Citizenship

An essential element of self-determination and self-government is the right to determine our own citizenship based on our own citizenship criteria.

In its judgement in R. v. Powley 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that Métis are a rights-bearing Aboriginal people and set out the components of a Métis definition for the purpose of claiming Aboriginal rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 based on ancestral connection to and acceptance by historic Métis communities.

Pursuant to the Powley decision, Canada has supported recognized Métis governments in establishing and maintaining citizenship registries. The Métis National Council is not a government body and does not issue Métis citizenship. To register as Métis, individuals must apply to the Métis Registry operated by a recognized Métis governments in the province in which you reside. Each Registry has its own application forms and application process. Application forms can usually be downloaded from the Registry’s website or can be obtained in person at the Provincial Office or Regional Offices of the recognized Métis government in question or can be mailed to you if you phone for the information.