First Nations leaders in the province are pleased to see that the “R” display, indicating “Registered Indian” is no longer printed on Saskatchewan health cards.

That became effective on March 1st. Prior to Tuesday, an “R” was automatically printed on the health services card when individuals applying for a card self-declared as “Registered Indian.”

“Making the decision to remove the “R” from Saskatchewan Health Cards by the Province of Saskatchewan is a great day for Indigenous people. This is a positive step toward reconciliation,” said Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand.

The option remains for individuals to self-declare as Registered Indians when applying for a health services card in order to access government services that support First Nations people. But, there will be no display on the card to indicate that. Those individuals who have an “R” on their card, and wish to have it removed, can request a new card without cost to them by going to the eHealth website.