I am a Two Spirit First Nations person raised in the US, living in Oklahoma near a lot of other Native American tribes. I have my SCIS card status although my family hasn't lived in Canada for two generations. I had planned to apply for tribal citizenship in 2026 and learn my indigenous language but now with everything going on in the United States- and being 2SLGBTQ I need to get up there sooner than later. My question is if I have status, am I allowed to start working right away or do I still need a work visa, as a US citizen? It would suck to be considered an immigrant when these are the homelands of my ancestors, I've been raised in the US (unfortunately). My wife and I just got married last year and are terrified.

I am status, father of children is not. My nation is in BC and I’m located in AB. Although I’m not entirely close to my band I keep up to date, with what is going on and I try to keep involved a couple times a year, life is busy with three kids. I grew up there and know many of them from those days! I have taught my children the very limited amount of knowledge that I have and we keep it close to heart… anything from teaching them how to sew their own ribbon skirts and shirts, protocols and smudge, to teachings of brain tanning.. amongst other things. However it took me ages to apply for their cards and now recently my oldest has come back denied - now it’s my understanding I am 6.2, my parents were married two months after the Indian act changed and it was told to her she would have should they been married two months sooner. Why I bring this in, is as a late teen she is devastated… what we have is what we know and now is feeling less, she’s produced beautiful bead work and wears her ribbon skirts often with pride (upwards of 5-6 times a month). How would you handle this or what can you say, it’s hard being a mama some days.

So I'm about to try making my first hand drum. But looking for ideas to put on the skin. I'm northern cree by descent from Manitoba. I'm not artist but I have been trying to reconnect with my heritage. At 50 I'm finally finding my way. I'm trying. I have been attending sweat and helping a friend with certain things from his Lakota tribal ways from gathering medicine, making rattles and fans, and just learning. Any ideas that might help?

Hi everyone. So I just need to know if I did the right thing. I thought I had a friend, that I met through facebook, who I let it slip I wasn't feeling well due to my colitis and then they went on to tell me they were a shawman and could heal me and that they healed someones toes before. They said they were white but their culture is native american. I know a little bit because I went to grade school were we would have elders come in and talk. Do feasts and that was the school first nations kids would go to from the reservation because of bullying in other schools. They said they saw a thunderbird and became a shawman. And I questioned it saying did you dast and go on a spirtual jouney, or learn from an elder. Because I thought I would do some research. But they kept mentions fine if you don't want a real shaman go find a fake. I was dine and blocked them and I might not have said nice things like they were a liar and a fake but that was because they wouldn't listen to me, about my condition I have had since 2012. I am also white, but I loved learning about your culture growing up in that school and what they were saying just didn't sit right with me. And they are probably about 30 ish years old if that helps. Oh and they said they were one of only two thunderbird shawmans as well. I should know better by now to talk about my medical condition. Sorry for disturbing you guys.

Boozhoo everyone,

This question is kinda for folks located in British Columbia. Can anyone direct me to a bank that is located on a First Nation Reserve?

I’ve tried google but I’m not really getting any answers.

It’s recently come to my attention that interest earned on money invested in a bank/financial institution located on a Reserve is considered non-taxable, and I’d like to discuss this with a bank. Anywhere in BC, preferably southern BC, or even western Alberta.

Miigwetch for any tips!

Does anyone know if other Treaties will receive annuities? I'm part of Treaty 9.

Hi there - does anyone know where I can get a map of all treaties in Ontario? I’m looking for a big poster.

Hello, I am just curious - with a status card what are the rules when it comes to hunting and fishing?

For reference - I do not have my status yet but it is in process and I will be getting it.

I like to fish and do so mostly for sport other than keeping a couple walleye and perch while ice fishing on Nipissing once every winter. I don’t hunt but may take it up as I get older.

I understand that I will no longer require a fishing license. But with that, will the limit on fish be the same for those that have a simple outdoors card? Would I be able to have more than two lines in the water when ice fishing?

Is there any similar benefit to a status card when it comes to hunting? I am guessing I would still need a firearms license, right? Any guidance would be appreciate. Thanks in advance.

Hi!! I’m not Native, but I have a close friend who is. We’re both highschoolers and he lives on a reservation in Canada while i’m in the US. He has been really struggling with his mental and physical health, I was wondering, are there any help services for natives in Canada? 😕 I’m from the US and I know there are here but I don’t know where to find anything for Canada. This is a broad question I know, but this goes for any kind of help. Second part of my question, if there’s physical abuse going on in a household — is there anything I can do?? I know this is a sensitive topic, but I am very genuinely curious about this. I know there’s been a lot of unjust government intervention when it comes to native families and communities - so I want to be informed. And if there’s nothing I can do, where can I point him so he can get help?? Thank you for your time. ❤️

Hi there. Ever since putting my status # on my records at the pharmacy they have become incredibly invasive and question me A LOT. I didn’t obtain my status til 23 (long story) and they used to never question me about any medication or things about myself etc. This is the second pharmacy it’s happened at and I’m wondering if anyone else experiences this? It makes me feel very frustrated.

Hello I was recently approved for an inspire scholarship and handed in my documents. I am wondering how long it would take to be deposited into the bank account. And what time it shows? I am only asking because I have a tuition due date coming up very soon. Thanks.

Hello, I have been gathering information on my family in order to apply for my status. My mother is eligible to apply for status but never did. She was adopted and unfortunately she believes that she does not need it/want it. It is a painful subject for her and as such I do not have her support in pursuing status. My mother was adopted and my biological grandparents were both members of a first nation band near Kenora. I recently connected with an uncle who was also adopted and holds status. In completing my application do I need to have documents of my mother's adoption in order for it to be green lit? Do I need to have her registration number in order to continue?

Hello does anybody have any ideas or thoughts on where a 20-year-old male high school graduate First Nations from Alberta could look into career wise? He does like computer type things also is a second year electrician but cannot pass the branch exams and cannot go any further in the trade due to that. Just looking for something that he could get into for a decent career.

First, I cannot believe how much is needed to cross the border using the Jay Treaty, but I am also so glad I learned about this today! Ever since getting my status card, I have not seen any benefits really, except when I moved a few months at my dad's and found out that if I drove to Ontario I could save taxes on my purchases.

^(I'm aware these questions might be better checked with a lawyer and/or the government/s, immigration etc. Which I plan to come back to this post as a reminder of the questions and can update with the answers for others who might need this info too someday.)

Question.1-Blood Quantum how is that calculated? Like does it gradually reduce by generations or that has nothing to do with it? The podcast I listened to today made me confused, I thought having a parent meant 50% but it seems calculated differently.

Snowbird- I found out that the Jay Treaty means we can come and go as we like without the usual 182-day maximum. Usually, if we surpass the 182 in a rolling year, during the calendar year and using the substantial test-183+ in 3 years we will be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes (link with info). We may need to fill forms with the Irs so we don't get taxed for revenue. Meaning, we could end up paying taxes in both Canada and U.S.

Q2- If we are working with a Canadian company and going over the 6 months with the Jay Treaty are we exempt from having to file and pay taxes to the U.S. Assuming we need to cross using that each time.. 😬😅

Q3*-If we get an SSN and/or green card do we have to then pay taxes to the U.S. and Canada if we only work in one Country or would it then be associated with the place you work? Example, work in Can, pay taxes there. Work in Can and U.S. file and pay taxes in both Countries.*

Q4- What would be better to get an SSN or Green card or travel using the Jay treaty to make going back and forth much easier? If possible, for someone not wanting to count days and being able to go over the 6 months capped.

Q5-Is the treaty card and status card the same?

Thank you soo much to everyone who might have some answers, an idea or references to help find them.

P.S. I read the blood quantum papers weren't supposed to be asked anymore or might not. When I find the article I'll add here.😄

Crossing the U.S.-Canada Border | JTBA

Text - S.4558 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Tribal Border Crossing Parity Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

https://youtu.be/zKLe9zp6-WA

Basically I made a YouTube video deep diving into the background of Blood Quantum, an Indigenous zombie horror film.

The director, Jeff Barnaby, was heavily influenced by Incident at Restigouche by Alanis Obomsawin (it happened in his community and he was present for the raids as a child).

Blood Quantum is filmed at the same location as Incident, and there are tons of other homages to the documentay throughout this film. I definitely learned a lot making this.

Good day everyone, I’m looking to save the tax on a private sale on a car, I’m told I need to take a photo of me on buying the car on the reserve?

Which reserve is closest to Edmonton? And If I understand this correctly, I will be looking at the car then after confirming I wish to buy it, I ask the fella if he can drive it to the closet rez and we take a photo of him handing me the keys in front on the reservation?

Does the pic include me and him in front of car and on rez land?

Do I take a snapshot on google maps to show we are indeed on rez land?

Thanks first time doing a private sale on a car

Thanks for reading and or replying!