University of Toronto Sets Out Evidence Process for Indigenous Applications

The University of Toronto launched its Indigenous Substantiation process on Oct. 20, requiring evidence of Indigenous membership, citizenship or enrolment when people identify as Indigenous in applications or seek related opportunities. Written answers to IND clarify how the process will apply to people already at the university, applicants disconnected from their communities and those seeking to challenge a decision.

U of T says the framework governs what evidence it accepts; it does not give the institution authority to decide who is Indigenous. In its launch announcement, Shannon Simpson, executive director of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, places that authority with Indigenous communities.

The process follows recommendations released in December 2025 by the Indigenous Identity Substantiation Committee, established in March 2023. Its co-chairs were Simpson, who is Anishinaabe from the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, and Knowledge Holder Bonnie Jane Maracle, who is Haudenosaunee from the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

The report records community consultation sessions in January 2025 and an online consultation period running from January to March. It cautions that participation in developing the framework does not mean the communities involved endorse every other community or position included in it.

Who the Process Covers

The current process page covers academic admissions and employment applications in which a person identifies as Indigenous, as well as opportunities where membership, citizenship or enrolment is required, preferred or considered. It applies even when Indigenous identity does not ultimately determine who receives the benefit.

In answers sent Oct. 30, a spokesperson for the University of Toronto said existing members will not be assessed retroactively. The process will begin when they identify as Indigenous while applying for new opportunities, including research funding and awards.

The spokesperson also clarified the geographic scope: U of T can currently undertake requests involving communities in Canada and the United States. That describes the communities to which applicants are connected, rather than an applicant’s place of residence.

Two Routes for Evidence

Option A accepts at least one document from the university’s specified categories. These include a Certificate of Indian Status, written confirmation from a Canadian rights-bearing Nation, listed Métis citizenship or Inuit enrolment cards, and enrolment or membership confirmation from U.S. federally recognized Tribal Nations or Alaska Native entities or villages.

A status card concerns federal registration under the Indian Act. Indigenous Services Canada distinguishes the secure card it issues centrally from the laminated Certificate of Indian Status issued in some First Nations offices.

Option B is for applicants without the Option A documents. It requires a personal declaration explaining lived experience, kinship and connection to a rights-bearing Nation that claims the applicant; supporting evidence of a direct family connection; and a reference from an Elder, Knowledge Holder, community or government in that same community. U of T contacts the referee.

IND asked how that route would work for people separated through child welfare, adoption or the Sixties Scoop, and non-status applicants without parental documents or a community reference. The spokesperson said those circumstances may fall within Option B, but each application requires individual consideration. The reply did not provide an alternative evidence route for someone unable to obtain the required reference.

Review, Records and Community Confirmation

An Indigenous Substantiation Panel considers cases outside the two routes or where community confirmation has not succeeded. The FAQ describes possible participants, including Elders, Knowledge Holders, community leaders, university members and, where applicable, representatives of the relevant Nation. It does not identify a current panel roster.

The spokesperson said applicants may seek reconsideration or appeal by supplying further documents or statements. The reply did not set out a deadline or a separate appeal body.

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives reviews submissions. According to the spokesperson, it shares materials only with the panel and the corresponding communities when needed. IND also asked how long records would be kept; the answer did not specify a retention period.

The university is beginning work on memoranda of understanding with Nations, the spokesperson said. Community confirmation will follow each community’s protocols. The reply did not identify which Nations had begun those discussions.

U of T’s Governing Council separately resolved on May 13 to rescind the honorary degree it conferred on Buffy Sainte-Marie on June 17, 2019, effective immediately.

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives will review the substantiation process after two years, with continuing community dialogue informing its implementation.