Register or renew Indian Status through FNHA
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) are partnering to make it easier for First Nations people in BC to register for Indian Status and apply for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card. Registration will be available at a permanent Vancouver location and through temporary community sites in regional hubs across BC. All locations are designed to be culturally safe, welcoming, and easy to access.
Through this program you can
- Apply to gain your status if you are not yet recognized as having status
- Apply for your new status card if you already have status
Indian Act registration
Indian act registration confirms your legal standing and eligibility for certain benefits, rights, programs and services under Canada's Indian Act; for example, education, tax exemptions in specific situations, and non-insured health benefits. To find out more about what is available to you as a registered person, visit Indigenous peoples on the Government of Canada website. Registration can take six months to two years, depending on file complexity and any genealogical research needed.
Registration under the Indian Act is not the same as applying for a status card and must be done separately.
Status card
Your status card is a federal identity document that confirms you are registered under the Indian Act. There are two versions: SCIS (secure status card) and Certificate of Indian Status (status card). Processing time for a secure status card if you are registered is about eight to 12 weeks. You will need to be registered before you receive a status card, but you can apply for both at the same time.
Where to register
Vancouver location
Visit our Vancouver location in person (Suite 700 – 1166 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3Z3) to get help with registration and SCIS applications. Staff will support you through each step and answer any questions you may have.
Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The office will be closed on statutory holidays.
Temporary Community locations
To bring services closer to home, FNHA is hosting temporary sites in regional hubs across BC.
Information on location and dates will be available soon.
What you will need to register
Bring valid identification that is issued by a federal, provincial, territorial or state government authority, that has not expired. If applying in person, you need to present original valid acceptable identification.
If you have already started an application with ISC, bring any reference numbers or letters you received.
Accessibility and Cultural Safety
FNHA is committed to providing access to culturally safe services for First Nations people. All sites aim to provide a calm, respectful experience. Spaces include seating for Elders and families, and private areas for sensitive conversations.
If you have questions or need help preparing your documents, contact our team at statuscards@fnha.ca.
