By Glenn Hicks

Metis community asked to get updated ID

Jan 14, 2019 | 4:00 PM

The director for the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan region that includes Prince Albert and the wider surrounding area said it’s very important Metis people have proper identification cards.

Sherry Mclennan with Western Region 2 said with millions of dollars in benefits and assistance potentially available, it was in everyone’s interests to be properly registered to prove they are indeed Metis.

“Because there’s a lot of money coming down for housing, education and health, it’s in the best interest for them to have their Metis card,” Mclennan told paNOW. “We’re working on, and are close to getting funding, for various things such as first-time homeowner down-payment assistance and programs to help renovate your home if you own it.”

She noted there were other benefits such as help with business startups, employment and training, and school tuition funding.

Mclennan added recent reports of people elsewhere in Canada falsely claiming Metis nationhood was also a factor in bringing records up to date. Since 2009 there has been a better, verifiable system of registration in place and she said it was important for people to renew older cards. There have been reports in the past that the Metis cards proved easy to fake.

Freedom and Flexibility

How App-Based Work Creates Economic Opportunity

Dec 12, 2025

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

“If they applied for their card before 2009 they’ll have to re-apply,” she said. “If it was after 2009 then they need to come in and get a new picture taken.”

The application process can be done in Prince Albert at Mclennan’s office at 25, 11th St. E., which is across from City Hall in the downtown.

Anyone over 16 can apply for their Metis card, according to Mclennan and accompanying documents need to include photo I.D., a hospitalization number and a genealogy (family tree).

She said genealogies were entered into the Metis Nation system and then sent off for verification in Manitoba where all family trees were on record.

“Your new ID card does not get issued straight away, and it’ll then be sent back in the mail,” Mclennan said.

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow