WHAT DOES MY STATUS CARD BENEFITS
A Status card (also called a Certificate of Indian Status or Secure Certificate of Indian Status) is official proof that a person is registered under the Indian Act of Canada. Registration under the Indian Act is a legal recognition by the federal government, not a measure of Indigenous identity or cultural belonging. [sac-isc.gc.ca], [sac-isc.gc.ca]
For many First Nations people, Indian Status is directly connected to treaty relationships with the Crown. Treaties are nation‑to‑nation agreements that outline specific rights and obligations, including commitments related to land, health, education, and other supports. Individuals who are registered under the Indian Act and belong to a First Nation that signed a treaty are often referred to as Registered or Treaty Indians. [www23.statcan.gc.ca]
The Status card itself does not create treaty rights, but it is commonly used as proof of eligibility to access programs, services, and benefits that flow from:
Treaty obligations
Federal responsibilities under the Indian Act
Court‑recognized Aboriginal and treaty rights
These may include access to Non‑Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), treaty annuity payments (where applicable), certain education supports, and other federally administered services.
How to Access Non‑Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
The Non‑Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program provides coverage for certain medically necessary health services and items that are not covered by provincial or territorial health plans or private insurance. The program is administered by Indigenous Services Canada and is available to eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals. [sac-isc.gc.ca]
Who Is Eligible
You may be eligible for NIHB if you:
Are a First Nations person registered under the Indian Act (Status First Nation), or
Are an Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization, and
Are a resident of Canada
Children under the age of two may also be eligible if their parent or guardian is an NIHB‑eligible client. [sac-isc.gc.ca], [ifna.ca]
What NIHB Can Help Cover
NIHB may provide coverage for a range of health‑related services when they are medically necessary and not covered elsewhere, including:
Prescription medications and certain over‑the‑counter drugs
Dental care
Vision care (eye exams and eyewear)
Medical supplies and equipment
Short‑term mental health counselling
Medical transportation to access health services not available locally. [sac-isc.gc.ca], [ifna.ca]
Coverage depends on individual need and program approval.
How to Use NIHB
Identify yourself as NIHB‑eligible
When visiting a pharmacy, clinic, hospital, or other health provider, present your Status card or proof of eligibility. Many providers can bill NIHB directly. [ifna.ca]Get a referral if required
Some services (such as dental work, medical equipment, mental health counselling, or medical transportation) require a referral or prescription from a doctor, nurse practitioner, dentist, or other approved health professional. [ifna.ca]Pre‑approval may be needed
Certain services must be approved in advance by NIHB. Your healthcare provider or regional NIHB office can help submit the required forms. Claims processing for many benefits is handled through Express Scripts Canada on behalf of NIHB. [nihb-ssna....scripts.ca], [ifna.ca]Reimbursement if direct billing is not available
If a provider cannot bill NIHB directly, you may need to pay upfront and then submit a reimbursement request to NIHB for eligible expenses. [sac-isc.gc.ca]
Medical Transportation
NIHB may cover travel, accommodations, meals, and approved escorts when medically necessary services are not available in your community. Pre‑approval is required before booking travel whenever possible. [sac-isc.gc.ca], [ifna.ca]
If a Benefit Is Denied
If a request is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Information on appeals and support is available through the NIHB program. [sac-isc.gc.ca]
Where to Get Help
NIHB Program (Indigenous Services Canada): Official program information, eligibility, and coverage
Regional NIHB offices: Local support and assistance with applications
Express Scripts Canada (NIHB portal): Claims and benefit information for pharmacy, dental, vision, and medical supplies.
Education Rights and Supports
Education is widely recognized by First Nations as an inherent and treaty right, affirmed through treaties, First Nations advocacy, and international human rights standards. While the Status card itself does not create education rights, it is commonly used as proof of eligibility to access education‑related programs and funding administered by the federal government or First Nations, including:
Post‑secondary education supports, such as the Post‑Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) and related First Nations‑delivered education funding [sac-isc.gc.ca], [sac-isc.gc.ca]
University and College Entrance Preparation Programs (UCEP) [sac-isc.gc.ca]
Other education services and supports delivered by First Nations under treaty‑based or community‑controlled education systems [afn.ca]
Eligibility for education funding and services may depend on registration, First Nation membership, treaty affiliation, residency, and local First Nation policies. Not all First Nations signed treaties, and education programs are delivered differently across regions