Service members agreement

Service Members Agreement — September 2026 Update

Posted by Qalipu on

Introduction

The Service Members Agreement was developed by the Government of Canada (“Canada”), Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation (“QFN”) and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (“FNI”) to establish criteria for accepting former and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces (“CAF”) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (“RCMP”) as founding members of Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. This Agreement was founded in the special place of honour these Service Members hold in the Mi’kmaw culture due to their service as protectors of Canada and their communities. The Agreement applies to persons who were part of the enrolment process between 2008 and 2012 but were denied founding membership based on the group acceptance criterion.

The following is a tripartite statement from all parties to the Agreement:

 

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Questions and Answers from QFN

Q:          What does the joint statement mean for the Service Members?
A:           The Service Members Agreement remains in place, and the files remain active. Canada has ceased work and is waiting for further clarification from the court before proceeding.

Q:          Have the Service Members been denied?
A:           No. The files remain active. This is not a decision to deny or close applications, this is a delay.

Q:          Is Qalipu First Nation (QFN) still supporting the Service Members?
A:           Absolutely. QFN has consistently supported completing the Service Members Agreement. That has been our position and remains our position. We recognize the importance of this process to individuals and families who have been waiting too long.

Q:          Why can’t QFN just move forward with the applications?
A:           This is a tripartite agreement involving QFN, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) and the Government of Canada. All parties need to be prepared to move forward.

QFN remains committed to the process, but we also must respect all parties involved and our tripartite decision-making process—we cannot act on our own according to the Agreement.

Q:          Was this a delay caused by either QFN or the FNI?
A:           This is a tripartite discussion involving all three parties. As stated above, in spite of any other matters or disagreements, QFN and the FNI were prepared to proceed with outstanding applications. Canada was not.

Q:          How long will Service Members have to wait?
A:           We do not have a current timeline to provide. We don’t want to speculate about when Canada will be prepared to resume this process following matters before the courts.

Q:          What do you say to Service Members who are frustrated?
A:           We understand the frustration of service members and share them. Many people and families have been waiting for a long time, and we recognize how difficult continued uncertainty can be for individuals and families. We will continue to stick to our principles and positions.

As Chief Jenny has said before:

We firmly believe that Service Members deserve a prompt and fair resolution. You have waited long enough, and we are determined to see this work progress without further delay. Our goal is to ensure that the process continues in a way that is consistent, accountable, and respectful of the people whose lives and families are directly affected… Our position stays unwavering: Service Members deserve justice, and they deserve it now. We are committed to moving this process forward in line with the commitments we have already made, and we will continue to advocate for the prompt completion of this work.

Q:          What about the impact this is having on our people’s mental health?
A:           We recognize that this has been a long and difficult process. Further, waiting without knowing when there will be an outcome can take its toll.

We would encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for support. There are mental health and wellness resources available. Taking care of yourself and your family is important.

  • 811 health line nurses are available 24/7 — If you are experiencing a mental health and addictions crisis, need support, or are looking for health information, call 811.
  • Suicide Crisis Hotline — Call 988 (for all of Canada).
  • Hope for Wellness Helpline — Call 1-855-242-3310 or “connect” to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca to access immediate help for all Indigenous people across Canada.
  • Kids Help Phone — Call 1-800-668-6868 and press 3. For texting, text “CONNECT” to 686868 (youth) or 741741 (adult). To connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder (when available), text “FIRSTNATIONS”, “INUIT”, or “METIS.”
  • Provincial Lifewise Warm Line — Call 1-855-753-2560.

Previous Statements and Updates:

2

A Message to Our Membership – From Central Region Vice Chief Colleen Paul – October 23, 2026

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Kwe’ Relatives,

I want to speak with you this week about an important issue affecting First Nations families across Turtle Island, including our own Nation: the second-generation cut-off under the Indian Act.

What is the second-generation cut-off?

For many of our members, the language of the Indian Act can be confusing. Terms such as section 6(1), section 6(2), and registration entitlement are not part of our traditional ways of understanding family, identity, or belonging.

Simply put, the second-generation cut-off is a rule introduced by the federal government in 1985 that can prevent First Nations people from passing Indian status on to their children and grandchildren.

For example, a person registered under section 6(1) may have a child with someone who does not have Indian status. That child may be registered under section 6(2). If that child later has a child with someone who does not have status, their child generally will not be entitled to registration under the current rules.

Our identity does not disappear because of whom we choose to love or have children with. Our children do not become less Mi’kmaw with each passing generation.

I recently travelled to Halifax to attend an information session hosted by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat on the second-generation cut-off and its impacts on First Nations families.

This session provided an opportunity to learn more about Bill S-2, proposed legislative changes intended to address longstanding inequities in Indian Act registration.

In December 2025, the Senate of Canada passed Bill S-2 with amendments that would address the second-generation cut-off by introducing a one-parent rule. The legislation must still complete the process in the House of Commons before becoming law.

We recognize the importance of meaningful consultation with First Nations. Our voices must be heard, our rights respected, and our communities involved in decisions that affect our future.

We cannot change the injustices experienced by our ancestors, but we have a responsibility to ensure those injustices are not passed down to our grandchildren.

I also want to acknowledge the important work of Mi’kmaw Senator Paul (PJ) Prosper, who has been a strong advocate for eliminating the second-generation cut-off.

I encourage our members to learn more about this issue through the educational video series Msit No’kmaq — All My Relations, which explores the second-generation cut-off and its impacts on First Nations families.

As your Central Region Vice Chief, I believe it is important that our Nation add its voice to this national conversation.

We are preparing to bring forward a Band Council Resolution addressing the second-generation cut-off and supporting legislative changes that would eliminate this discriminatory provision.

We must continue to support the right of First Nations to determine their own citizenship and belonging while challenging federal laws that create divisions within our families.

Msit No’kmaq — All My Relations.

Wela’lioq,

Colleen Paul, Central Region Vice Chief

Resources:

End 2nd Gen: https://www.endthecutoff.ca/

Educational Video Series: https://www.youtube.com/@endthecutoff

imp reception notice (3)

Important Reception Notice

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Beginning October 19, the reception/front desk at Qalipu First Nation offices will be temporarily closed during scheduled staff breaks including lunch.

If you need assistance during these times, a contact number will be posted in the lobby. A member of our team will be available to help or connect you with the staff member you need.

Wela’lin for your patience and understanding.

Copy of Original Chief Message Template (22.498 x 11.249 in) (22.498 x 11.249 in) - Oct 9

Message from Chief Jenny – October 9, 2026

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Every day brings opportunities to connect, listen and bring forward our Nations voice to important matters. We are involved in a continuous flow of important conversations to explore how we can best serve our communities. There is never a dull moment.

Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I invited municipal, provincial, and federal leaders to meet with me on September 29 to discuss the priorities of our Nation. I also asked them to reflect on a simple but important question: How will you help move reconciliation forward and demonstrate your commitment to the Calls to Action in a meaningful way?

From the many voices heard that day, I did not doubt that our current leadership has a sincere desire to contribute to a better future but action requires more than words and good intentions, it requires changes in legislation that include Indigenous voices and speak the truth of our history; the Indigenous people of Newfoundland and Labrador have always been here. Reconciliation is not a single day. Every day brings an opportunity to turn reflection into action and shape a better future for all of us.

On September 30, I attended the First Light Rally for Reconciliation in St. John’s, standing with survivors and their families while honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools. I am grateful to our Council members for their ongoing dedication to supporting our Nation. Despite the challenges of serving a large territory, we remain committed to finding creative and flexible ways to stay connected and accessible to our members.

I also had the opportunity to attend the West Coast Business and Investment Summit, where our Nation participated in discussions on land and culture, engagement, and investment. Throughout these conversations, we emphasized that our priorities remain rooted in environmental stewardship, social well-being, and sustainable economic benefits for our communities. As highlighted in Call to Action 92, reconciliation is not only about acknowledging the past; it is about taking concrete steps today to build respectful partnerships, create opportunities, and share the benefits of economic growth.

There is important work ahead, and I look forward to continuing these conversations with government and industry leaders, as well as our valued members across our territory. Together with Council and staff, we will continue working to strengthen relationships, advance our priorities, and create lasting benefits for our Nation.

Copy of Original Chief Message Template (22.498 x 11.249 in) (22.498 x 11.249 in) - sept 18

Message from Chief Jenny – September 18, 2026

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Back-to-school season is always a special time. It brings new opportunities, new friendships, and new experiences for our students and educators. Even for those who are not returning to the classroom, the changing season offers an opportunity for renewal, reflection, and a fresh start.

As parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, neighbours, and community members, we all have a role to play in ensuring our children feel safe, supported, and encouraged. Our young people watch and learn from us every day. The way we speak to one another, the respect we show, and the kindness we extend, both in person and online, help shape the world around them.

This year, I encourage all of us to be mindful of the example we set. A few words of encouragement can build someone’s confidence, while a few careless words can leave a lasting impact. Let us continue to foster a community where people feel valued, differences are respected, and kindness is stronger than criticism.

Every child deserves to go to school feeling safe, accepted, and proud of who they are. Together, we can help make that happen.

As we prepare to commemorate the 15th anniversary of our Nation’s formal recognition by the federal government next week, it is an important time to remind our youth of the resilience, strength, and determination of our people. We did not suddenly appear 15 years ago. We have been here since time immemorial. The journey to overcome colonialism and denial, and to rebuild, revitalize, and reclaim our identity, has required tremendous courage and perseverance.

This milestone is an opportunity to instill pride in our youth and remind them that they are part of a story much larger than themselves. They carry forward the work, sacrifices, and dreams of those who came before them. As descendants of the nine original territories that came together as one Nation, they have every reason to stand tall and take pride in who they are and where they come from.

On behalf of Council, I wish everyone a successful, healthy, and rewarding school year. Work hard, be proud of your accomplishments, support one another, and never underestimate the positive difference that a little kindness can make.

Have a wonderful school year, stay safe, and take care of one another.

Orange Shirt Day

? Orange Shirts Featuring Lydia Dyer’s Winning Design

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As part of Qalipu First Nation’s annual recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, school-aged children across Canada are invited to create a logo that reflects their thoughts and feelings about the history of residential schools and the meaning of this important day.

Lydia Dyer, a student at Corner Brook Intermediate, was selected as the 2025 winner, and her winning design is featured on this year’s orange shirts.

A limited number of shirts are available for purchase. Pickup is available in Corner Brook, Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander.

? Order Form: Click here for the order form

Payment can be made by cash or e-transfer to payments@qalipu.ca. Shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

All profits from the sale of the shirts will be donated to the Residential School Legacy Program at the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre.

Learn more about the program: https://www.mikmaweydebert.ca/sharing-our-stories/indian-residential-schools-legacy-project/

Meeting of Chief and Council

Meeting of Chief and Council

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The next meeting of Chief and Council is scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at 9:00 a.m. at Saint James All Grade in Lark Harbour, NL.

Registration is required to attend the meeting in person. Members wishing to attend must register in advance. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 17 at 4pm.

Members wishing to attend can contact Natasha or Amanda:
Natasha – 709-634-6895, email: nwhite@qalipu.ca
Amanda – 709-634-5111, email: amanda.gaudett@qalipu.ca

Please note that delays in the meeting start time can be expected. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding.

Members can view the meeting’s livestream by logging in to their KINU membership profile: https://qalipu.ca/login-options/

Rod

Message from Chief Jenny – September 9, 2026

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It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our Director of Operations and friend, Rod Bennett, who passed away on Friday, September 4, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Rod’s loss is deeply felt throughout our whole Nation, our community, and by the many people whose lives he touched. To know Rod was to know a person whose positivity, strength, and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His infectious smile, unwavering optimism, and genuine care for others made him not only a loved and valued team member, but a true friend and inspiration.

As we move forward, we are committed to carrying Rod’s legacy with us in the work we do each day. We will strive to honour his example of love, commitment, compassion, and service to everyone he met. And, as we do, we will always remember his smile, his generosity, and the sincere way he cared for us all. His impact on our Nation and on each of us personally will not be forgotten.

Rod’s love and devotion to his family and community were evident in everything he did. He spoke often and proudly of those he held dear, and his commitment to serving others was reflected daily in his work and in the relationships he built.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Rod’s family, whom he loved so dearly, and to the many friends, colleagues, and community members who had the privilege of knowing him. We share your grief and celebrate his life that touched so many. May Rod’s memory continue to inspire us and may the legacy of his kindness and dedication live on through all those whose lives he enriched.

We will miss our dear friend, but hold close the assurance that he will join the ancestors guiding our way. Rod: Mikwite’lmultesnen Iapjiw—We Will Remember You.

August 28

Message from the Chief to Qalipu First Nation Membership

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Message from the Chief to Qalipu First Nation Membership Dear Qalipu First Nation members,

I am writing to you on behalf of your Council to acknowledge the hurt and concern caused by the recent targeted harassment directed at Qalipu First Nation, our members, and our staff. We know that harmful messages, direct calls, online posts and recordings, and physical materials have a real effect on people’s sense of safety, dignity, belonging, and wellbeing.

Please know this: Chief and Council are taking this seriously. No one should be targeted at work, at home, in their community, or online because of their Mi’kmaq identity or connection to Qalipu First Nation.

We have activated a coordinated response to protect our people and pursue accountability. This includes workplace-safety measures for staff, confidential reporting and support for people who have been affected, preservation of evidence, reports to online platforms and the appropriate authorities, and legal review of all available options. Where the evidence supports it, we will pursue appropriate action through police, platform, legal, and other lawful channels.

Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our members and staff. We are not going to amplify harmful content or engage in online arguments. We will continue to communicate directly with you, our membership, through Qalipu First Nation’s official channels, and we will provide updates as they can be shared without compromising anyone’s safety, privacy, or an active process.

It is also important to be clear about who we are. We as Mi’kmaq people have deep and enduring connections to Ktaqmkuk. Mi’kmaq oral history records a presence on the island since the 1400s, if not earlier. Historical sources document Mi’kmaq families hunting, fishing, and trapping along the southwest coast and toward Placentia Bay during the 1600s, and records of Mi’kmaq presence become more frequent in the 1700s. In May 1767, during the survey of St. George’s Harbour, a record from Captain Cook’s expedition noted meeting “a tribe of the Mickmak Indians”.

Canada’s formal recognition of Qalipu First Nation in 2011 did not begin the story the Mi’kmaq people of Newfoundland. It recognized an elected government of our people and our communities with a history, kinship, culture, and connection to this island that long predate 2011. Our members’ identity and belonging are not for a social media misinformation campaign to decide.

We welcome respectful, good-faith dialogue and remain committed to respectful relationships with our relations across Mi’kma’ki and Turtle Island. Harassment, intimidation, falsehoods, and targeted abuse are not dialogue, and they will not define who we are.

If you receive an abusive or threatening call, message, post, or recording, please do not engage. Preserve the details if it is safe to do so: take screenshots, record the date and time, save the link or caller information, and report it confidentially to communications@qalipu.ca. If there is an immediate threat or you fear for your safety, call 911.

We also recognize that seeing or experiencing this content can be upsetting, even when it is not directed at you personally. Support is available:

  • 811 HealthLine: Call 811. Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, need support, or are looking for health information, call 811.
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988, anywhere in Canada, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Hope for Wellness Helpline: Call 1-855-242-3310 or use the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca for immediate, culturally grounded support for Indigenous people across Canada.
  • Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 and press 3. Text CONNECT to 686868 for youth or 741741 for adults. To request an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder when available, text FIRSTNATIONS, INUIT, or METIS.
  • Provincial Lifewise Warm Line: Call 1-855-753-2560.

We are a family, and through challenging times, it is essential that we remain strong, united, and steadfast. Let us be reminded of the resilience that has always defined this place and the strength passed down to us by our L’nuk ancestors. I hear your concerns, and together with Council, we will do everything possible to support and advocate for this Nation.

Please look after one another. Reach out if you need support, share concerns with us through our confidential reporting channel, and rely on Qalipu First Nation’s official communications for verified updates.

Nmultes and wela’liek,

Chief Jenny Brake
Chief, Qalipu First Nation
On behalf of Chief and Council