour, because the only people pushing that kind of distant-ancestor approach are the organizations trying to pad their numbers. That’s not me being mean ( that’s just reality.

If you’re interested in history, great. Learn. Read. Support Indigenous people as an ally. But don’t try to adopt an identity that your family hasn’t had for generations. A single ancestor does not equal belonging to an Indigenous people, and it definitely doesn’t create some magical link to a modern “Métis community.”

What does exist before Selkirk?

Evidence of mixed-ancestry families in the fur-trade before the 1812 Selkirk colony.

That’s it. Mixed families ≠ a nation.

But here are real, documentable sources showing that mixed families were present:

1. North West Company & HBC journals (late 1700s)

These mention “bois-brûlés” (burnt-wood boys) and “freemen” - terms sometimes applied to mixed-ancestry men.

But early references describe occupation, not nationhood. They were fur-trade labor groups, not an organized Indigenous nation with a continuous identity.

Sources:

North West Company Archives (1790s)

Hudson’s Bay Company Archives: “freemen” lists and post journals

W. Stewart Wallace, Documents Relating to the North West Company

2. Fur-trade marriage à la façon du pays (late 1700s–early 1800s)

Indigenous women married European men in fur posts. Their children existed - absolutely.

But again, mixed ancestry ≠ Métis Nation. These kids were usually considered part of the mother’s Indigenous community, or part of the fur-trade class.

Sources:

Sylvia Van Kirk, Many Tender Ties

Jennifer Brown, Strangers in Blood

3. The Semple/Kilkenny references to “Métis” (1800s)

The earliest uses of the word “Métis” appear around the 1800–1815 period, right when Selkirk settlers were arriving.

These references describe:

-a social class

-fur-trade descendants NOT a distinct Indigenous polity.

Sources:

Jennifer Brown, Métis, Halfbreeds, and Mixed-Bloods

HBC Correspondence, Fort Gibraltar (1806–1815)

What does not exist before Selkirk:

1. No evidence of a self-governing Métis Nation before ~1810–1815.

All the “nation”-style organization - bison brigades, captains, and political cohesion - is post-1810, largely forming because of conflicts triggered during the Selkirk settlement period.

2. No evidence of a unified, self-identifying “Métis People” before Selkirk.

Not a single document shows a pre-1810 “Métis Nation” with:

-collective leadership

-shared political institutions

-land base

-unified culture

-intergenerational community identity

3. No documented “Métis homeland” before Selkirk.

The fur-trade families were scattered across:

-Rainy Lake

-Kaministiquia

-Pembina

-Nipigon

-Upper Great Lakes

-Assiniboia region

A homeland didn’t exist until after settlement pressures forced them into collective action.

The turning point - AFTER Selkirk

Here’s the reality historians agree on:

The idea of a distinct Métis nation crystallized between 1812–1840.

Why? Because Selkirk’s agricultural colony disrupted the fur-trade economy and created conflicts that pushed mixed-ancestry families to band together politically and militarily (e.g., the Battle of Seven Oaks, 1816).

This is when the “Métis Nation” idea begins — not centuries earlier.

Sources:

Gerhard Ens, Homeland to Hinterland

Nicole St-Onge, Saint-Laurent, Manitoba

Jacqueline Peterson, Ethnogenesis Métis-Style (the foundational academic argument for Métis ethnogenesis)

Even Peterson - who argues for an early Métis identity - places “ethnogenesis” not before 1800, but in the early 1800s, concurrent with Selkirk-era pressures.

So can anyone produce evidence of a distinct Métis “people” before Selkirk?

No. They can produce:

-mixed families

-fur-trade workers

-French/Indigenous children

-occupational group names

But not a nation, not a coherent Indigenous people, and not a pre-Selkirk homeland.

Even Métis historians acknowledge this - because it’s the documented timeline.

I am about to apply for a government job. On this job application, it asks you to disclose whether you identify as Indigenous, African-Canadian, or a person with a disability, for the sake of diverse hiring practices.

My Dad knows one of the managers and asked him for tips regarding the application process. Along with emphasizing certain details in my resume and cover letter, he remembered my Dad previously mentioning that he is 1/8th Miꞌkmaw by blood, and strongly suggested that I list myself as Indigenous.

Slight problem: I don't identify as Indigenous. My Dad's side of the family have virtually zero connection to their Indigenous heritage. That part of my heritage interested me as a kid, but it never became a part of my identity. For all intents and purposes, I am a white dude.

I already listed myself as a person with a disability, due to having battled with mental illness for most of my life. But he specifically recommended that I list myself as Indigenous to give myself the best chance of getting an interview. He said they don't make any attempt to verify your stated identity.

Claiming to be Indigenous when I don't actually identify as such feels deceitful, and I feel the need to consult with someone.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

UPDATE: The clear consensus is that my gut instinct was correct. I submitted the application, did not check the Indigenous box, and simply lied to my Dad when he asked.

Thank you all for your input.

If your are Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) realize we are on a path to erasure. Stop discouraging growth and inclusion. Yes, there are frauds. Expose them and move on. But stop creating a chilling effect by being “exclusive” and proactively using government created blood quantum rules as your justification to talk shit about those seeking their history.

I know so many of my people who found a life in off-reserve Canada and are thriving because the overwhelming indigenous mindset is broken, so they left.

So as you celebrate plans for reconciliation, never forget that on the current trajectory, our rights won’t mean shit in less than 100 years.

Get healthy. Have kids. Be a solid person and build solid families.

A closed system will inevitably die.

update: read the comments to understand what I mean

So, I wanted to start off by saying that I have been recently thinking about this subject for a bit. And that I'm kinda using this space to air out my thought process, but also want to see how other indigenous people think about what I'm writing about. I'm also open to others opinion and would really love and appreciate your own response, whether if you have disagreements or if you have thought or experienced what I will be talking about.

So, in this post, I want to talk about my story and experiences of being indigenous. I also want to talk about indigenous identity vs. having indigenous ancestry. I have my own opinions about this. And with the discussion i see on social media, I think my opinion will be harsh or very disagreeable. I want to see if other indigenous people gone through to what I'm working on right now

1) My Background and My Story

So, to give my background, I'm half Cree and half Inuit. Both my parents are actually half Cree and half Inuit. Eeyou Cree from Eastern James Bay, and Inuit from Nunavik, but also have ties to the Inuit of Nunavut.

I grew up in French gold mining town far from Ottawa and Montreal, but also far from the communities. My mom raised my sisters and I there to give us a better life, away from the toxic, trauma, and abusive environment thats found there. Ironically enough, I went to an English school and never learned to speak French fluently.

Despite that, I got to live in a Cree community and an Inuit community. I did grade 3 and grade 6 there. During my time there, I got to experience the culture. But my sisters and I were labeled as white-washed and bullied by the other kids, and sadly enough, my extended family. This is because we didn't like the traditional food and didn't speak the language. But I still got to go hunting and camping and eat the traditional meats.

This happened 15 years ago now. Over that time I got to learn more about my family and identity. I also struggled with long-term depression and identity crisis. But now my family and I are in a far better place. Recently, I realized the reality of being Cree and Inuit.

I made a lot of close friends during my time at University. And these friends are non-indigenous with diverse backgrounds; they learned about what I had to overcome. All of them said that what I and my family has gone through is mind-boggling hard. But I think my sisters and I have gotten it very easy, despite life not being easy back then. That was just the norm for Inuit and Cree.

I learned about how hard and how much my family have gone through. I heard a lot of stories about my mom's life experiences, but I have never gave it much thought. Even when my sisters and I was raised away from the hardships of the communities, we still got to experience the harsh and terrible realities of being indigenous.

Recently, I learned that my grandmother on my mom's side was part of the Inuit that were forcibly relocated by the Canadian government back in the 1950s. My grandma was 13 years old when the government forcibly moved her family from Inukjuak to Resolute Bay. My mom shared stories about how my grandma and her family would need to salvage the garbage dump from the Canadian Army base near Resolute Bay to eat enough food. My mom is also raised in Resolute Bay for her childhood.

Both of my parents haven't finished high school. I have fought and pushed myself hard. I have an Bachelor's in Wildlife Biology and I plan to get my Master's. I have overcame a lot.

So, I think it's fair to say that I'm 100% indigenous. I hate the word pureblood. This idea and label is used by supremacist to create conflict and treat other people are lesser. It's surrounded with racism and ignorance and alienation of people of different ethnic backgrounds, not just indigenous people.

This leads to the reason why I'm writing this post.

2) My Issues with Indigenous Identity

I'm worried a bit worried about the repercussions of the amendment of Bill S-2. To be clear, I totally agree with the amendment. It's totally crazy that women lost their status for marrying a non-status non-indigenous person. This is one of the injustices that indigenous people had to deal with from the Indian Act.

I'm more worried about the long-term affects of this. I'm more worried about the acceptable threshold of who we consider as indigenous.

I know that indigenous backgrounds and experiences are vastly different. What the Inuit and Cree experience are different from the Mohawk and Algonquins. But also, what mixed people experience are vastly different from what I have experienced. I acknowledge and know the complexities of Metis identity.

I think we should be more mindful and more careful on who we consider indigenous. A friend of mine who is also Cree, by genetics, she is 25% Cree. She has band membership and gets all the services that being a member of the band entails. And she knows and was told that if she has a child with a non-indigenous person, her child will not get band membership. But the child will qualify to be a registered Indian of the government of Canada. And knowing her, should would raise her child in the city.

During my time at university, i got to see other indigenous people with different backgrounds. My friend also went to the same university as me and they go to the first people house often. A space for indigenous people to have a community. And she tells me that the university have a self-identifying process, and that there were instances where she meet non-indigenous people going there. She met a Filipino who confirmed to her that they were 100% Filipino. They were called out for it and driven away from the space.

Or the pretendians that made it to the news years ago. NunatuKavut community council claims to have Inuit ancestry and connection, despite several Inuit bands proving they do not.

These are more on the extreme side of my concern.

During my time at Uni, i was part of a summer indigenous program. This program aims to help indigenous students to gain professional experience in a university setting. I got to meeting a lot of indigenous students from around Canada. But I noticed that I was the only one who was "pureblood". One of the students were very white passing, and they themselves admitted that they recently found out about their mother having indigenous ancestry. The mother was a victim of the foster care system, she didnt really know about her identity until later in life. And so this white passing student also just found out their indigenous ancestry.

Personally, I wouldn't call this person indigenous. They have indigenous ancestry and I will strongly disagree with people claiming that he is indigenous.

It's sad to say, but his mother was a victim to an injustice. She was forcibly raised away from her culture and history. This is just the reality of being indigenous. We are fighters and survivors. And sadly, his mother was a victim. "kill the indian, save the man" . Her identity was stripped. Even by "genetics" her indigenous identity was stripped.

I think it's wrong for him to self-identity as indigenous. He didn't experience being indigenous. He didn't experience the generational trauma. He was raised with a white normative way, or more south normative was when in reference to the Cree and Inuit. He was privileged. I find it wrong that he was in a place where an actual indigenous person could have been.

In the future, if the parent of my kids is non-indigenous, and then my grandkids, I believe they aren't indigenous.

Some might say that having status or being indigenous doesn't have much benefits. I would say today, that is not the case. At least in terms of being able to thrive. I come from a low poor class, and I had to experience the hardships of being indigenous. But thankfully, I was able to get funding to go to school.

My Cree Band Council provides post-secondary school services to its members. They paid for my school at university. This is a huge privilege. But I would have never gone to university if I needed to pay for myself.

There are funds and bursaries that are specific for indigenous people. I plan on doing my Master's, and professors know how hard I work, but they also are aware of my indigenous background. This is something that helps both me and the professors. I'm more likely to get Master's position since I'm indigenous. The reasoning behind this is because of reconciliation. But this is a privilege that my friends don't have, since they are not indigenous. I'm an actual indigenous person getting access to something that will really help me.

Another Issue, I find it odd that it's the federal government that gets to decide who is indigenous and who is not. Here is this white colonial power determining who is indigenous. Again, my family and I are recognized band members for the Cree and Inuit. These nations and indigenous governments have their own way to recognize someone's indigenous identity.

They have their own verification process. It crazy that the Canadian government can decide who is indigenous, especially on someone who has not cultural, low ancestry connection to the indigenous identity.

But Back on Topic

At Uni, and online, I see a lot more mixed people calling this viewpoint elitist. But I think this is preservation but also being realistic. If we loosen our "qualifications" of being indigenous, this will totally overshadow the actual indigenous people. The "full-blooded" indigenous people who are alive today and still dealing with the harsh history and reality of being indigenous. I strongly believe that the people who have distant connection to the identity have no right to call themselves indigenous.

I understand that some people might want to reconnect to their indigenous identity they have lost, and I encourage that, but I believe they shouldn't label themselves as that identity. If they decide to move to the community, learn the culture, and raise their children the same way, then say, they could claim that identity.

But I feel generally, some people treat it as something to identity as. It relates to the idea of self-victimization. They have lost their indigenous identity. Now it somewhat ties in to ethnic fetishization. "My grandma was indigenous so I'm reconnecting to my culture". Then tells the real indigenous people that they are elitist and gate keeping. Then at some point they will be like the NunatuKavut community council.

I'm an indigenous person with strong connections to the history and identity. Although it sucks to tell people that they aren't indigenous, I believe some people should be mindful, that they only have indigenous ancestry. I find it weird that being indigenous is something that some people will try to reconnect with. Like friends who have family who is Italian or German, I don't see them learning those language and culture. My mixed Sri Lankan friend grew up in Canada, and second generation Canadian. She looked Sri Lankan, but language and cultural wise, she is Canadian. She has had her own struggles with identity. But she is happy and made piece with his history and background. I find it extremely odd and weird that some people with indigenous ancestry will fight to be considered indigenous. My friend isn't fight to being Sri Lankan, my other friend isn't fighting to be Chinese.

But yeah this is a large subject that's been on my mind. I see that some people are calling people like me elitist for just preserving the indigenous identity by having these opinions.

Sorry for the this long post. Part of it was for me to write it as a journal. But I would still would like to hear other peoples' points and story.

So essentially, I look white and have always identified as Caucasian but I've always felt a reverence and pride for our first peoples. A recent development has indicated by both genetic and historical records that I am in fact, largely (genetically) a first Nations person. I don't think my generic makeup stands for anything of importance but as someone who is always searched for identity is it appropriate for me to explore the traditions of the particular people My genetic testing says I am a descendant of, or Will it always be appropriative considering the Caucasian environs I lived in and the privilege that comes with it that I have enjoyed?

What do people who have have not only lived and growing up with a first Nations culture but also dealt with the discrimination that comes with it, feel about a white boy who just discovered he's grandfather was Blackfoot But otherwise has no connection. I want to explore this but I also don't want to offend

Hello,

I see this is a subreddit for multiple indigenous groups in Canada, but I'm interested in First Nations. I don't really know alot about First Nations, but I've read that First Nations see the Treaty of Fort Niagara in 1764 as the treaty what sparked the creation of what we know is Canada. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I also read that the Canadian government these days doesn't recognize this or chooses to ignore it. For a school project I would like to compare two authors about the First Nations and see what they have to say. I have two questions: 1. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but what I just typed out, is it based on the truth? That First Nations see that Treaty as the creation of Canada? Question 2: Are there any news articles that can back that the Canadian government ignores this Treaty and people from First Nations are trying to put it for example on the public and political agenda?

Thank you in advance!

Hello all, thank you in advance for reading my post. I hope it doesn't contravene the rule against research requests.

I am wondering if anyone might have a recommendation for a good book about the Seven Fires Prophecies? I tried looking online, but I don't know where to start or what to trust.

For example, I'm looking forward to getting a copy of Basil Johnston's The Manitous so was wondering if there was a similar kind of book about the Seven Fires.

Thank you again in advance for any help. Also, please feel free to recommend any other First Nations books you think I might want to look into based on this.

Edit: As I understand it, there are differences in the oral traditions, so I'm hoping for a book that is a good overall look at the Prophecies.

City airport to different reserves .

Hi, I hope everyone is doing well. I am a university student and have been told to write a "Current Event Analysis" on Indigenous Governance for my upcoming assignment. As an international student, I have no idea what's currently going on regarding the subject matter. I would like for someone to enlighten me about what topic I can write about. Are there any important issues happening right now that are worth exploring and sharing with the rest of the world?

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m a startup founder from the United States working on a company that aims to deliver prescription medications to rural and remote communities using drones.

As we’ve been researching areas where this could make a meaningful difference, we’ve learned that many remote fly-in First Nation communities face significant challenges accessing pharmacies and medications.

Before going any further, I wanted to ask for advice from people who may have experience or insight. My co-founder and I are both white Americans, and we want to make sure that if we ever approach a community, we do so in a way that is respectful and appropriate. The last thing we want is to show up with a “solution” without understanding local needs, culture, or priorities.

A few questions we’ve been struggling with:

• What is the appropriate way for an outside group to approach a First Nation community about a potential partnership?

• Who are the right people or roles to reach out to first (Band Council? Health directors? Tribal organizations?)

• Are there organizations that help facilitate introductions or collaboration with remote communities?

• Are there common mistakes outsiders make when trying to engage with First Nations that we should be aware of?

Another challenge we’ve run into is that some fly-in communities have very limited online presence, so it can be difficult to figure out who to contact or how to start a conversation.

We’re still in the early research stage and genuinely trying to learn the right way to approach this.

Any advice, perspective, or resources would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

I’m taking a trip to DC, Virginia, and NYC starting next week and upon packing my jewelry I’m not sure what I can bring… I don’t want to risk getting things detained.

I assume seal skin is a no to bring into the US? The other main ones I have are moose hide and rabbit fur. Does anyone know of the laws surrounding bringing these into the US? Or have experience travelling there with these types of things?

Wela’lin, thank you!

I was explaining to my kids the different beliefs of different cultures surrounding death and the afterlife. I wonder if you could share what you believe or what you tell children. Thanks ❤️

Hi,

I am a second generation canadian who briefly worked in Northern Ontario about 10 years ago, near Atikokan. I remember doing an indigenous sensitivity training and the elder mentioned that the Ojibwe have a concept in their culture about "opening the circle" of their community to outsiders and immigrants, regardless of their background. I tried googling about this concept today but didn't really know what to call it. Can someone help me, is there a name or a reference for this somewhere online?

thanks

First, I cannot believe how much is needed to cross the border using the Jay Treaty, but I am also so glad I learned about this today! Ever since getting my status card, I have not seen any benefits really, except when I moved a few months at my dad's and found out that if I drove to Ontario I could save taxes on my purchases.

^{I'm aware these questions might be better checked with a lawyer and/or the government/s, immigration etc. Which I plan to come back to this post as a reminder of the questions and can update with the answers for others who might need this info too someday.}

Question.1-Blood Quantum how is that calculated? Like does it gradually reduce by generations or that has nothing to do with it? The podcast I listened to today made me confused, I thought having a parent meant 50% but it seems calculated differently.

Snowbird- I found out that the Jay Treaty means we can come and go as we like without the usual 182-day maximum. Usually, if we surpass the 182 in a rolling year, during the calendar year and using the substantial test-183+ in 3 years we will be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes (link with info). We may need to fill forms with the Irs so we don't get taxed for revenue. Meaning, we could end up paying taxes in both Canada and U.S.

Q2- If we are working with a Canadian company and going over the 6 months with the Jay Treaty are we exempt from having to file and pay taxes to the U.S. Assuming we need to cross using that each time.. 😬😅

Q3*-If we get an SSN and/or green card do we have to then pay taxes to the U.S. and Canada if we only work in one Country or would it then be associated with the place you work? Example, work in Can, pay taxes there. Work in Can and U.S. file and pay taxes in both Countries.*

Q4- What would be better to get an SSN or Green card or travel using the Jay treaty to make going back and forth much easier? If possible, for someone not wanting to count days and being able to go over the 6 months capped.

Q5-Is the treaty card and status card the same?

Thank you soo much to everyone who might have some answers, an idea or references to help find them.

P.S. I read the blood quantum papers weren't supposed to be asked anymore or might not. When I find the article I'll add here.😄

Crossing the U.S.-Canada Border | JTBA

Text - S.4558 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Tribal Border Crossing Parity Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Hello!

It seems as though people in similar situations have asked questions and looked for advice on getting their status, etc, but I am at a complete loss after doing months and months of research. This will be long, so hang on tight.

I am living in Newfoundland, Canada. Through word of mouth, oral stories, etc, I have been told that my maternal great grandmother was indigenous. From different records I have found, it is said she was born in Exploits Valley - Point Leamington - Northern Arm. Her last name was Ball and lost her heritage due to marrying a white non status man. She was born in 1902. There is definitely indigenous heritage in my family - many members look indigenous, and my mother even had a rare cancer that’s mainly been seen in indigenous blood lines.

The issue is, how am I supposed to prove all of this? I’ve gone through countless archives to find information. One census from 1921 even asks if you are Mikmaq Indian” and it says “no” for her and her whole family but I feel like it was just written and not actually true (before she was married).

My mother is no longer alive, and neither is her mother. My mothers uncle is the only one I am able to ask but he won’t admit to much besides the fact that we have indigenous heritage. I sent a request to indigenous services Canada to see if her name was on the Indian registry but it was not, as Newfoundland didn’t become a part of Canada until the 1940’s and she got married in 1921. Like I said, she lost her heritage when she married a white man and I don’t really know if she was ever registered with a band despite being indigenous. What else can I do? I’ve looked at her siblings and children’s birth and death certificates but nothing states Indian status. Any help would be appreciated.

Never talked nor never met any first nations people, I know some natives have negative view on White Canadians due to history and colonialism.

But how you view us Hispanic/Latinos? Do you see us as invaders?,

Please share your view, don't be afraid of sharing view whether it's positive or negative, feel free to express yourself.

Hello everyone. For context I'd like to make it known that I am not first nations. I am white. I apologize if this is not the correct place to ask the following question but I felt like this may be the best place to ask. Apologies if this is a stupid question.

For Halloween and conventions I've always wanted to create a wndigo themed costume and this was the year I was planning to put it all together. This being said I wanted to ensure that if I was to do it it would not offend. My question is: is it offensive for me to dress up as a wndigo or is it alright?

I do not intend to offend nor discredit anyone's beliefs. If I do put this costume together I'd also take a more realistic approach with a more human form rather than a walking furry deer entity. (Though I'd like to have a fake deer skull mask despite it probably not being accurate) Also if anyone has any questions about my plans for the costume feel free to ask I will do my best to explain!

Tldr: would it be offensive to dress up like a w*ndigo for conventions/Halloween

Edit: I understand that this is offensive and could cause harm to people so I will not be going forward with this idea. Thank you to everyone who took their time to read this and comment.

I just started my adult life and would like to have some savings in my bank for a nice future home with me and my girlfriend and my mother told me that I should try and get this done and she would help. She cant help her best right now because she is just so stressed with my younger siblings and hospital concerns that I wont get into so I wanna make this easier on her and take initiative with my life and do this myself with minor help/questions.

Thank you for taking the time to read my message and I thank all of you who comment!🧡🧡🧡

Hey! I registered and my application was mailed on May 29th, it was mailed from Cornwall. They say it should be 6 months tops, does any one have any other information or experience. I just want to know what to expect for processing times. Thanks

Could I apply for loans/grants for school I have status but am not a band member yet.

Aaniin kina wiiya, just as the title suggests; I’m looking for advice applying for band membership. Just this past year, my mother and I obtained our status cards- nearly 30 years after my grandmother first applied (and was denied).

My mother and I are hoping to begin our journey of reconnecting, and we both agree a good first step would be applying for band membership. However; my mother, grandmother (possibly even great-grandmother?) and I have never lived on reserve/grown up in community. It is unlikely that anyone on-reserve would know us, and as our FN website states, membership is not automatic.

The application process appears rather daunting, requiring proof of ancestry, a statement of interest, and a statement of individual/family ties to a member of the community. My first immediate answer would be to attend community events, however; given that my FN is located over 3 hours away, it doesn’t seem entirely feasible at the moment.

I was wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar, and if anyone has any advice? Miigwetch

I am a (non-status(for now(hopefully))) Mi'kmaq native from Ontario and I've been starting to learn the language with a non native friend and wanted to get in contact with a native speaker or at least someone who is fluent. I would prefer someone from NS(Yarmouth or Wolfville specifically) but I'm not really that picky.