A name is more than a word on a document — for Indigenous peoples, it is a connection to identity, heritage, culture, and family. For decades, residential school policies stripped Indigenous people of their traditional names, replacing them with names that did not reflect who they truly were. Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 17 called on governments to correct this injustice.

In response, in 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a landmark program — a five-year fee waiver allowing Indigenous people, residential school survivors, and their families to update their identity documents with their traditional Indigenous names, completely free of charge.

What Documents Are Covered?

Under this initiative, eligible individuals can reclaim their Indigenous names on three key types of official identity documents — all at no cost before the deadline:

Who Is Eligible?

This initiative is open to Indigenous people in Canada, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit individuals, as well as residential school survivors and their direct family members who were affected by forced name changes during the residential school era.

If you or a family member had your traditional name replaced as a result of colonial policies or residential school attendance, you are encouraged to apply before the fee waiver expires.

Canada's Ongoing Commitment to Indigenous People

The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Indigenous peoples in reclaiming and using their traditional names with pride. This initiative is one of many steps taken under Canada's broader commitment to Truth and Reconciliation — recognising that a name is a fundamental part of identity, dignity, and cultural heritage.

While the fee waiver period is ending, the ability to reclaim Indigenous names on documents will continue through standard processes. Canada's commitment to Indigenous rights and reconciliation does not end on May 30 — but the opportunity to do it for free does.

How Stanstead Immigration Can Help

At Stanstead Immigration Services (SIS), we are here to help Indigenous individuals, residential school survivors, and their families navigate this process before the deadline. Our team of regulated professionals, led by RCIC-designated CEO Humera Khan (CICC No. R711918), understands the urgency and sensitivity of this matter.

Whether you need help applying for a permanent resident card, citizenship certificate, or passport name change — we will guide you through every step, with the care and respect this process deserves. Do not let the deadline pass without taking action.