Membership may be granted to an applicant who supports the aims and purposes of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada and who indicates a desire to be associated with, and to participate in, the activities of UELAC. Members of the Association must be a member of a branch and there are branches of the Association in every province of Canada, except Newfoundland. While many join a branch which is local, there is no rule as to which branch a member must belong.
Members who can prove by documentary evidence their lineal descent, in the male or female line, from any United Empire Loyalist may apply for a certificate so attesting, in accordance with the criteria and procedures established by UELAC. The application requires documentary proof of descent from a United Empire Loyalist who meets the following criteria:
- Either male or female, as of 19 April 1775, a resident of the American colonies, and joined the Royal Standard prior to the Treaty of Separation of 1783, or otherwise demonstrated loyalty to the Crown, and settled in territory remaining under the rule of the Crown; or
- a soldier who served in an American Loyalist Regiment and was disbanded in Canada; or
- a member of the Six Nations of either the Grand River or the Bay of Quinte Reserve who is descended from one whose migration was similar to that of other Loyalists.
Many individuals come to the Association with very complete genealogies, but others are just starting their family research. Each branch has a genealogist who will offer advice and assistance, but they do not undertake to do the whole task – that is the prospective member’s task. In some cases, the documentation is fairly simple if relatives have already established their descent. In any event, the research provides an exceptional opportunity for a family to establish and celebrate its past.
Upon the issuance of such a certificate, the Member concerned may bear the post-nominal letters, “U.E.”, alluding to the principle of Unity of Empire.
Your annual membership dues cover the following:
- Per capita fees which are sent to support our Dominion Association.
- TWO issues of our Dominion newsletter THE LOYALIST GAZETTE plus mailing costs.
- Support of Branch Administration, Website and Library.
- Printing and mailing costs of our Branch newsletter.
- Speakers’ fees, hall rentals and refreshments for FIVE General Meetings.
- Special Events: Loyalist Day, Luncheons in May and December.
- And much more!
To apply for membership in the Hamilton Branch UELAC, please fill out the Membership form. All information submitted through your application will be subject to our privacy policy.