Reclaim your Indigenous identity on official documents
On This Page You Will Find:
- How to reclaim your Indigenous name on citizenship documents at no cost
- Step-by-step application process for residential school survivors and families
- Required documentation and forms to complete your name change
- Important travel considerations when updating your citizenship certificate
- Expanded eligibility that now includes all Indigenous peoples in Canada
Summary:
Maria Blackfeather held her citizenship certificate, knowing the name printed there wasn't truly hers. Like thousands of Indigenous Canadians, residential school policies had stripped away her ancestral identity. Now, the Canadian government offers a pathway home. Through May 30, 2026, Indigenous peoples can reclaim their traditional names on citizenship certificates completely free of charge. This innovative initiative responds to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 17, expanding beyond residential school survivors to include all Indigenous peoples seeking to restore their cultural identity on official documents.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Free name changes on citizenship certificates available until May 30, 2026 for all Indigenous peoples
- Process requires either an eligibility form (IRM 0004) or statutory declaration depending on your situation
- Initiative responds to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 17
- Updated certificates may require corresponding passport changes for international travel
- Program expanded beyond residential school survivors to include all Indigenous peoples
The moment Joseph Crow Eagle received his updated citizenship certificate bearing his traditional Lakota name, tears filled his eyes. After decades of carrying documentation that reflected colonial naming practices rather than his true identity, he finally held official recognition of who he'd always been.
You're not alone if you've felt disconnected from official documents that don't reflect your Indigenous heritage. The Canadian government now acknowledges this profound injustice and has created a clear path forward.
Understanding the Indigenous Name Reclamation Process
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched this transformative initiative recognizing that names carry deep cultural significance for Indigenous peoples. Your traditional name isn't just letters on a page—it connects you to ancestors, clan affiliations, and spiritual meanings that residential schools and colonial policies deliberately severed.
The program addresses a painful reality: many Indigenous families lost their traditional names through forced assimilation policies. Children entering residential schools often received European names, creating generations who grew up disconnected from their cultural identities.
What makes this program remarkable is its scope. While Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 17 specifically mentioned residential school survivors and their families, IRCC expanded eligibility to include all Indigenous peoples seeking to reclaim their traditional names.
Who Qualifies for Free Name Changes
If you're Indigenous and want to reclaim your traditional name on your citizenship certificate, you likely qualify for this no-cost program. The expanded eligibility means you don't need to prove direct residential school connections.
Here's who can apply:
Residential school survivors who want to restore names taken during their school experiences can apply using the streamlined process. Your children and grandchildren also qualify, recognizing how naming disruptions affected entire family lines.
Indigenous peoples reclaiming traditional names benefit from the expanded program, even without direct residential school connections. This acknowledges that colonial naming practices extended far beyond residential schools.
Family members helping elderly relatives can assist with applications, though the certificate holder must consent to any changes.
The program runs until May 30, 2026, giving you nearly two years to gather documentation and complete your application. Don't wait until the deadline—processing times may increase as the cutoff approaches.
Required Documentation and Forms
Your application success depends on submitting the correct paperwork. The specific forms you need depend on your individual circumstances and the type of name change you're requesting.
Eligibility Form (IRM 0004)
You'll need the eligibility form in certain situations, particularly if you're applying under the expanded Indigenous peoples category rather than as a residential school survivor or family member. This form helps IRCC verify your eligibility for the free name change program.
Complete this form carefully, providing accurate information about your Indigenous heritage and the traditional name you want to reclaim. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay processing significantly.
Statutory Declaration Option
If you cannot obtain a legal name change document through provincial or territorial processes, you can use a statutory declaration form instead. This sworn statement explains why you cannot provide standard legal name change documentation.
Common reasons for using statutory declaration include:
Historical documentation gaps where residential school records or birth certificates don't reflect your traditional name. Many Indigenous families lack complete documentation due to systematic record-keeping failures.
Provincial processing barriers that make standard legal name changes difficult or expensive. The statutory declaration provides an alternative pathway when conventional routes prove problematic.
Cultural naming practices that don't align with European legal traditions. Traditional Indigenous naming ceremonies may not have created documentation that provincial systems recognize.
When completing your statutory declaration, be thorough in explaining your circumstances. Include details about your traditional name's cultural significance and why standard documentation isn't available.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process has been streamlined specifically for Indigenous name reclamation, removing many barriers that typically complicate name changes on official documents.
Step 1: Determine Your Documentation Path
Before starting your application, identify whether you need the eligibility form (IRM 0004) or statutory declaration. If you're unsure, contact IRCC directly for guidance rather than guessing and potentially delaying your application.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Materials
Collect any available documentation supporting your traditional name and Indigenous heritage. This might include:
- Band membership cards or certificates
- Traditional naming ceremony documentation
- Elder attestations about your traditional name
- Family genealogy records
- Previous identity documents showing name variations
Don't worry if you lack extensive documentation. The program recognizes that colonial policies deliberately disrupted Indigenous record-keeping practices.
Step 3: Complete Required Forms
Fill out your chosen form completely and accurately. Take time to review all information before submitting—errors can significantly delay processing.
If using statutory declaration, have it properly witnessed and notarized according to your provincial requirements. Improperly executed statutory declarations will be rejected.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Mail your completed application with all supporting documentation to IRCC. While the name change itself is free until May 2026, you may need to pay for expedited processing or special postage if you want faster service.
Keep copies of everything you submit. If documents get lost in processing, you'll need duplicates to avoid starting over completely.
Important Travel and Identity Considerations
While reclaiming your traditional name on your citizenship certificate represents a meaningful step toward cultural restoration, consider how this change might affect your travel and identification needs.
International Travel Challenges
Your updated citizenship certificate may not be universally accepted by border authorities in other countries, especially if the name differs from your passport or other travel documents. This creates a coordination challenge you'll need to address proactively.
If you travel internationally, plan to update your passport simultaneously with your citizenship certificate. Having mismatched names across identity documents can cause significant delays and complications at border crossings.
Dual Citizenship Considerations
Citizens holding multiple passports should seek name changes on all travel documents, not just Canadian ones. Each country has different processes and requirements for name changes, so research requirements early in your planning process.
Some countries may not recognize Indigenous naming practices or may require additional documentation to process name changes. Factor these potential complications into your timeline and budget planning.
Domestic Identification Updates
Your updated citizenship certificate will likely trigger a cascade of other document updates. Plan to change your driver's license, health card, banking information, and other identification to maintain consistency across all your documents.
While this process requires effort, many people find that having all their identification reflect their traditional name creates a profound sense of wholeness and cultural connection.
Timeline and Processing Expectations
IRCC has simplified the standard name change process specifically for Indigenous name reclamation, but you should still expect reasonable processing times for your application.
Standard processing typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on application volume and the completeness of your submission. Applications requiring additional documentation or clarification will take longer.
If you need your updated certificate by a specific date, consider paying for expedited processing. While the name change itself is free, expedited service fees still apply and can significantly reduce waiting times.
Submit your application well before the May 30, 2026 deadline. As this date approaches, application volumes will likely increase, potentially extending processing times for everyone.
Beyond the Certificate: Cultural Restoration
Reclaiming your traditional name on official documents represents more than administrative convenience—it's an act of cultural restoration and resistance against colonial erasure policies.
Your updated citizenship certificate becomes tangible proof that Indigenous names, identities, and cultures not only survived systematic suppression attempts but continue to thrive. When your grandchildren see their traditional family name on official government documents, they'll understand that their cultural identity has legal recognition and protection.
This program also creates opportunities for families to research and reconnect with traditional naming practices. Many people use the application process as a starting point for deeper cultural learning and community connection.
Consider sharing your experience with other Indigenous community members who might benefit from this program but haven't heard about it yet. Word-of-mouth remains one of the most effective ways to ensure eligible people access these important services.
The path to reclaiming your traditional name on your citizenship certificate is now clear and accessible. With free processing available until May 2026 and simplified documentation requirements, there's never been a better time to restore your cultural identity on official documents. Your traditional name carries the wisdom of ancestors and the hopes of future generations—it deserves recognition on the documents that define your Canadian citizenship.
FAQ
Q: What exactly is the Indigenous Name Reclaim program and who administers it?
The Indigenous Name Reclaim program is a government initiative administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows Indigenous peoples to change their names on citizenship certificates at no cost until May 30, 2026. This program responds directly to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 17, acknowledging that residential schools and colonial policies stripped away traditional Indigenous names and identities. What makes this program unique is its expanded scope—while originally focused on residential school survivors and their families, IRCC broadened eligibility to include all Indigenous peoples seeking to restore their traditional names. The program recognizes that forced assimilation policies affected Indigenous naming practices far beyond residential schools, creating generations disconnected from their cultural identities on official documents.
Q: Do I need to prove residential school connections to qualify for free name changes?
No, you do not need to prove residential school connections under the expanded program. While residential school survivors and their direct descendants (children and grandchildren) remain eligible for the streamlined process, IRCC has broadened eligibility to include all Indigenous peoples wanting to reclaim traditional names. This expansion acknowledges that colonial naming practices and cultural disruption extended far beyond residential schools through various government policies and social pressures. Whether you're First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, if you want to restore a traditional name that reflects your Indigenous heritage, you likely qualify. The key requirement is demonstrating your Indigenous identity and the cultural significance of the name you're reclaiming, not proving specific institutional connections. This inclusive approach ensures that the program addresses the full scope of naming injustices experienced by Indigenous communities across Canada.
Q: What's the difference between using form IRM 0004 and a statutory declaration for my application?
Form IRM 0004 is the eligibility form specifically designed for this program, typically used when applying under the expanded Indigenous peoples category rather than as a residential school survivor. This form helps IRCC verify your eligibility and gather information about your Indigenous heritage and desired traditional name. A statutory declaration, however, is used when you cannot obtain standard legal name change documentation through provincial or territorial processes. Common reasons for choosing statutory declaration include historical documentation gaps where residential school records don't reflect traditional names, provincial processing barriers that make standard changes difficult or expensive, or cultural naming practices that don't align with European legal documentation systems. The statutory declaration must be properly witnessed and notarized according to provincial requirements. If you're unsure which option suits your situation, contact IRCC directly for guidance rather than guessing, as choosing incorrectly can significantly delay your application processing.
Q: How will changing my name on my citizenship certificate affect my passport and international travel?
Changing your citizenship certificate name creates important considerations for international travel that require proactive planning. Your updated citizenship certificate may not be universally accepted by border authorities if the name differs from your passport or other travel documents, potentially causing significant delays or complications at border crossings. If you travel internationally, plan to update your passport simultaneously with your citizenship certificate to maintain document consistency. Citizens holding multiple passports should seek name changes on all travel documents, not just Canadian ones, as each country has different processes and requirements. Some countries may not recognize Indigenous naming practices or may require additional documentation beyond what Canada accepts. The domestic impact includes updating your driver's license, health card, banking information, and other identification to maintain consistency. While this cascading update process requires effort and planning, many people find having all identification reflect their traditional name creates a profound sense of cultural wholeness and connection.
Q: What supporting documentation do I need to include with my application?
Supporting documentation requirements are flexible, recognizing that colonial policies deliberately disrupted Indigenous record-keeping practices. Helpful documents include band membership cards or certificates, traditional naming ceremony documentation, elder attestations about your traditional name's cultural significance, family genealogy records, and previous identity documents showing name variations. However, don't worry if you lack extensive documentation—the program acknowledges these historical gaps. When completing applications, focus on providing accurate information about your Indigenous heritage and explaining your traditional name's cultural significance. If using statutory declaration due to documentation gaps, be thorough in explaining your circumstances, including details about why standard provincial documentation isn't available and how residential schools or other colonial policies affected your family's naming practices. Keep copies of everything you submit in case documents are lost during processing. The program prioritizes cultural restoration over bureaucratic perfection, so incomplete documentation shouldn't prevent you from applying if you can demonstrate your Indigenous identity and the traditional name's authenticity.
Q: What are the processing times and what happens as the May 2026 deadline approaches?
Standard processing typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on application volume and submission completeness. Applications requiring additional documentation or clarification will take longer, so submitting complete, accurate information initially helps avoid delays. While the name change itself is free until May 30, 2026, expedited processing fees still apply if you need faster service for specific deadlines. As the deadline approaches, application volumes will likely increase significantly, potentially extending processing times for everyone. IRCC recommends submitting applications well before May 2026 to avoid last-minute delays. After the deadline passes, Indigenous peoples will still be able to change their names on citizenship certificates, but standard government fees will apply, making the current program a valuable limited-time opportunity. If you're considering applying, don't wait—gathering documentation and completing forms takes time, and you want to ensure your application is processed while the free service remains available. The program represents an unprecedented opportunity for cultural restoration that may not be repeated.
Q: Can family members help elderly relatives apply, and what about children's name changes?
Yes, family members can assist elderly relatives with applications, though the certificate holder must provide consent for any changes. This provision recognizes that many elders who experienced residential schools directly may need support navigating the application process due to age, health, or technology barriers. When helping relatives, ensure you have proper authorization and that all forms reflect the certificate holder's wishes, not your preferences. For children and grandchildren of residential school survivors, you qualify under the original program scope, often with streamlined processing. Parents can apply to change minor children's names on citizenship certificates, helping restore traditional family naming patterns across generations. This multigenerational approach acknowledges that residential school impacts affected entire family lines, not just direct survivors. When applying for family members, gather any available family history, traditional naming information, and cultural documentation that supports the name changes. Many families use this process as an opportunity to research and reconnect with traditional naming practices, creating valuable cultural learning experiences that extend far beyond the administrative name change itself.
