Discussions

Hello,  
 
I have applied for my Indigenous status card through the Gatineau office in Quebec . It seems I am currently rejected as my great grandparents had enfranchised, causing my grandfather to be enfranchised as he was under age when my great grandparents had enfranchised. (I have no way of confirming this at this time, but it is believed that is done to keep my grandfather/not have him associated or registered with any residential schools)  
 
Because of this, my parent could claim their status but I am not allowed to due to the second generation cut-off rule. My application has said I can contest these results, but I want to ask around to see if anyone has ever contested their results and what their outcome was? I have exhausted almost all avenues regarding information or assistance this and I’m starting to feel incredibly helpless…  
 
I know there was some news in December regarding bill C-38 that would make some amendments regarding enfranchisement, but I can’t really read the bill, or make sense of it. So I don’t know if it would even help my situation. And the bill was only brought forward, nothing has come from it since its December movement.  
 
Would anyone be able to assist me with this? I have tried reaching out the band office I would be registered but was told just to contest it, but I really don’t want to keep cutting open this wound. It’s been a very long and difficult process, and has turned into a very mentally draining and stressful project.

Are you actually registered under the "Indian Act" with a status number?  
 
See if you can find out how your great-grandparents were enfranchised. If it was based off of sex-based discrimination, then you are entitled to register. Would you be able to obtain their registration numbers from your family or the band office? Additionally, the SCIS application says if you don't have information about any grandparents, give them information about other relatives, their registration numbers and the Bands they belong to.  
 
This is from the Canadian Government Website:  
"The Government of Canada has also committed to co-develop and launch a collaborative consultation process on broader issues related to registration and band membership under the Indian Act, including the second-generation cut-off. These consultations are expected to start in early 2023."  
 
So far, it doesn't look like the amendments bill has passed yet. I couldn't find any information regarding it. If it were me, I would continue to gather all my documentation regarding my great-grandparents, proof if you can, that they were enfranchised and for what reason, same with your parents. If only one of your parent has registration/status, see if your other parent can it get as well (if they are Indigenous). That may help you later.  
 
Keep an eye out for information regarding the bill c38 amendment discussion. Get family information from your Band if you can, you need that paper trail of proof.  
 
This lead me down a rabbit hole of BS of that improperly and ridiculously named "Act". I hope some of this helps.