Important Notice on AANDC Status Cards

11/19/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) and the local Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Canada (AANDC) Service Center would like to inform all Kahnawa’kehró:non that as of December 20, 2013 the Membership Department will no longer be issuing the Certificate of Indian Status or CIS (band) card to Members on behalf of AANDC.

All Kahnawa’kehró:non were first informed in January 2009 of the phasing out of the current CIS (band) card. The band card will remain valid until the expiry date indicated on each card.

All members will now have to apply for the Secure Certificates of Indian Status (SCIS) card if they have not yet done so. Members can apply for a SCIS card any time before their current band card expires. Those applying to AANDC for the SCIS card will be required to provide an original birth certificate and two valid government issued identifications (i.e., driver’s permit, Medicare card, current CIS card) or passport.

The SCIS is the secure version of the current CIS (band) card which will continue to be used for benefits, tax exemption, and border-crossing purposes.

The AANDC processing time for the first-time application of the SCIS card is now approximately 4 to 8 weeks and 2 to 4 weeks for a renewal or replacement card. Appointments or inquiries can be made at the local AANDC office by calling (450) 638-1372 for SCIS applications. For mail-in SCIS applications, visit the AANDC website at aadnc-aandc.gc.ca.

“Over the years a significant number of our people have received their ‘Band Cards’ exclusively through the MCK offices,” said Membership Portfolio Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. “Though we won’t be issuing the SCIS cards, we’ll ensure that our staff will continue to offer assistance to our Members by providing SCIS applications and various letters for identification purposes.”

“These newer cards are far more secure and will help prevent fraudulent use of lost or stolen cards,“ she concluded.