Government agencies, private industry members, scholars, and policy makers are gathering at the University of Sasktchewan for a three-day conference on Indigenous membership and citizenship policies.

USask Vice Provost for Indigenous Engagement Angela Jaime says the issue of fraudulent claims of Indigenous citizenship has always existed, but it really came to light several years ago when Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, a professor at the University of British Columbia, claimed to be of Cree ancestry and was later found out to be European. 

In 2022, USask created a policy that requires verification of documents in order to hold Indigenous-specific space, such as a scholarship.  

“When we started this process, it was a lot of discussion and consultation. I put together a task force that was made up of students, faculty, community members, and Indigenous government leaders.” She adds that it was a delicate topic to deal with, but the protective policy was met with appreciation from Indigenous people across the province. 

“They want non-Indigenous people to stop claiming that they’re Indigenous and taking up the space that is dedicated specifically for them and their people.” 

She adds that the University is hoping individuals will be truthful about their claim to a community, as well as their declaration that the community claims them in return.  

The University is encouraging other institutions, companies, and agencies to create similar policies, and Jaime hopes this week’s conference will facilitate that.