How to update the Indian Register
Find out how to report an event or amend an entry.
Reclaiming your name
You can reclaim your name in the Indian Register and on your status card.
At this time, your family name, given name or alias can only include letters from the Latin alphabet and some accented letters.
- To reclaim your family name or given name, you must submit a document that confirms your reclaimed name, such as a proof of birth document or a legal change of name certificate, with your complete application.
- To reclaim your name as an alias, you don't need to submit a document that confirms your reclaimed name with your complete application.
You can submit your application in the same way as when applying for registration or a secure status card.
On this page
How to update information in the Indian Register
It's important that your personal information in the Indian Register be kept accurate and up to date to apply for a secure status card and receive information from Indigenous Services Canada.
To update your personal information in the Indian Register, you must submit a request and valid acceptable identification either
- by mail to:
- Indigenous Services Canada
10 rue Wellington
Gatineau QC K1A 0H4
- Indigenous Services Canada
or
- in person at:
- any regional office
- your First Nation office
If you have any further questions, contact Public enquiries.
How to report a birth in the Indian Register
Reporting a birth is the same as applying for registration.
To find out more, visit How to apply for Indian status.
How to report the death of a registered family member or friend
1. Provide any one of these documents:
- vital statistics death record or extract
- church death certificate
- funeral director's statement
- coroner's report
- burial permit or internment certificate
Also provide the deceased family member's or friend's status card, if available.
Documents that may also be accepted in exceptional circumstances
In exceptional circumstances, a combination of a public notice of death, for example, a funeral home statement or a newspaper obituary clipping, and an affidavit from a next of kin or Indian Registration Administrator may also be accepted. In instances where a person is believed to be dead, other documentation, such as a police report or court order, will be accepted.
All other types of evidence will need to be reviewed and decided upon by the Registrar on a case by case basis.
2. Submit the documents either
- by mail to:
- Indigenous Services Canada
10 rue Wellington
Gatineau QC K1A 0H4
- Indigenous Services Canada
or
- in person at:
- any regional office
- your First Nation office
Find out more
To find out more about Indigenous Services Canada's services to help families manage the legal and financial affairs of registered persons who usually live on a reserve and have died, visit Estate services for First Nations.
To find out more about reporting the death of a registered family member or friend, contact Public enquiries.