Notice regarding Status Card renewals

04/22/2015

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to provide information to Kahnawa’kehró:non regarding renewals for the Secure Certificates of Indian Status (‘Status Cards’).

A number of community members have expressed concerns regarding the length of time it takes to process the Status Cards. The MCK has been in contact with Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Canada (AANDC) in order to gain updated information on the process and to address perceived delays.

“AANDC’s standard processing time for Status Cards is sixteen (16) weeks,” said Membership Portfolio Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. “We have received assurances that the current wait time is actually about ten (10) weeks, though this can change if there is an influx of applications. Of course, we’d much prefer if the process was quicker, and this is something we are expressing to AANDC.”

Community members are being reminded to apply at least four to five months before the expiration date of their current Status Cards. If valid proof of registration is needed, persons can contact AANDC Public Inquiry at 1-800-567-9604 to receive a Temporary Confirmation of Registration letter. If the applicant has applied for and is awaiting his/her renewed Status Card, that person can expect to receive the Temporary Confirmation of Registration within six weeks.

“Kahnawà:ke is fortunate in that there is an AANDC Service Center located in town right across from the hospital,” Chief Sky-Deer continued. “The staff there is very helpful and will assist in the process. In the meantime, we ask that you look at your Status Card and make sure you renew it in a timely manner to avoid problems.”

The MCK Membership Department no longer issues ‘Band Cards,’ as they were discontinued and when the current Secure Certificates of Indian Status were introduced in 2011.