I Want to Apply

Why Apply

My people will sleep for one hundred years. When they awake, it will be the artists that give them back their spirit. — Louis Riel, July 1885

There are as many reasons to apply for Citizenship as there are applicants. Each applicant has an individual reason for beginning the citizenship process. Since Louis Riel’s time, our Nation has indeed awakened and is gaining strength and momentum. MNBC has come a long way from our grass roots beginnings and we are growing quickly each and every year. MNBC has 13 Ministries dedicated to working hard for the Métis people of BC. Through this work MNBC offers a myriad of programs and services. We encourage you to explore our website to learn more about what our Ministries have been working on and what programs are available.

Under section 35 of the Constitution of Canada it states Métis as one of the 3 Aboriginal people of Canada. After this was established by the Powley decision, the importance of having a Métis Central Registry to identify Métis section 35 rights holders became apparent. As more section 35 rights are determined for Métis people, this will become increasingly important. Although this is a significant reason to apply for Citizenship, there are many other reasons Métis choose to apply for Citizenship.

Being a Citizen with MNBC will give you a voice in the Nation. As a Métis Citizen you will have the ability to vote in the MNBC Electoral process and be invited to attend our Annual General Meeting each fall to participate in our legislative process.

Connection is another main reason people apply for citizenship. Whether it is connection to your local Chartered Community, culture, or your family and ancestors, MNBC Citizenship is often first step. We encourage all of our citizens to discover what their local Chartered Community has to offer. These Communities facilitate new citizens attending cultural events and meeting Elders or Knowledge Keepers nearest to you. These communities are the heart of the nation. It is their dedication that keeps our culture and language alive.

Become a Registered Métis Citizen

View Application Checklist (PDF)

View Photo Guidelines (PDF)

General Application Form (PDF)

Renewal/Replacement Form (PDF)

Change Your Address Form (Webform)

Harvester Application (PDF)

Harvester Application Guide (PDF)

How many generations are able to claim Métis Citizenship or Métis Status?
There is no limit to the number of generations that can apply for Métis Citizenship. If you have an ancestor that was Métis with a connection to the Métis Homeland, you will be eligible to apply. Métis do not count blood quantum. This means we would not consider a child of a Métis Citizen and a non-Citizen “half Métis”, MNBC would consider this child Métis.
Adoptions
Whether you were adopted by a Métis family or are a Métis adopted by a non- Métis family, you are eligible to apply for Citizenship with MNBC. For more information, please reach out to the Central Registry.
Is it better to Register for Provincial or National Citizenship/Status or Community Membership?
It is always best to apply in the Province you currently reside and also with your local Chartered Community. There is no official Federal or National Métis Status or Citizenship. Instead Métis are encouraged to Register for Citizenship with the Governing Member of the Métis National Council (MNC) in the Province they currently reside. The Governing Member of the MNC in BC is Métis Nation BC (MNBC). MNBC is provincially and federal recognized as the representative of Métis people in BC. As a citizen of MNBC, you will receive information about provincial and federal news, programs and events that the affect the Métis people in BC. Our Chartered Communities will notify members of local events such as potlucks, community meetings and cultural teachings. These events are a great opportunity to meet your local Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
For more information about Métis Status Vs Citizenship please click here.
You are able to apply on behalf of minor aged children if you are their legal guardian with decision making authority.
You are able to apply on behalf on an adult if you have Power of Attorney for the applicant or if the applicant has filled out a Third party consent form. Once you begin the application, it will give you the option of uploading the Third Party Consent form or a copy of your Power of Attorney Document.
If you are a social worker or are applying as the child or youth’s legal guardian, please contact us by email or by phone at 1.800.940.1150