Correct an Indigenous name affected by historical records

Some Indigenous names were altered, misspelled, or recorded incorrectly in historical records because of colonial and administrative practices. If your name, or a family member’s name, was affected in this way, you may be able to correct it. This page helps you determine whether an Indigenous name affected by historical records can be corrected on an NWT record and what next step applies to your situation.

A historical naming issue may exist if an NWT record shows a name that:

• was changed, shortened, or anglicized
• was recorded incorrectly or inconsistently
• does not reflect your Indigenous name or your family’s naming practices
• was affected by residential schools or historical government systems

Historical naming issues can appear on NWT birth registrations, change of name records, or related certificates.

Apply for a fee waiver

If you are reclaiming an Indigenous name or correcting a historical naming record, you may be eligible to apply to waive NWT name‑change or certificate fees.

Go to:

• Apply to waive name change fees for Indigenous name reclamation

Get help confirming the right process

If you are not sure whether your situation requires a legal name change or a correction to an existing record, contact Vital Statistics before submitting any forms.

Contact Vital Statistics to confirm which correction process applies.

Know the limits of what can be corrected

The GNWT can only correct or amend records created under NWT legislation.

Records or fees from other provinces or territories cannot be corrected or reimbursed by the GNWT.