Indigenous Identity Confirmation For BIHI

The University of Guelph has strengthened its ongoing commitment to ensuring diversity and inclusivity in teaching and learning through its Black and Indigenous Hiring Initiative (BIHI).

The BIHI has been designed to meet the requirements of a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code. This enables the University to seek Black and/or Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) applicants for approved positions.

The University of Guelph recognizes and affirms the importance of Indigenous identities grounded in ancestry, kinship and community, and acknowledges the harms created by tenuous and fraudulent claims of First Nations, Inuit and Métis identity. We are conscious that past approaches used to determine Indigenous identity in academia have had shortcomings and limitations. We recognize the need to develop better processes to ensure that we uphold our responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and communities to make certain that opportunities and resources earmarked for Indigenous peoples are distributed with careful consideration.

Confirmation Process

Applicants are asked to submit one of the following for review:

Option 1: Documentary Evidence

1. A copy of the front and back of one of the following, that is valid and not expired:

Indian status card issued by the Government of Canada;
Métis citizenship card from the
- Métis Nation-Saskatchewan,
- Métis Nation of Alberta,
- Métis Nation British Columbia
- Métis Nation of Ontario, including confirmation of a complete citizenship file,
- Manitoba Métis Federation,
- Northwest Territory Métis Nation; or
- Métis Settlements General Council showing connection to a Métis Settlement of Alberta;
Inuit enrolment card issued by any one of the four Inuit modern treaty bodies including Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik or Inuvialuit;
Land claim beneficiary card; or
American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian citizenship document from tribes that are state or federally recognized (where position eligibility allows)

2. A copy of the front and back of a parent’s or grandparent’s Indian status card, Métis citizenship card (including confirmation of complete citizenship file for MNO citizens), Inuit enrolment card or US tribal citizenship documentation, as outlined above, along with the individuals’ long-form birth certificate or baptismal certificate that shows family connection

3. A letter from one of the organizations, governments or nations outlined above, on letterhead with contact information that includes the individuals’ name and information confirming their ancestry, kinship and citizenship

Option 2: Statement and Other Evidence

If an individual does not possess the documentary evidence outlined in option 1., they may submit a statement and other documentary evidence about their ancestry and kinship connections to an inherent and recognized First Nation, Inuit or Métis nation, treaty, land claim, territory or region for review. Depending on the individual circumstances, one or more forms of documentary evidence (e.g., oral or written format) may be required.

How To Submit

Evidence from option 1. or 2., your name and email address should be submitted to Indigenous Initiatives through the Indigenous Identity Confirmation Secure Link as a PDF.

Evidence may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

If it is determined that additional information is required, the individual will be contacted to discuss their agreement to the next steps which may include:

Contacting the organizations, governments or nations providing the documentary evidence for further information and confirmation; and/or
Consulting with external experts, as necessary.

Candidates' specific details will be kept confidential by Indigenous Initiatives.

Please note that identity confirmation does not guarantee selection.

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