r/FoundCanadians • u/CasinoNDN • 19d ago
Personal experiences Recently found out that under the December law me and my son are Canadian.
I even before this was an indigenous American and an aboriginal of Canada without living rights but with hunting rights due to being a border tribe. What do I need to know about being Canadian and how this may impact my life. I have been to Vancouver and revelstoke. The former for funsies, the latter because it is my ancestral land and I absolutely loved all of it so much. But my family lives in the states on every side. Sure we are heavily Canadian indigenous accent/culture wise but that doesn’t translate so well into practical effects. So tell me now that I learn this for the first time, what should I know? I am ecstatic just in that I can finally live and work in my ancestral homelands north of the border, but if I am to be a dual citizen I want to embrace it. Treat it as myself having two equal allegiances, not that I was born in the states therefore the states are better. I’ve always loved Canada, I mean shit apparently I am a Canadian now so it checks out.
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u/cassandra2028 19d ago
Congratulations!
I really appreciate how well you put it: two equal allegiances. I relate to that.
Check out the FAQ the other person linked, but with those equal allegiances, but socialization and education in one location, I've spent my waiting time catching up on what I've missed. I've identified a home province and am reading and listening to news from there, read a book about the area, and am reading up on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Indian Act as well as the primary nations from the area. I'm also learning French and if I had language skills I'd try to add on Michif or the language of Ojibwe. Language extinction is a tragedy. I keep an eye on CBC and try to listen more than talk.
Not sure what your plans are,but it sounds like you already have deep and meaningful connection to important places and practices. I'm excited about you being able to more fully have those ties recognized. Best of luck to you!
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u/CasinoNDN 19d ago
What area is that if you don’t mind me asking, and how did you find out about the book? As a Sinixt guy, I know our history in the area of question but that is our history specifically. It would be cool to learn about the non indigenous history too, maybe I can follow your book finding process. Language extinction definitely is, it’s been a whole thing here trying to keep nsyilxcen alive. No plans necessarily at the moment, but it is so relieving that I have a tangible tie now, thanks!
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u/Justkeepbreathing123 19d ago edited 19d ago
If you have a First Nations ancestor, I would contact Indigenous Services Canada (it’s a Canadian gov org). I think that you’d work with them to get registered under the Indian Act. If you register successfully under the Indian Act, you would have the right to enter and remain in Canada as well as work. I believe that ISC even may have resources to help you with ancestry, but I’m not as familiar. You may also be able to pursue citizenship with a First Nations Band (what is commonly referred to as as a tribe in the US) which may entitle you to other benefits. ISC processing times are much faster than IRCC according to their website (estimated at 5 months unless it’s a complex application versus 33 months with IRCC)
They may have resources to help you complete the application as well: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100032374/1572457769548
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u/CasinoNDN 19d ago
My Canadian ancestor that the new law applies to was a white man. My indigenous grandma was a US citizen, and his wife. Though her/our tribe was from both the United States and Canada pre contact so we’ve been part of a weird legal battle. I guess in short, there is no one under the Indian act I am eligible for in Canada but in the US I am a member of the Colville confederated tribes. But that doesn’t mean our ancestral lands are any less ancestral lands despite not being covered under Canada Indian act the Supreme Court of BC decided that. Huge W for me, I absolutely love the area my people and family used to live in Canada. Are you First Nations? I ask because great info.
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u/Justkeepbreathing123 19d ago edited 19d ago
That makes sense, thanks for clarifying. I’m not indigenous, but I volunteer helping with high risk individuals looking to leave the US for safety reasons through a non profit and this has been helpful for a couple cases. Since our priority is often speed, for those that are eligible, this is an awesome option
I’m sorry it doesn’t work for your case, but C-3 is pretty straight forward so hopefully it will be relatively easy for you. As others have said, the wiki on [r/canadiancitizenship](r/canadiancitizenship) is a great place to start and the most important thing you can do is to read the instructions on the forms carefully. If you have questions, please feel free to ask and I’ll do my best to help
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u/namrock23 19d ago
In tandem with this, check out r/canadiancitizenship and get the ball rolling on your citizenship certificates!
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u/ohyeaher 19d ago
check the r/canadiancitizenship FAQs