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Indigenous Education Council

First Nations, Inuit and Métis Identity

First Nations, Inuit and Métis Identity

In response to recent national discourse on Indigenous ancestry verification, an Indigenous-led committee, formed through the Indigenous Education Council at McMaster University, has implemented a set of guidelines and process for Indigenous Ancestry Verification. These guidelines are designed to ensure that processes such as Indigenous student awards, program admissions, and recruitment of Indigenous faculty and staff are conducted with integrity and respect.

For the purposes of Indigenous Ancestry Verification at McMaster University, the term “Indigenous” encompasses First Nation, Métis, or Inuit individuals. Additionally, this definition extends to include the U.S. context, encompassing American Indians/Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. McMaster University acknowledges that the identification of who is or is not a member of an Indigenous community can only be determined by the community itself, not by the University. Therefore, the Ancestry Verification process relies on Indigenous students, staff, and faculty to submit documentation that aligns with the criteria outlined in the McMaster University Indigenous Ancestry Verification Guidelines.

In cases where an individual lacks a citizenship or membership card, additional documentation may be submitted for individual review by an Indigenous-led committee. Indigenous Ancestry Verification at McMaster University serves the sole purpose of assessing eligibility for specific scenarios outlined in this document and does not extend to verification processes external to the University. It is essential to emphasize that verification does not determine an individual’s Indigenous identity. Indigenous students who self-identify but do not meet the criteria for Indigenous Ancestry Verification will not be excluded from accessing other resources and programs offered by Indigenous Student Services and the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge.

Principles for Indigenous Ancestry Verification

The following four principles are influenced by the Anishinaabek, Nehiyawewak, & Haudenosaunee Nations. We recognize that other Nations have similar principles and/or others that inform protocols that guide our responsibilities to one another. These principles are reflected in the current McMaster Indigenous community members and the territories we inhabit. As a living document, the Ancestry Verification Protocol can be adapted to reflect the ongoing diversity of Indigeneity at McMaster University. These guiding principles support our work in creating an Indigenous ancestry verification method. We understand that Indigenous ancestry verification is a complex and colonial facet of academia. We respect those Indigenous people who have been dispossessed or displaced from their ancestors. We will do our best to understand those requesting verification who may not be able to present a ‘legitimate’ or government-issued ‘card’. We see these principles as reciprocal and while the Ad hoc Ancestry Verification Committee shall hold ourselves to these values, anyone seeking verification shall honour these principles as well.

Debwewin/tapwewin/tokensketshera’/Truth and Truthfulness
This principle honours the value of openness, transparency, honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. As we work through the verification process, ad hoc (when necessary or needed) members will do their best to come to the table with open hearts and minds. There are alternative ways to verify/prove ancestry and we promise to be guided by this value of truth and truthfulness. Truthfulness creates and nourishes social bonds and community. Truth telling is interconnected with dependability, consistency, and confidentiality.

Kina Ndawendaagnag/wâhkohtowin/tehotirihwayendwá:kon/Kinship & Good Relations
This principle outlines the responsibility that we share as Indigenous Peoples to be a good relative. We each carry a responsibility to our seven generations, three generations before today’s generation and three generations in the future. We must carry ourselves and act accountably with all these generations in mind. Our actions today have reverberating effects for future generations.

Mino-Bimaadiziwin/miyo-pimâtisiwin/Ka’nikonhri:io/Living a good life & having a good mind
Mino-bimaadiziwin, the idea of ‘living a good life’ or ‘living well,’ is central to the Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings. However, the concepts within Mino-bimaadiziwin can be found in other Indigenous cultures, such as in the Haudenosaunee notion of Peace, Power, and Righteousness. The ideals contained within Mino-bimaadiziwin permeate through our guiding principles, however, highlight Fairness, Balance, Harmony, Health and Wellness as these are at the forefront of developing and implementing a policy of Indigenous ancestry verification.

Zhawenjigewin/kisêwâtisiwin/Ateniteróntshera’/Kindness
This principle emphasizes that this work is done with respect for one’s own journey of identity and belonging. Traditional teachings on humility explain that no one knows everything; and in this case, no one has the best or perfect description of their identity. To show kindness when receiving someone’s identity story means exercising humility, empathy and at times compassion. Some may feel vulnerable to share or receive a personal story. To show kindness means to focus on someone’s identity story and how it relates to the job or award criteria; avoiding processes that make judgements on the whole person.

Student Process

Students can access the Indigenous Ancestry Verification process though Mosaic

Step 1: Log into Mosaic.

Step 2: Click “Indigenous Ancestry Verification” tile.

Step 3: Follow instructions, provide information and upload documents.

Step 4: Once submitted, you will receive an email that your form has been received. Forms will be reviewed, and another email will be sent with results.

Graduate Students

As of September 2025, Indigenous Ancestry Verification process is included in the graduate studies application process.

Faculty, Staff and Knowledge Holder Process

This process is still being finalized and will be launched soon.

Privacy

Personal information collected to support indigenous ancestry verification is managed in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, McMaster’s Privacy Management Policy, and Notice of Collection, Use and Disclosure Statement. Access to personal information is restricted to university employees whose duties require such access to process verification requests. For more information on how McMaster University manages personal information, check out the Privacy Office website. Questions on the collection of personal information to support the Indigenous Ancestry Verification process may be addressed to iec @ mcmaster.ca.

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