Office of Vital Statistics

The Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) operates under the Department of Executive Services and is responsible for receiving, recording, reporting, and retaining accurate information about the land and people under the jurisdiction of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

The Office of Vital Statistics is comprised of 5 components: Indian Registration, Membership/Residency, Lands, Estates, and Leasing.

 

 

Services Provided by OVS:

Indian Registration

OVS assists in processing applications for Indian Registration, allowing individuals to obtain a Status Number or update existing records (e.g., name change, marriage, death).

Requirements:

• Must be eligible for registration under the Indian Act or relevant legislation.
• Original completed application.
• Proper identification and supporting documents.

Status Cards

OVS issues Certificates of Indian Status (laminated cards) and provides assistance with Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) applications.

Fees:

• $5.00 per card (unless an expired or damaged card is turned in).
• $5.00 additional for a photo (if one is not provided).

Requirements:

• Must be registered and have a Status Number.
• Original completed application.
• Valid ID (e.g., driver’s license, health card, birth certificate).

Bridge Passes

OVS processes applications for first-time Bridge Passes. Lost passes must be replaced directly by the Seaway International Bridge Corporation.

Requirements:

• Must be registered and have a Status Number.
• Must have a driver’s license.
• Original completed application.

 

How to Apply for Indian Status

Forms:

• Adult Application for Indian Registration
• Application for Registration of a Minor Under the Indian Act
• Child Application for Indian Registration & SCIS
• MRZ Status Card Application

 

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Membership & Residency Services:

Membership

Membership eligibility and rights are determined by the Akwesasne Membership Code. Non-members must apply for membership to access certain rights. Completed applications must be submitted to OVS. A criminal background check and $5.00 application fee may be required.

Residency

Non-members who reside in Akwesasne for 13 days or more must apply for residency approval under the Akwesasne Membership Code and Akwesasne Residency Law. Applications require a criminal background check and a $30.00 application fee.

Other Services

Membership Confirmations – Verification of membership under the Akwesasne Membership Code.

 

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Lands Services:

OVS assists with land transactions such as transfers, right-of-ways, and registrations in the Indian Lands Registry, following Indigenous Services Canada policy, the Indian Act, and Akwesasne Laws.

Services include:

• Providing Certificates of Possession, Maps, and Parcel Abstract Reports.
• Offering information on surveyors and land surveys.
• Land transactions by appointment only (no fees).

Other Land Services:

Land Confirmations – Verification of land ownership using the Indian Lands Registry System (ILRS).

 

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Estates Services:

Estate Administration

OVS assists families with estate administration following the passing of a loved one. Applications are submitted to Indigenous Services Canada for approval.

Requirements:
Must be registered and have a Status Number.
Services available by appointment only (no fees).

 

Wills

Community members are encouraged to draft and finalize a Will to express their final wishes. OVS offers Will workshops throughout the year and securely stores completed Wills.

• By appointment only (no fee).
• Will information packages are available.

 

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Leasing Services:

OVS administers seasonal recreational leases on 13 islands within Akwesasne, following the Indian Act and Akwesasne Laws.

• Over 230 registered seasonal leases are managed by OVS.
• Leases are 15 years in length.
• Listings of vacant lots and cottages for sale are available.

Requirements to Lease:

• Submit an Application to Lease with a criminal background check, character references, and a non-refundable $20.00 application fee.
• Approval is required before purchasing a cottage or entering a lease.
• Must provide annual proof of insurance.
• Lump sum lease payment due once per year (no installment options).
• Sub-leasing is not allowed.

 

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Meet the OVS Team:

 

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Contact OVS:

 

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Recent News:

 

• OVS POP-UP LOCATION FOR STATUS CARDSApril 2, 2025
  The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) will be offering a pop-up […]
• WILL WRITING WORKSHOPSFebruary 4, 2025
  The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) is excited to host two […]
• WILL WRITING WORKSHOP SERIESDecember 19, 2024
  The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) is excited to host two […]
• APPLY FOR YOUR SECURE CERTIFICATE OF INDIAN STATUS (SCIS) CARDNovember 19, 2024
  The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne invites the community to application intake sessions for Canada’s Machine […]
• ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOPOctober 21, 2024
  The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Office of Vital Statistics invites you to an informative estate […]