Ed Loonfoot & Family, 1920's
To the Archives of Manitoba
• Search Tips
• Census Records
• Land Records
• Court Records
• Immigration Records
• Church Records
• Education Records
• Cartographic Records
• HBCA Records
• Aboriginal Records
• Introduction
• Records Available at Archives of Manitoba
• How to Contact Us
• Questions & Answers
• Picture References
• Home
Introduction to Genealogical Research for Aboriginal People
Genealogical research for
Aboriginal people is a multi-step process involving different groups of records.
Navigating through the documentation can be challenging. This guide will serve as a tool
to assist you in working through the complexities of genealogical research.
What is an "Aboriginal
Person"?
Determining Indian Status
Determining M
How Can We Help?
What is an "Aboriginal Person"?
Indians, Inuit and M
étis peoples of Canada are referred to collectively as "Aboriginal Peoples of Canada" in the Constitution Act of 1982. [To Menu]Determining Indian Status
The word "Indian" has been used by Europeans for more than five centuries to identify the Aboriginal Peoples of the Americas.
The word "Indian" has acquired legal meaning. Presently, an individual may be recognized as an Indian based on the meaning in the Canadian Constitution, and yet not be an Indian according to the terms of the Indian Act. The operative terms are Status and Non-Status Indians.
A Non-Status Indian is a person who is of Indian ancestry and cultural affiliation, but who is not registered as an Indian under the Indian Act. Non-status Indians do not meet the eligibility criteria as determined in the Indian Act. A status Indian, according to the Indian Act, means a person who pursuant to this Act is registered as an Indian or is entitled to be registered as an Indian (Section 2(1)). Historically, Status Indians were part of the treaty making process and part of bands that signed treaties. This is where the term "Treaty Indian" comes from. Today, a Status Indian person has their name recorded in the Indian Register with
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). Status Indians are eligible for monies and benefits as allotted by the government.You are eligible for status registration if one or more parent has status or is eligible to receive status. Status eligibility under Section 6(1) &(2) of the Indian Act is limited by generations and time. This is especially significant when individuals have married non-Native or non-Status partners. For example, if only one parent is eligible or has status, you may not be eligible for status or you may not be able to pass your status on to your children.
If you believe you may be eligible for status registration, contact Indian and Northern Affairs Canada for more information. Documentation supporting your claim will have to be provided to INAC in the form of birth certificates, band names, and family genealogical information (at least 3 generations). You may be required to fill out a form "Application for Registration of an Adult under the Indian Act".
[To Menu]Determining Métis Ancestry
A Métis person is someone of mixed ancestry, of both European and Indian descent. Historically, the Métis were linked to the fur trade as French or English fur traders married Indian women (officially and unofficially). Today, the Métis are descendants of these original relationships.
There is no federal government membership for Métis people. There are local provincial Métis organizations that provide membership cards based on certain criteria. Please note: You do not need to have a Métis card to identify yourself as Métis. However, you will probably need a Métis card to be eligible for Métis related funding and programming.
The Manitoba Métis Federation's criteria for membership is as follows:
1. Ancestry:
- individuals must prove they are descended from someone who took Métis Scrip
- individuals must provide microfilm copies of this information and a genealogical chart properly referenced, that connects them to the individual who took scrip
or
- individuals must prove they are related to someone who is already a member (like a mother, father, cousin, sibling…)
- Community Participation
- Membership candidates are assigned to a local (regional branch of the MMF) and are required to attend a minimum number of meetings
- Sponsorship
- Every local has a "head". This person is charged with sponsoring or "signing in" a member
- Financial
- There is an administrative fee for membership cards
If you believe you are eligible for a Métis card, you should contact your provincial Métis association for membership information.
[To Menu]The Archives of Manitoba has microfilm copies of Indian Affairs records from the Library and Archives Canada. There are additional sources like census and HBC post records that can be helpful in tracing Aboriginal family history. Click here to visit our page describing these records.
[To Menu]