Getting your Indian Heritage Documents Together

Prefered Documents:

Indian Status Card from Indian and Northern Affairs with a letter from your band stating you are at least 50 Percent blood quantum based on their tribal records.

Other Documents Taken:

• A "band card" issued by the Band Council of a Canadian Reserve, or by the Department of Indian Affairs in Ottawa.
• Birth or baptism records.
• An affidavit from a tribal official or other person knowledgeable about the applicant's or recipient's family history.
• Identification from a recognized Native America provincial or territorial organization.

Sample Basic Letter Below:

Can be signed by the Cheif or Membership Clerk

Immigration and Naturalization Service

 As the Chief of  X  Reserve, I can verify the following information:

That John Dear, born on January 1, 1900 is an Indian and a member of the X Reserve. 

 That his father John Dear Senior , born on April 3^rd, 1880 is 100% blood Indian and is also a member of X Reserve.

 That his mother Mrs. John Dear, born on January 1^rd, 1881 is non-Indian.

 That therefore, John Dear, under lineage from his father, is  50% blood Indian.

Signed.

The Chief