Aboriginal is a constitutional term which usually means Métis, First Nations and Inuit.
Métis Students
A Métis student can prove their Métis ancestry in two ways:
- Membership in a Métis nation (i.e. Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis Nation of Ontario). Provide us with a photocopy of the membership card, the membership card number or a letter from that nation stating your application has been accepted but the card is still in the processing stage.
- A certified genealogy which shows that a student is descended from the Métis and would make that student eligible for membership with a Métis organization. You would provide a photocopy of the cover page of the genealogy that clearly states which organization created the document and the person whose genealogy it is. We also require a photocopy of one piece of historical documentation (generally found at the back of the genealogy – i.e. scrip, census, etc.) and lastly we require a photocopy of the family tree page that shows the relationship of the person whose genealogy it is to the person listed on the historical document.
Métis organizations require a genealogy to apply for membership. A valid membership card will prove your membership and you can use this as proof of your Métis heritage. For membership with the MMF, contact the regional office in the area that you reside.
Genealogies
Genealogies trace your ancestry back generation by generation through each set of parents. A genealogy is proof of Métis ancestry because it can show that your ancestors received scrip as Métis people or that they were baptized as Métis people in the late 1800s.
You need to provide the genealogist with as much information as you know about you, your parents, your grandparents, and your great-grandparents. Include dates of birth, death, marriage, divorce, maiden names and even change of names if you have it.
Once you have your information, you can go to either of the locations listed below:
St. Boniface Historical Society
Societé historique de Saint Boniface
340 Provencher Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB
(204)233-4888
Métis Culture and Heritage Resource Centre
506-63 Albert St.
Winnipeg, MB
(204) 956-7767
Metis Culture & Heritage Resource Centre
You may use the proof of someone else in your family as long as you are able to provide copies of documents proving that you are related to that person. The following are acceptable methods of showing proof of relationship:
- Long form birth certificate
- Baptismal record which lists parents
- Other identification as approved by the Louis Riel Institute
First Nations Student
With Membership
If you are First Nations and have a membership card, you can use that when applying for scholarships and bursaries.
Without Membership
If anyone in your family has a membership card, you can copy their card and another piece of identification you show your relationship to them (i.e. health card, long form birth certificate).
You could also have a respected member from the First Nations community vouch for you. They should write a letter stating that they know that you are First Nations, and explain why you don’t have any proof of heritage. Also attach a photo of yourself to the letter.
Inuit Students
Inuit students also have the opportunity to have their post secondary education funded. You will need to contact the region you live in. If you live outside your region you may have to apply at:
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC)
275 Portage Avenue, Room 1100
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3B 3A3
(204)983-6548