Did You Know?

Older membership cards will be phased out and replaced by the newer Indigenous Services Canada’s Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) cards? The next time you renew, please consider your membership card options:

Certificate of Indian Status (CIS)

The Certificate of Indian Status, or status card, is still issued in NCN. This card has only a limited number of security features found on other government-issued identity documents.

  • Cards are issued directly and immediately by Citizenship Coordinator (when in stock)
  • Cards are being prioritized and will initially be issued to
    • Elders
    • Patients
    • Escorts
    • and then general NCN membership
  • Card is an acceptable form of identification everywhere except in liquor, gaming and cannabis establishments
  • As the identification card expires (not your membership), the card must be replaced:
    • in five (5) years for adults
    • in three (3) years for children

The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS)

The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), also known as a secure status card reduces instances of fraud and identity theft by including security features and a photo.

  • Citizenship Coordinator will assist NCN membership to:
    • Complete application forms
    • Verify membership
    • Take pictures
    • Be Guarantor on application
  • This application must be mailed out and a card will be received back in the mail
  • This card is an acceptable form of identification everywhere even in liquor, gaming and cannabis establishments
  • As the identification card expires (not your membership), the card must be replaced:
    • in ten (10) years for adults
    • in five (5) years for children

Are older versions of the certificate of Indian Status (CIS) still valid?

All previously issued versions of the SCIS and the CIS cards are valid until the renewal date on the card. If your status card is no longer valid, you may be denied benefits and rights for Indigenous peoples or have difficulty crossing the Canada–U.S. border.

Other important information to know

  • Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) only provides NCN with a batch of 100 CIS cards at a time.
  • It often takes two (2) – three (3) months if not more, for NCN to get another batch of cards once the initial 100 have been issued.

For more information or to renew please contact:
MELISSA MOORE
Citizenship Coordinator

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
P.O. Box 350, Nelson House MB R0B 1A0
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 204-484-2604 ext.#208
Fax: 204-484-2588
Cell: 204-307-0256