Get help researching your First Nations ancestry

For an adult (16 or older)

For a family history search or a letter of ancestry:

1. Submit an application for Genealogical Search.
2. Contact us by phone or email to request a physical application form.
3. Return the completed form, as well as a copy of 1 piece of valid acceptable identification.
4. Be sure to sign and date your request. Please note that digital and typewritten signatures are not acceptable.

For a child (15 or younger) or dependent adult

A parent, custodial parent or legal guardian needs to request the family history search or letter of ancestry.

Be sure to include:

1. A copy of 1 piece of the parent’s, custodial parent’s or legal guardian’s valid acceptable identification
2. any legal document granting custody or guardianship of the child or dependent adult, if applicable
3. a copy of the child’s or dependent adult’s proof of birth document with parental information or a copy of their Secure Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status, if registered under the Indian Act

Family history searches

Family history searches usually take between 8 to 10 weeks to complete, depending on the volume of requests received.

• Searches for children or dependent adults in care are treated as a priority and are usually completed within 2 weeks. Results are sent by priority mail.
• Searches related to a Gladue or Indigenous Peoples Court are completed within 6 to 8 weeks or before the court date. Results are sent by priority mail.

Letters of ancestry

Letters of ancestry are sent by priority mail within 2 weeks from when a complete request is received. We cannot guarantee or estimate delivery times for priority mail crossing the border.