Recognition by the federal government of persons registered under the Indian Act is referred to as Registered Indian Status.  Status Indians are entitled to a wide range of programs and services offered by federal agencies, provincial governments and the private sector.  Historically, entitlement to Indian status and Indian band membership have been complex and controversial issues.  Over the years, there have been many rules for deciding who is eligible for registration as an Indian under the Indian Act. Important changes were made to the Act in June 1985, when Parliament passed Bill C-31, An Act to Amend the Indian Act, to bring it into line with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Knowing which programs and policies apply to you may be difficult. Social legislation varies across the ten provinces and three territories and so do the services available to Canadians in general and to Aboriginal people in particular. What you are eligible for depends largely on where you live.