PRESS RELEASES
November 30, 2007
PRIME MINISTER HARPER ANNOUNCES INDIAN STATUS
FOR NEWFOUNDLAND MI’KMAQ
LONG OVERDUE RECOGNITION UNDER INDIAN ACT WILL HELP BAND
MEMBERS BUILD A BETTER FUTURE
ST. GEORGE’S Newfoundland
and Labrador
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Minister
of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis
and Non‑Status Indians, Chuck Strahl and Federation of Newfoundland Indians
(FNI) President Brendan Sheppard, today announced an agreement that will
enable the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador to obtain formal aboriginal
status under the Indian Act.
"We’re here today to build
on the history of the Mi’kmaq people, to finally resolve an issue that
has been neglected since Newfoundland joined the Confederation 58 years
ago, and to ensure a better future for the Mi’kmaq people of this great
province. And what a future it can be," said
the Prime Minister.
Pending ratification of the agreement by
a majority of the 7,800 members of the FNI, the Mi’kmaqs would be added
to the federal Indian Registry and would then be able to access federal
programs and services for status Indians as members live in communities
spread across the province, no reserve would be created.
"This
agreement was reached through negotiation — instead of lengthy, frustrating
and expensive court action," said the
Prime Minister. "The agreement means that the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland
and Labrador will get the benefits and opportunities they deserve as
First Peoples of Canada."
When Newfoundland joined Confederation
in 1949, the terms of union contained no provision for extending the
Indian Act to cover the aboriginal population of the province. Canada
has provided ad-hoc funding support for social and health programs
for Aboriginal communities in the province but formal recognition under
the Indian Act will ensure the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador
enjoy full access to the same programs and services available to status
Indians across Canada.