A Message to Service Members

This week, I want to speak directly to the concerns many of us share about the Service Members Agreement and offer a clearer understanding of where things stand. The process to complete the steps in the Agreement involves three parties—our Nation, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, and Canada. All parties have a responsibility to move toward a fair and final resolution to determine membership status for Service Members. We believe that each party understands how important this is for Service Members and all QFN members so, together, we are working to find a path forward that honours the commitments made to Service Members.

At our February Special Council meeting, your Council passed a motion supporting Canada’s proposed plan to complete the Agreement. This plan outlines the steps needed to bring this lengthy process to a close: reconvening the Agreement’s Enrollment and Implementation Committees, completing the remaining assessments, addressing appeals, and carrying out the required regulatory actions. By formally expressing our support through a Band Council Resolution, we are making our intentions clear and demonstrating our commitment to transparency. You can read the full text of the Band Council Resolution in our 20 February 2026 Minutes [link to Minutes].

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.

There is a workable plan on the table. We have communicated our positions to all parties and have met with our counterparts. What is needed now is coordinated action from all of us—together, united in our desire to get this done.

We understand the frustration many people are experiencing. We hear it, we recognize it, and we feel it as well. This period of uncertainty has gone on for far too long, and the last thing we want is to add to the stress or hardship faced by those still waiting for a resolution.

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.

Related Link: 2022 Agreement Q&A [link to Q&A]

A Note on Our Image: The Forget-Me-Not is a flower with historic ties to the Newfoundland Regiment in the days before the use of the poppy to signify remembrance of those lost during the First World War and our veterans. We have not forgotten our commitment to you and we will never waiver.

Strong partnerships are essential to the work we do for our Nation. They allow us to expand opportunities, share knowledge, and deliver programs and events that directly benefit our members.

This week our team met with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), a valued partner in education. Collectively, we reviewed our Memorandum of Understanding, which was established in 2018 and renewed in January 2024. This agreement between our Nation and CNA supports members pursuing post‑secondary education and empowers faculty and staff as they develop programs and services. It also establishes a clear pathway for a respectful relationship, one that honours our values and fosters a prosperous future.

Our partnership with CNA continues to demonstrate how education systems can come together to reshape learning experiences for Indigenous people. CNA collaborates closely with our team to explore opportunities across our departments, strengthening programs for both staff and students. Their commitment extends beyond the classroom, ensuring learners have every possible pathway toward success.

Together, we also work to remove barriers to education by offering direct billing for students, ensuring everyone has equitable access to advance their learning journey, contribute to a stronger Nation, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Our collaboration has grown to include areas such as research, early childhood education, and economic development. Together, we also host the annual Business Forum, a valuable space for learning, sharing, and forging connections, while highlighting local businesses and celebrating successes and shared experiences. Planning for this year’s event is already underway.

We appreciate the time and effort that has gone into building our relationship with the College of the North Atlantic. True partnerships like these are more than agreements; they are grounded in respect and grown through genuine commitments to community and shared goals. In the wise words of Justice Murray Sinclair, “Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out.” By working together, we can ensure that the educational experiences of today are meaningful steps toward a stronger, more hopeful tomorrow.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending two important events in St. John’s, the Energy NL annual conference and the Habitat Conservation Workshop hosted by the Stewardship Association of Municipalities.

At the Habitat Conservation Workshop, I was honored to speak alongside invited guests in a session led by Piers Evans  from the Nature Conservancy of Canada titled, Voices of Habitat Stewardship and Conservation from Municipal, ENGO, Federal, and Indigenous Perspectives: What do we value as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians? 

Starting the week with discussions on conservation and then transitioning into the Energy NL conference with Central Vice Chief Collen Paul, provided a valuable opportunity to carry forward the perspectives shared by various organizations.

As a council, we continue to examine how we engage in economic development, ensuring our decisions support both sustainability and prosperity for future generations.

Through my work with the Assembly of First Nations National Fisheries Committee and the Chief’s Committee on Economic Development, I collaborate with Chiefs across Canada to address environmental and economic impacts. These discussions allow us to lobby government for better practices that integrate Indigenous knowledge and values.

As your new council, we look forward to hearing your perspectives through respectful, meaningful dialogue so that together, we can shape a future for our youth, one filled with opportunity and assurance that our connection to the land and water can carry on our traditions for generations to come.