Indian Act status registration and protest
Applying for Indian Act status or filing a protest when a registration request is refused.
What is included
- Reviews your family history and eligibility under the Indian Act
- Helps gather birth, marriage and other records
- Prepares the application for registration
- Files a protest of the Registrar's decision where available
- Advises on an appeal to court after a protest decision
What is not included
- Historical, genealogical or other research reports, and other disbursements
- Appeals, or court proceedings not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
- Work outside the scope in the lawyer's written retainer
Who this service is for
- People who believe they are entitled to registration
- Families affected by past discrimination in the registration rules
- Applicants refused registration
Information to have ready
- 1Long-form birth certificates for you and your parents
- 2Family tree information and any registration numbers
- 3Marriage and other records
- 4The Registrar's decision, if any
How a referral works
- 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
- 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
- 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
- 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights
Frequently asked questions
What does the lawyer charge?
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $1,500–$4,500, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
Have the registration rules changed?
Yes, several times, to address sex-based and other discrimination, so some people refused in the past may now be eligible. The lawyer can review your family history against the current rules.
What if my application is refused?
There is usually a protest process within Indigenous Services Canada, and then a possible appeal to court. Deadlines apply to both.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed
- Government processes and timelines are outside the lawyer's control
- The lawyer confirms the scope, fee and steps in a written retainer before starting
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