The NTC INDIAN REGISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR (IRA) Program is delivered out of the Port Alberni main NTC office, to the NTC First Nations who buy back the services. There are 6 First Nations including:  Tseshaht, Hupacasath, Ehattesaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht and Hesquiaht.  The other 8 NTC First Nations deliver services to their members at their local administration offices.

“The IRA supports the Department and the Government of Canada in delivering on key commitments through responding to First Nation communities and members in the area they serve.  They are critical to the delivery of the Department’s services and supporting the Indian Registrar in performing registration activities related to post-1985 registrations and life or field events.”  (Source: ISC Training Manual 2020-2021)

The NTC has been delegated authority to administer the IRA Program and must remain in compliance with the ISC Indian Register policies & procedures, to remain in good standing.

The NTC Program staff are:

• Randy Ginger, NTC IRA (Certified)
• Kathleen Lundy-Sam, NTC IRA Assistant (Certified)

Section 10 & 11 – First Nation & Band Membership

Of the six First Nations that NTC IRA Program serves, five of these are “Section 10” bands and  one of these is a “Section 11” band.  This means that five of the First Nations have made the decision to maintain and administer their own Membership Code and maintain their own band membership lists.  For the one remaining First Nation, the Section 11 band, their membership and membership list is maintained by ISC.

Membership & Registration – Are Not the Same Thing

One area that can often become confusing is the misunderstanding of when a person is accepted as a band member for a First Nation, an assumption is made that they will automatically become “registered” under the definition of the Indian Act.  This is not the case.  A person who wants to obtain a registered Indian Status Number, must make an application through the ISC process.  If the application is for a child, the parent(s) or guardian, is the one responsible to begin the process to apply for a registered Status Indian number under the Indian Act.  This is a voluntary process, with criteria that must be met to determine eligibility to be registered. The application for registration are processed by ISC, and could take upwards of 18-24 months to process.  These are not processed at the NTC IRA Program, but the IRA staff will assist with the application and screen to ensure that you have provided all of the necessary documentation required.   

Status Card Services

Status cards application services are available by appointment, between the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Staff will do their best to assist clients who walk-in without an appointment; however, they may be asked to return on another day if there are no available appointments.  This is necessary so that the program can schedule adequate time needed, to work with the client without interruption, depending on the needs of the client.

Eligibility for Status Card  

Entitlement to receive a status card is based under Section 6 of the Indian Act and is protected by the Federal Privacy Act.  To try to explain this further, we have drawn down information obtained from ISC resource materials.

“Section 6 is comprised of 9 different entitlement categories under which an individual may be determined to be entitled or registered.  There are two key distinctions between entitlement categories, Subsections 6(1) and 6(2).

6(1) Entitlement

An individual registered or entitled to be registered under 6(1) can pass status to their chid(ren).

6(2) Entitlement

An individual registered or entitled to be registered under subsection 6(2) must parent with another registered or entitled to be registered Indian in order to pass status to the child(ren).”

Age Requirements

• Applicants who are 16 years of age or older must complete the Adult Application.
  • The applicant is the person whose name will be added and recorded in the Indian Register based on the application (i.e., the adult).
• Children who are 15 years old or younger must have their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) complete the Child or Dependent Adult Application.
  • The applicant is the parent(s), custodial Parent(s), or legal guardian(s) of the child, not the child.
• An individual who has been determined to be a Dependent Adult who is 16 years or older must have their legal guardian(s) complete the Child or Dependent Adult Applicant.
  • The applicant is the legal guardian(s) of the dependent adult, not the dependent adult.

Basic Reference Chart for Section 6 Entitlements under the Indian Act:

Immediate ISC Assistance Available

If you require immediate assistance, ISC will be able to answer any questions directly, send your questions or concerns with your Name, Date of Birth, or Reference Number, to the following direct email:  infopubs@sac-isc.gc.ca.

To book an appointment, please contact:    

Kathleen Lundy Sam, IRA Assistant - Phone: (250)724-5757, Toll free: 1-877- 677-1131
kathleen.lundy-sam@nuuchahnulth.org