Indigenous Identity
Overview
Indigenous identity is complex due to centuries of colonialism and racism. UM has followed a practice of accepting self-declaration as verification for applications for Indigenous-specific positions, scholarships/bursaries/awards, admissions and for investigator or collaborator status on research projects.
More recently, UM, along with other universities and institutions, has been faced with the need to establish new processes to review the ways we approach Indigenous identity given the series of high-profile exposures of Indigenous identity fraud that have occurred in the last few years in the areas of literature, entertainment and academia.
In 2022, led by the Vice-President (Indigenous), UM hosted a series of engagement sessions on Indigenous identity declaration. From these engagement sessions, nine recommendations were made, including for “UM to develop and implement a policy to uphold opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and to prevent Indigenous identity fraud. Created in collaboration with Indigenous governments and organizations, this policy must be a living, evolving document.”
UM is now finalizing our Affirming Indigenous Citizenship/Membership policy and procedures.
It is critical to note that UM is not determining who is and who isn’t Indigenous; Indigenous citizenship/membership will always be determined by Indigenous nations.
We will continue to update this page as the policy moves toward implementation.
Questions can be directed to AffirmingPolicy@umanitoba.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand there are many questions about how this will impact everyone involved. As we move forward with finalizing the policy and get closer to operationalizing the process, we will update the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below to address additional questions about the process. For now, the questions below provide initial answers to common inquiries.
Why is the policy needed?
This Policy was drafted in response to Listening to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Communities: Engagement on Recognizing and Supporting Indigenous Identity and Kinship. Its purpose is to:
- preserve and uphold Indigenous-specific spaces and opportunities at UM and ensure that material benefits are available to verified citizens or members of rights-bearing Indigenous communities or nations
- provide a clear framework and create a Procedure for Verification with Documentation
- prevent and mitigate against unjustified claims of Indigenous citizenship or membership for Material Benefit.
Which specific Indigenous organizations, communities and governments participated in developing the policy and procedures?
Several Indigenous organizations, communities and governments participated in the Listening to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Communities: Engagement on Recognizing and Supporting Indigenous Identity and Kinship Indigenous Identity Engagement (IIE) Working Group that informed the development of the policy and procedures. Community collaborators are listed in the report.
To finalize the policy and procedures, efforts are underway to connect with nations, governments and organizations to document what they determine to be acceptable forms of documentation that affirms their citizens and members.
What is a Material Benefit?
Material Benefit means an advantage gain, or profit obtained through, from, with or at the University that is intended for Indigenous people. This can include, but is not limited to, money, gifts, prizes, fellowships, grants, bursaries, funding, scholarships, awards, employment, or teaching or speaking opportunities.
Who does the policy apply to?
The policy applies to all central administration, departments, faculties, colleges, units, schools, libraries, centres, students, employees/staff, educators, researchers and scholars (whether visiting or not), fellows, emeriti, those receiving honorifics from UM, Board of Governors and Senate members, visitors, volunteers, anyone holding an appointment with the UM, or any other person with a formal and/or active roles in UM who apply for or receive a Material Benefit.
Can I still self-declare?
Self-declaration will remain an important mechanism at UM for data on numbers of Indigenous students and employees for demographic purposes, for providing targeted services for Indigenous students or to work towards ensuring fair representation, among other reasons. While, self-declaration will be a first step towards verification, the verification process will not discontinue the option of voluntarily self-declaring at the UM; however, self-declaration alone will not be sufficient to obtain Material Benefit.
Will UM require applicants for Indigenous designated or preferred positions to complete the verification process?
Yes. Applicants who indicate Indigenous citizenship or membership in their application materials and who are shortlisted for Indigenous-designated or preferred positions will be asked to complete a verification process.
Will I need to resubmit documentation for Indigenous scholarships, awards, or positions under the new policy?
Once the policy is approved and the verification system is in place, eligibility for material benefit will require individuals to have their documentation verified. If you are successfully verified, you do not have to re-verify if you apply for new or another Material Benefit (unless your citizenship or membership has lapsed or changed). However, you may still need to submit additional documentation for certain scholarships, awards, positions if they are required as part of their respective processes (i.e., a personal statement, bio, grades, transcripts, etc.).
What if I don’t have my citizenship/membership documentation yet or if I am waiting for my citizenship or membership documents?
You are encouraged to work with your community and start the process of seeking documentation early, to allow time for your community to process any documentation requests. You are responsible for ensuring your required documentation is properly submitted by any specified date or deadline.
What if individuals are disconnected from their community and can’t or are having difficulty accessing documentation?
The OVPI will engage with Indigenous communities and nations to understand their preferred methods of determining citizenship or membership. Advice and guidance may be sought from the individual's claimed community or nation.
Where will citizenship/membership documentation and personal information be stored, and who will have access?
Uploaded citizenship/membership documentation will be collected and managed by the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous), shared only for the purposes of this policy and procedure, and will be stored in a system that will be developed in collaboration with UM Information Systems Technology (IST). Your verification status (examples may include: verified, not verified or pending) will be communicated to units/offices that require this information if you are seeking eligibility for any material benefit. Digital documentation files will remain on record as per UM records retention procedures.
How will I know if my documentation has been verified?
The expectation is that an individual would receive an email or other type of notification notifying them that their verification has been updated. Verification status will not be shared in the email. Individuals will need to login to the system for additional information.
Will others know that I am verified?
When a material benefit is being applied for, accessed or awarded, the administrative or academic unit responsible for the benefit will only see information on the verification status (e.g., verified, not verified or pending) while complying with access and privacy legislation.
If a person becomes subject to an inquiry under the policy or procedure, an individual’s verification status may be shared with relevant authorities in accordance with all policies of UM and applicable laws
Support and Resources
As UM moves closer to implementing the policy, resources will be available to answer general questions about citizenship/membership documentation and the policy's requirements.
In the meantime, please email AffirmingPolicy@umanitoba.ca.
If you have questions that are specific to your community, please consider contacting the following:
UM students: Connect with the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC). The ISC can help and direct students to key organizations or resources to support students’ efforts to obtain documentation for verification.
Local Indigenous organizations: Many local Indigenous organizations in Manitoba provide assistance with documentation. For example, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF).
Inuit identification: For Inuit identification, you can reach out to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) or the regional Inuit association or government that corresponds to your area.
Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat: This government body provides resources and support for Indigenous peoples in Manitoba. You can find more information on their website.
First Nations Status Card: For a Status Card, you can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). They have offices in Winnipeg where you can apply for or renew your card. More information is available on the ISC website. Additionally, you can contact Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO).
Consultations and Report
In response to recent cases of Indigenous identity fraud across literature, entertainment and academia, UM launched a community-driven initiative to ensure identity affirmation processes are both respectful and robust. A key outcome from 2022 engagement sessions was clear: self-declaration alone is no longer sufficient. The university must implement policies that verify Indigenous identity without creating barriers for Indigenous Peoples.
This initiative was sponsored by Dr. Catherine Cook, then Vice-President (Indigenous), and co-led by respected Indigenous leaders and Knowledge Keepers:
- Barbara Bruce (Red River Métis)
- Marti Ford (Inuit)
- Ovide Mercredi (First Nation)
UM formed the Indigenous Identity Engagement Working Group (IIEWG) to guide the process, with representation from Indigenous governments, urban organizations, UM faculty and staff, and community partners. Blueprint Strategic Consulting Services Inc., based in Winnipeg, supported the engagement design and facilitation, with Métis facilitator Jamie Dumont leading the sessions.
The IIEWG gathered input from diverse Indigenous voices across Manitoba. Activities included:
- Six in-person and virtual workshops with Elders, educators, students, social workers, and individuals facing documentation barriers
- A dedicated webpage and anonymous feedback form
- Ongoing meetings with Indigenous governments and organizations
The report "Listening to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Communities: Engagement on Recognizing and Supporting Indigenous Identity and Kinship" was shared publicly in March 2023.
Read the nine recommendations from the report.
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Contact
For more information, please contact:
L'offis Wiichihihwahk - Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2