The Leq’á:mel First Nation Indian Registration Administrator (IRA) provides assistance with registration under the Indian Act and applications for the Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS). The IRA is available to help make the application process easier to understand and navigate. Whether you are applying for registration, applying for your first secure status card, renewing an existing card, or replacing a lost, stolen, damaged, or expired card, the IRA can help you understand the process and prepare your application. Applying for registration under the Indian Act or for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) is not the same as applying for Leq’á:mel First Nation membership. These are separate processes with different requirements and applications. If you are looking for information about becoming a Leq’á:mel member, please visit our Membership page. How Can the IRA Help? The IRA can assist with: Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) applications and renewals Registration applications for children and adults Replacement applications for lost, stolen, damaged, or expired SCIS cards Reviewing applications for completeness Identifying required supporting documents Identification, photograph, guarantor, and reference requirements Certain updates to registration information Band transfer inquiries and applications General questions about registration and status cards Submitting eligible applications and supporting documentation to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) If you are unsure which application you need or what documents are required, please contact the IRA before your appointment. Applying for a Secure Status Card There are two ways to begin the application process. Option 1 – Complete the Application Yourself You do not have to apply through the Leq’á:mel IRA. You can complete and submit your application directly to Indigenous Services Canada. The Government of Canada provides application forms, eligibility information, document requirements, and step-by-step instructions here: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1584384814016/1584385025986 If completing the application yourself, please: Read all instructions carefully. Gather all required identification and supporting documents. Complete the application in full. Review the application carefully before submitting it. Keep a copy of your application and instructions for your records. Mail your completed application directly to the processing office identified in the instructions. Option 2 – Apply With the Leq’á:mel IRA You may choose to complete your application with assistance from the Leq’á:mel First Nation Indian Registration Administrator. The IRA can help you complete and submit your application, review it for completeness, identify required supporting documentation, and provide guidance throughout the application process. Having your application reviewed before submission may help reduce avoidable delays caused by missing information or documentation. Please contact the IRA before attending the office to confirm what documents and identification you will need. Who Can Use Leq’á:mel IRA Services? IRA services are not limited to Leq’á:mel citizens. The Leq’á:mel IRA can assist individuals from other First Nations with registration and SCIS-related applications where authorized to do so. However, the primary responsibility of the Leq’á:mel IRA is to serve Leq’á:mel citizens. For this reason: Leq’á:mel citizens are given priority for appointments and IRA services. Individuals from other First Nations are welcome to contact the IRA, and assistance will be provided based on availability and the type of service required. Important: Laminated Status Cards Leq’á:mel First Nation does not issue laminated Certificate of Indian Status cards. The Leq’á:mel IRA assists with applications for the Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), commonly referred to as the secure status card. If you currently have an older laminated status card and need a new card, please contact the IRA for information about applying for an SCIS. What Can the IRA Not Do? While the IRA can provide significant assistance throughout the application process, there are limits to the IRA’s authority. The IRA cannot: Determine whether an individual is entitled to registration under the Indian Act Approve or deny an application for registration Guarantee that an application will be approved Guarantee or control Indigenous Services Canada processing times Expedite an application simply because it was submitted through the IRA Change, waive, or make exceptions to Indigenous Services Canada requirements Issue or print a Secure Certificate of Indian Status directly Guarantee that Indigenous Services Canada will not request additional documentation Provide legal advice Final decisions regarding registration and the issuance of Secure Certificates of Indian Status are made by Indigenous Services Canada. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is an Indian Registration Administrator (IRA)? An Indian Registration Administrator is an individual who provides certain registration and status card services at the First Nation level. The Leq’á:mel IRA provides a local point of contact for individuals who need assistance navigating registration under the Indian Act and Secure Certificate of Indian Status applications. Do I need an appointment? Appointments are recommended. Different applications have different identification and documentation requirements. Contacting the IRA beforehand allows you to confirm what you need to bring and can help prevent delays or additional appointments. Can I walk in and receive a status card? No. Status cards are not printed or issued immediately at the Leq’á:mel First Nation office. The IRA assists with preparing and submitting SCIS applications. Processing and issuance of the secure status card are handled by Indigenous Services Canada. Does Leq’á:mel First Nation issue laminated status cards? No. Leq’á:mel First Nation does not issue laminated Certificate of Indian Status cards. The IRA can instead assist you with applying for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS). My status card is expired. Can the IRA help? Yes. The IRA can assist with your SCIS application and help determine what identification and supporting documents you will need. I lost or damaged my status card. What should I do? Contact the IRA for assistance with the replacement process. The requirements may vary depending on your circumstances, so please contact the IRA before your appointment. Can the IRA help register my child? Yes. The IRA can assist parents or guardians with preparing an application for registration and identifying the required supporting documentation. Final decisions regarding registration are made by Indigenous Services Canada. I am an adult and have never been registered. Can the IRA help me? Yes. The IRA can help you prepare an application for registration and identify the documentation required for your circumstances. The IRA cannot determine whether you will be entitled to registration. That determination is made by Indigenous Services Canada. Can the IRA tell me whether I am entitled to status? The IRA can explain the application process and help you prepare an application, but cannot make an official determination regarding entitlement to registration under the Indian Act. That determination is made by Indigenous Services Canada. Can the IRA help me if I am from another First Nation? Yes. The Leq’á:mel IRA can assist individuals from other First Nations with registration and SCIS applications where authorized to do so. However, Leq’á:mel citizens are prioritized for appointments and services. Assistance to individuals from other First Nations is provided based on availability. Can the IRA make my application process faster? The IRA cannot control or guarantee Indigenous Services Canada processing times. However, the IRA can review your application before submission and help identify missing information or documentation. Submitting a complete application may help prevent avoidable delays. Can the IRA guarantee that my application is complete? The IRA can review your application against the applicable requirements and help identify missing information or documentation. However, Indigenous Services Canada may request additional information or documents after reviewing an application. What should I bring to my appointment? Please contact the IRA before your appointment to confirm what you need to bring. Requirements vary depending on the type of application and your individual circumstances. You may need identification, photographs, supporting documents, or information from a guarantor or reference. Confirming the requirements beforehand can help prevent delays or the need for another appointment. Need Help or Not Sure Where to Start? If you are unsure which application you need, what documents are required, or how to begin, please contact the Leq’á:mel First Nation Indian Registration Administrator. The IRA can help you understand the process, identify the appropriate application, and guide you through the next steps. Please note: Leq’á:mel citizens are prioritized for appointments and IRA services. For current Government of Canada application forms, instructions, eligibility information, and document requirements, visit: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1584384814016/1584385025986 How can I apply for the Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS)? You can apply for SCIS in person by making an appointment with the IRA (Indian Registration Administrator) for Leq’á:mel First Nation: IRA – Diana CarvajalEmail: registry@leqamel.caPhone: (236) 602-4441 Ext. 1103 **Phone calls, emails and text messages will be available Monday-Friday. **Wednesdays are LFN client appointment days Or By completing the SCIS application form, providing all documentation and mailing it to: National SCIS Processing Unit,10 Wellington StreetGatineau, QC K1A 0H4 Or You can apply by visiting the Vancouver office: Suite 6001138 Melville StreetVancouver, B.C. V6E 4S3Toll-Free: 1-800-665-9320