Aboriginal Status Cards
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association?
It appears that the OMAA no longer exists because of financial difficulties. The OMFRC is attempting to fill the void left by them.
What is the OMFRC?
The Ontario Metis Family Records Center is an organization dedicated to the research and preservation of records relating to aboriginal and Metis families. We are offering the Certificate of Aboriginal Status cards as a service to the Metis community. One of the goals of the OMFRC is to promote pride in people’s native ancestry and we feel that the cards are an important part of that goal.
What is the definition of Metis?
Every organization seems to have its own definition of Metis. When the federal government added Metis to our Constitution they failed to provide an official definition. That failure has led to a great deal of confusion and debate. We feel that many of the definitions are unduly restrictive and unfair. Our definition is simple - anyone with an aboriginal ancestor. Please go to Canadian Constitution for a broader explanation.
Who can join the OMFRC?
Membership is open to anyone with an aboriginal ancestor. We place no restrictions on how long ago that ancestor lived or where they lived. We also offer Associate memberships for others who want to support our work.
Do you only have records for Ontario?
While Ontario is our primary focus, we gather information from sources throughout Canada and the United States. People associated with the fur trade often traveled extensively and left traces of themselves in various places. The American War of Independence caused huge upheavals in native populations and again you can find references to various individuals in both Canada and the United States. There are also many people who can trace their aboriginal ancestry back to links to the American Colonies. History dictates that our research encompasses all of North America.
What if I know very little about my family history?
If you believe that you have a native ancestor but don’t have detailed information, send us an application. Give us every fact and every family tradition known to you. We will try to match your information to our extensive files. If we are unable to do so, your membership fee will be returned to you in full.
Where does the OMFRC get its information?
We gather our information from a vast variety of sources including various government records, census records, land grants, cemetery records, local history books, genealogies, church records, military records, and many, many other sources. Information provided by our members is a vital part of our research.
What does membership cost?
Please see Membership Information for full details. Costs vary based on the type of membership you choose and the length of your membership.
How far back do your records go?
Our records date back to the early 1400s. Most span the last two to three hundred years.
What is unique about your organization?
Most Metis organizations require that you provide proof of your aboriginal ancestry. While such proof makes our job far easier, if you don’t have it we will try to match your information to our files to prove your descent. Our databases are huge and at least part of your family history is probably already on file.
How do I join?
You can print an application by clicking on Application Form and following the instructions. You can also send us an e-mail or a letter requesting that we mail an application to you, or you can phone us – see Contact Us
What happens if I apply for membership and my application isn’t accepted?
If we are unable to approve your application your payment will be returned to you in full. Cheques and/or money orders are not deposited until the application has been approved.
I belonged to the OMAA, do I need to fill out a new application?
Yes, we need a new application and photo. We are a separate organization and we don’t have the OMAA’s records.
Can I use my old OMAA application form to apply for membership?
Yes you can. It provides us with the same basic information we require.
What is an Associate membership?
Associate memberships are for those people who want to support our work but don’t qualify for regular membership.
Why should I apply for membership for my children?
As I’m sure you know there are very few forms of photo ID for children. In our increasingly troubled world their membership card may provide needed identification. We have also found that children take pride in their cards and that pride in their heritage stays with them in later life. Promoting pride in aboriginal ancestry is one of the goals of the OMFRC.
After I apply, how long will it be before I receive my card?
Assuming that your application is approved, you will normally receive your card two to three weeks after your application is received by us. The application is processed and the card is produced in a matter of days. The delay is with the mail. It is impossible to predict how long delivery will take.
If I have a great deal of my family’s history, do you want it?
Most definitely. Information is the most valuable thing you can give us. What you provide us with might well confirm the native ancestry of countless other people. Everything we document will be available to future generations. Information kept to yourself may well be lost someday if another family member isn’t interested in retaining that knowledge.
What type of photo is required?
Any size photo is acceptable. We use graphics software to edit it to a head and shoulders shot. Try to send one that shows your face clearly and isn’t too dark. If you plan to use your membership card for identification purposes, you shouldn’t be wearing a hat or other head covering.
Can I get a replacement card if mine is lost or damaged?
Lost or damaged cards will be replaced at no cost to you. If you have a Life membership, you can ask for a replacement card every five years if you feel that a more recent photo of yourself would be appropriate.
What does the OMFRC do?
Our primary goal is researching and documenting the aboriginal and Metis families, with an emphasis on Ontario. Our secondary goal is promoting pride in aboriginal ancestry. Eventually there will be a number of publications produced to aid in aboriginal family research. While we are not primarily a political organization we will be undertaking various projects based on what is important to our members. Your suggestions are always welcome and will be given careful consideration.