Office of Vital Statistics

Indian Registration

OVS assists in processing applications for Indian Registration, allowing individuals to obtain a status number or update existing records (e.g., name change, marriage, death). 

Requirements:

• Must be eligible for registration under the Indian Act or relevant legislation.
• Original completed application.
• Proper identification and supporting documents.
  
  

How to Apply for Indian Status:

       
Forms:

• Adult Application for Indian Registration
• Child Application for Indian Registration & SCIS 
  

Status Cards

OVS issues Certificates of Indian Status (laminated cards) and provides assistance with Secure Certificate of Indian Status (scannable cards) applications.

Fees:

• $5.00 per card (unless an expired or damaged card is turned in).
• $5.00 additional for a photo (if one is not provided).
  
  

Requirements:

• Must be registered and have a status number.
• Original completed application.
• Valid ID (e.g., driver’s license, health card, birth certificate).
  
  

How to Apply for Certificate of Indian Status (Laminated Card):

Forms:

• Application for Certificate of Indian Status (Laminated Card)
• Application for Secure Certificate of Indian Status (Scannable MRZ Card)
• Simplified Renewal of Secure Certificate of Indian Status (Scannable MRZ Card)  

Bridge Passes

OVS processes applications for first-time Bridge Passes. Lost passes must be replaced directly by the Seaway International Bridge Corporation. 

Requirements:

• Must be registered and have a status number.
• Must have a driver’s license.
• Original completed application.  
  
  

Forms: 

• Bridge Pass Application Checklist 

Membership

Membership eligibility and rights are determined by the Akwesasne Membership Code. Non-members must apply for membership to access certain rights. Completed applications must be submitted to OVS. Applications require a criminal background check and $5.00 application fee. 

Residency

Non-members who reside in Akwesasne for 13 days or more must apply for residency approval under the Akwesasne Membership Code and Akwesasne Residency Law. Applications require a criminal background check and a $30.00 application fee.

Other Services

Membership Confirmations – Verification of membership under the Akwesasne Membership Code. 

Estate Administration

OVS assists families with estate administration following the passing of a loved one. Applications are submitted to Indigenous Services Canada for approval. 

Requirements:

• The deceased individual must be registered and assigned a status number.
• Services available by appointment only (no fees).

Wills

Community members are encouraged to draft and finalize a Will to express their final wishes. OVS offers will workshops throughout the year and securely stores completed wills.

• By appointment only (no fee).
• Will information packages are available. 

Lands

OVS assists with land transactions such as transfers, right-of-ways, and registrations in the Indian Lands Registry, following Indigenous Services Canada policy, the Indian Act, and Akwesasne Laws.

Services Include:

• Providing Certificates of Possession, Maps, and Parcel Abstract Reports.
• Offering information on surveyors and land surveys.
• Land transactions by appointment only (no fees).
  
  

Other Land Services:

Land Confirmations – Verification of land ownership using the Indian Lands Registry System (ILRS).  

Leasing

OVS administers seasonal recreational leases on 14 islands within Akwesasne, following the Indian Act and Akwesasne Laws.

• Over 230 registered seasonal leases are managed by OVS.
• Leases are 15 years in length.
• Listings of vacant lots and cottages for sale are available.
  
  

Requirements to Lease:

• Submit an Application to Lease with a criminal background check, character references, and a non-refundable $20.00 application fee.
• Approval is required before purchasing a cottage or entering a lease.
• Must provide annual proof of insurance.
• Lump sum lease payment due once per year (no installment options).
• Sub-leasing is not allowed.