This procedure addresses the requirements for candidates who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) to follow in which their identity is affirmed / ancestry is documented when applying for designated program seats, awards, bursaries, grants and/or scholarships limited to Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit).

Conestoga College recognizes that identifying who is and who is not Indigenous must be done by the community. For that reason, the following sets out a process that relies on candidates to submit evidence to substantiate their claims to Indigenous identity through accepted citizenship/membership documentation. Those who do not provide the required documentation may not be considered for designated program seats or awards limited to Indigenous candidates.

This procedure is in place to ensure that opportunities designed for Indigenous peoples are awarded to those they are intended for and that there is a clearly defined way to address potential Indigenous identity fraud.

Conestoga College maintains a glossary of terms specific to the instituion. The ones in use for this document are defined below.

Candidates

• Provide the required documentation under the terms of this procedure.

• Receive Facilitated Admissions and Awards Forms and coordinate the approval process with the Indigenous Services.

• Review candidate submissions using the applicable Category 1 documentation to substantiate Indigenous identity listed below.
• Provide the applicable candidate submissions of Category 2 documentation to substantiate Indigenous identity listed below to the Indigenous Identity Substantiation Sub-Committee.

• Work collaboratively with Indigenous Services to support the substantiation process and communications related to this procedure.
• Send award decisions and acceptance letters to Indigenous candidates.

• Review candidate submissions using the applicable Category 2 documentation to substantiate Indigenous identity listed below. 

1. Application to Designated Admissions and Awards Limited for Indigenous Candidates
1. To assist Conestoga College in considering admissions or granting of seats, awards, bursaries, grants or scholarships limited to Indigenous candidates, candidates are required to complete the Facilitated Admissions and Awards Form and assemble and submit the verification documentation set out in Categories 1 or 2 below, as applicable.
2. Category 1: Indian Status, Inuit Beneficiary, or Métis Citizenship Documentation
   
1. For the purposes of the application, one of the following will be accepted as documentation supporting the substantiation of claims to Indigenous identity:
1. Proof of an Indian Status Card issued by Indigenous Services Canada that is current and not expired; 
2. Proof of Métis Nation Citizenship from any one of the following Métis governments:
1. Métis Nation of Ontario 
2. Métis Nation Saskatchewan 
3. Métis Nation of Alberta/Otipemsiwak Métis Government 
4. Métis Nation British Columbia 
5. Manitoba Métis Federation 
3. Proof of a Membership/Citizenship Card from one of the Alberta Métis Settlements or the Northwest Territory Métis Nation; 
4. Proof of a Nunavut Trust Certificate Card or Inuit Enrollment Card associated with one of the Land Claim Agreements in the claim regions of Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and Inuvialuit; 
5. Proof an ancestor’s name was entered in the Indian Register in accordance with the Indian Act or on a band list; 
6. Written confirmation of Aboriginal Identity from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami or Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated; or
7. Written confirmation of membership by a band that has enacted its own band membership code(s).
2. If a candidate cannot provide the verifiable documentation in Category 1, they must provide all Category 2 documentation listed below to substantiate their Indigenous identity.
3. Category 2: Self Declaration of Indigenous Identity and Required Documentation
1. Conestoga College recognizes that many Indigenous individuals may no longer possess connections to their families, cultures, languages or communities.
   
2. If an individual is not able to provide the documentation listed in Category 1 above, they may submit a written or oral statement about their existing lived experience and ongoing relationship to a legally recognized Indigenous community, Nation or People. This statement must include specific, verifiable information, including:
1. The First Nation, Métis or Inuit community such as their treaty, scrip, land claim and territory or region;
2. Why the individual does not have the Category 1 evidence required to substantiate their claim to Indigenous identity; and
3. One letter of recommendation or oral statement from a community or community member, Elder, Knowledge Keeper or a Band Council representative. It is important to note that this is not a character reference, it is a letter that attests to the candidate’s personal, familial and community connections that affirm the candidate’s Indigenous identity and belonging. Letters written by immediate family members will not be accepted.
4. Approval Process
1. Registrarial Services will provide completed application forms to Indigenous Services.
   
2. Indigenous Services will verify Category 1 documentation.
   
3. Indigenous Services will coordinate with the Indigenous Education Council Identity Substantiation Sub-Committee to verify Category 2 documentation.
   
4. In accordance with the consent provided by candidates in the Facilitated Admissions and Awards Form, Conestoga College’s representatives may gather personal information from members of Indigenous communities to substantiate an individuals’ claims to Indigenous identity.
   
5. Indigenous Services will notify Registrarial Services of approval decisions.  
   
6. Decisions will be communicated to candidates by Registrarial Services with next steps and additional information.
   
7. If clarification or more information is needed to process the application, the candidate will be contacted by a representative from Registrarial Services.
5. Privacy
   
1. Conestoga College is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of collected personal information. For more information, please read the Protection of Privacy Policy.
   
2. In alignment with The First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP), information submitted by candidates through the Facilitated Admissions and Awards Form is limited to Conestoga employees whose job duties require them to review form information and the Indigenous Education Council Identity Substantiation Sub-Committee.
1. Any employee or IEC member part of the Substantiation Sub-Committee that works with information related to the Facilitated Admissions and Awards Form must be trained in OCAP principles.
3. The College collects personal information from learners under the legal authority of the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act and in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

2026-03-25          Procedure established - Academic Coordinating Committeee approved.