UPDATE ON FORMATION OF THE QALIPU MI'KMAQ FIRST NATION BAND

Formation of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band is delayed pending the Federal Court of Canada’s determination of a Motion seeking an injunction on the formation of the Band until all applications filed before November 30,2009 have been considered by the Enrolment Committee.  A court date has been scheduled for September 9, 2010 to present arguments on the Motion.  The Court is expected to make a decision following the presentation of arguments but the timing for the release of the court decision is unknown.  If the Federal Court does not grant the injunction, the FNI will meet with Government officials soon after the decision is announced to determine potential timing for the formation of the Band.  At this point in time the formation of the band is not expected to proceed in September 2010

On June 23, 2008 the The Honorable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians and President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, Mr. Brendan Sheppard signed the Agreement in Principle for status recognition for eligible Mi’kmaq under the Indian Act. The signing of this agreement was celebrated on August 13, 2008 at the Humber Valley Resort in Western NL.

“This final agreement shows what is possible when two parties engage in positive, productive discussions,” said Minister Strahl. The final agreement sets in motion an enrolment process that will provide eligible members of the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland with status under the Indian Act.

“The Agreement signifies the dedicated efforts of many Mi’kmaq, who struggled to maintain their identity, heritage and culture in Newfoundland throughout the years,” said Mr. Sheppard. “it is most evident that the official ratification of the Agreement in Principle truly reflects the sincerity and commitment of Prime Minister Harper’s government to work in good faith with consideration for the Aboriginal people of Canada.”

The FNI will lead the enrollment process. This process will include hiring Community Assistants for each local band to help members and non-members to complete an application for registration into the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band, hiring three Regional Clerks to assist the Enrollment Committee and hiring two Mi’kmaq representatives for the Enrollment Committee. These aforementioned personnel will be in place by mid September and it is anticipated that the first intake of applications for review will commence by December 2008. Visit the www.qalipu.com for up to date information on the process or to download an application for enrollment (application will be available by late September).

Brendan Sheppard
President, Federation of Newfoundland Indians

 Read the March 30, 2008 press release about the vote results

 Jan 1, 2008 Presidents Message