Certificates of exemption

The Act provides for Aboriginal people of “mixed blood” (descent) to obtain “certificates of exemption” releasing them from the regulations of the Act. Known as “dog tags”, these certificates come at a high price. Individuals must relinquish family connections. They must not visit their own families. Many who travel to cities to work must get an exemption certificate to work. The APB views increasing numbers of certificates issued as proof of successful assimilation.