FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 29, 2021
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is providing a new service to help First Nation citizens in southern Manitoba renew or replace their status cards, Grand Chief Jerry Daniels announced today.
“Navigating the federal government’s renewal or replacement process for status cards can be challenging and it involves paperwork that can be complex,” said Daniels. “SCO is pleased to offer this new service for our southern First Nation citizens who are not able to easily visit their home communities, to help them renew or replace their status cards and access the benefits negotiated by our ancestors.”
As part of SCO’s new Status Card Renewal or Replacement Service, trained pathfinders can support Status First Nation citizens through the renewal process. The pathfinders can also:
- review applications to ensure they are complete and that all the required documentation is attached;
- take the applicant’s picture using the SCIS photo app and digitally sign as a guarantor as a Trusted Source;
- provide guidance on acceptable forms of identification that demonstrate name and address;
- ensure the applicant’s identification is verified as a copy of the original with SCO’s Trusted Source stamp; and
- submit completed applications for processing.
“The regional Indigenous Services Canada office was closed to the public for many months throughout the pandemic, and we know there are a lot of expired status cards out there,” said Daniels. “We are pleased to help address this gap. In the months ahead we look forward to being able to assist with applications for new cards, in addition to renewals and replacements, and to bringing this service to Brandon and other urban centres.”
The new program is one of several programs and services introduced by SCO to help southern First Nation citizens access their entitlements, including the Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator. Read more about NIHB Navigator here: https://scoinc.mb.ca/non-insured-health-benefits-navigator/.
For more information on SCO’s Status Card Renewal or Replacement Program, go to https://scoinc.mb.ca/status-cards/.
To ask questions or book a virtual appointment with a Status Card Pathfinder, please contact:
Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc.
Telephone 1-204-946-1869
Toll Free 1-866-876-9701
Email: statuscard@scoinc.mb.ca
– 30 –
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 80,500 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
Media inquiries:
Email: media@scoinc.mb.ca
Cell: 204-792-9917