Wigwam

Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum Now Open!

Posted by Qalipu on

The Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum And craft shop in St. George’s is now open daily from 10-5 , seven days a week. Come in and enjoy the various exhibits including Spruceroot baskets, Mi’kmaq Language table, Medicine Wheel teachings, the Waltes Game and a youth craft table .

The story of our people, is showcased in an exhibit titled , Across the Water”.

The craft shop showcases many beautiful Aboriginal crafts made by local artisans. Mi’kmaq flags, and pins, are available. Our student tour guides are waiting to share our museum with you.

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New! Enrolment Questions and Answers

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  1. What is the current status of the enrolment process?

The Appeal Process was concluded in February 2018 as the independent appeal masters finished reviewing all of the appeal notices that were submitted.

Approximately 13,000 appeals were reviewed by the independent Chief Appeal Master Mr. Geoffrey Brown, who was jointly selected by Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI).  A legal firm, McInnes Cooper was chosen by both parties and hired by the FNI to provide Appeal Masters to work under the oversight of the Chief Appeal Master and address the volume of appeals received.

Now that the enrolment and appeal processes have ended, the next step is finalizing the Order-in-Council containing the updated Founding Members List. Should it receive final approval, the Founding Members List will then be given to the Indian Registrar for its implementation.

Applicants whose names are added or removed from the Founding Members List will be contacted with further information regarding registration status and benefits in the summer of 2018.

  1. What is the pre-publication in the Canada Gazette and why is it necessary?

This is a standard process that allows interested groups, individuals, and all Canadians the chance to review and comment on the proposed regulation before it’s enacted.

  • The proposed Order-in-Council was pre-published in the Canada Gazette on Saturday May 19, 2018 and will remain online until June 2, 2018. After which, it will be returned to Cabinet to request final approval.
  1. Where is the proposed Order-in-Council posted and how do I provide comments on it during the pre-publication period?

You can find the proposed Order-in-Council on the following website:

Contact information can be found at the bottom of the page if you wish to provide comments.

  1. What are you going to do with the comments submitted during the pre-publication period?

After the pre-publication period of May 19 – June 2, 2018, a summary of the comments received will be included in the final version of the Order-in-Council which will be returned to cabinet to request final approval.

  1. Why are the names of the Founding Members not included in the pre-publication document?

The names of the Founding Members will not be published in order to protect the privacy of individuals on the List and to address the recommendations brought forward by the Privacy Commissioner after previous complaints.

  1. What does the new Founding Members List look like?

The updated Founding Members list includes 18,575 people.

  1. How many people (new Founding Members) will be added to the Founding Members List?

Approximately 5,000 individuals will be added to the Founding Members List.

  1. How many people will be removed from the Founding Members List?

Approximately 10,400 individuals will be removed from the Founding Members List.  Some may lose their Indian status, while others will remain a member of the Qalipu First Nation through a category amendment.

*please see question 11 for details on the letter from the registrar that is being sent to the approximately 10,400 individuals who have been notified that they are losing status.

  1. How many people were added due to appeals and administrative review processes?

531 people were added to the Founding Members List due to the appeal and administrative review processes.

  1. When will I be registered or deregistered?

While we cannot confirm the date on which the Founding Members List will be fully implemented, several steps must first take place, such as the approval of the Order-in-Council.

If you are no longer eligible, you will be provided with advanced notice at the beginning of June 2018 regarding the impact and effective date of changes to your registration and benefits.  Applicants who will be added will be notified in summer 2018 of the effective date of registration.

  1. I received a letter from the Indian Registrar at the beginning of June regarding my loss of registration status. What does it mean?

The letter you received from the Indian Registrar provides the effective date of your deregistration from the Indian Register, unless you are entitled for registration as a child (even an adult child) of a Founding Member.

If neither parent is on the Founding Members List, and subject to the approval of the Order-in-Council, you will no longer be entitled to registration under the Indian Act nor eligible for registration-based federal benefits programs (including Non-Insured Health Benefits and post-secondary education benefits).

Eligibility for these benefits will not be affected until the date provided in your letter.

  1. I’ve been notified that I will lose my status but, my parent is going to remain a Founding Member, or will be a new Founding Member. What does this mean for me?

If you are a current Founding Member:

If the name of one of your parents is on the updated Founding Members List, you will remain registered as a Status Indian and as a band member, but not as a Founding Member. This means that you will retain your registered Indian status, you will remain eligible for benefits and your Secure Certificate of Indian Status (Status Card) will remain valid. You will receive a confirmation letter stating that, as a child of a Founding Member you will remain registered as a Status Indian, but under a different provision of the Indian Act, and you will remain a member of the Band.

If you are not a current Founding Member:

Individuals who are not yet registered will have to make a separate application seeking registration under the Indian Act AFTER the updated Founding Members List is approved.  The application forms can be found on the INAC website by clicking here:

https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1462806841047/1462806896945

You may also seek assistance at any of our office locations by calling the Indian Registration Administrator Charmaine Bath (appointments in Glenwood and Grand Falls-Windsor offices), or SCIS Clerk Jody Davis (Corner Brook, St. George’s and Stephenville offices).

Charmaine Bath: cbath@qalipu.ca or call (709) 679-2142
Jody Davis: jdavis@qalipu.ca or call (709) 634-4010

  1. I am going to be added to the updated Founding Members List. When will I begin to receive my program services and benefits?

Subject to the approval of the Order-in-Council, you will receive a notification from the Registrar, expected in early August, regarding the date on which you will gain access to program services and benefits which are available to registered individuals.

  1. I am going to be added to the Founding Members List. How do I get a Secure Certificate of Indian Status?

After the Founding Members list has been updated, you will be notified.  You can then apply for the SCIS card by contacting the Indian Registration Administrator Charmaine Bath (appointments in Glenwood and Grand Falls-Windsor offices), or SCIS Clerk Jody Davis (Corner Brook, St. George’s and Stephenville offices).

Charmaine Bath: cbath@qalipu.ca or call (709) 679-2142
Jody Davis: jdavis@qalipu.ca or call (709) 634-4010

Alternatively, you can consult the INAC website for the form and documentary requirements.

  1. I’m losing my status. What does this mean for my post-secondary education funding?

Given that this program is for registered First Nation members, you are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and to take steps to explore and secure alternative post-secondary funding options prior to August 31, 2018.

If you are an actively funded client or have submitted an application for funding for the upcoming school year, please contact the Education and Training Department to discuss your file, and student funding options for non-status Indigenous people.

Click the link below for a list of contacts:

https://qalipu.ca/about/office-and-e-mail-addresses/

  1. I’m losing my status. What will happen to my SCIS card?

If you are being deregistered from the Indian Register, your card (Secure Certificate of Indian Status) will no longer be valid as of the date of your deregistration. You should have received a letter from the Indian Registrar around the beginning of June regarding the effective date (end of August).

  1. I’m losing my status. Do I have a right to protest the decisions to deregister me from the Indian Register?

Yes. As per the Indian Act, additions, removals or changes made to the Indian Register are subject to protest. However, you will not be able to submit a protest until the date of your deregistration, which is expected to take place on August 31, 2018.

Please see the protest page on the INAC department website for more information.

  1. How will the updated Founding Members List affect the Qalipu election in October 2018?

Qalipu Band elections are governed by a custom code that outlines that an election is to take place every three years.  We are approaching the three-year mark and will go ahead with an election in October 2018.

You will be eligible to vote if on the date of the Qalipu election, you are 18 years of age or over and you are one of the following:

  • A Founding Member on the updated list;
  • A former Founding Member who has remained a member through a category change; or,
  • A member through an application seeking registration under the Indian Act

We will communicate more information about the 2018 election in the near future.

  1. What about the Wells/Wells case? Doesn’t that change things?

Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians respect the Court’s decision and have decided not to appeal.

The Court’s ruling does not impact the current enrolment process and we are still on track to finalize the Founding Members List in spring of 2018. Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians are assessing the anticipated effects of the Federal Court’s decision and will announce next steps in the process in the fall of 2018. Please ensure your address on file is up-to-date and notify us of any changes.

For more information about the Wells/Wells case outcome, please click here:
https://qalipu.ca/wellswells-court-ruling-and-next-steps/

  1. What is the Indemnification Agreement I have heard about in the media?

An indemnity agreement is a common element of a legal contract between two parties.  It specifies that one party (the indemnitor) agrees to pay for potential losses or damages incurred by the other (the indemnitee) that may come about as a result of the execution of the contract.

Please click the link below to read “Indemnity Agreement Explained”:
https://qalipu.ca/indemnity-agreement-explained/

  1. I have moved, how do I update my address?

If your address has changed since you submitted your original application, please call the INAC Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Line at 1-800-561-2266.  You can also send a signed letter by fax to 1-204-984-3032.  Make sure to include:

  • Your full name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your file number from INAC, if available (found at the upper-right corner of a letter from the Enrolment Committee)
  • Your previous and new mailing address
  • The effective date of your address change
  • Phone number
  • Any other information you would like to update (eg. Name, gender, marital status, typos etc.)
  1. I need a copy of a document (appeal decision letter, Enrolment Committee decision letter, copy of application, other)

Please call the INAC Qalipu line at 1-800-561-2266 to request a copy of the document you are looking for. Make sure to include:

  • Your full name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your file number from INAC, if available (found at the upper-right corner of a letter from the Enrolment Committee)
  • Your previous and new mailing address (if changed)
  • The effective date of your address change (if changed)
  • Phone number
  • Any other information you would like to update (eg. Name, gender, marital status, typos etc.)
  • The document you are requesting
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Wells/Wells Court Ruling and Next Steps

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A recent Federal Court ruling that is relevant to some 50,000+ applicants who were denied Founding Membership to the Qalipu First Nation after failing to meet the self-identification requirement was recently handed down by Justice Russell W. Zinn.  The case was between Sandra and Dave Wells, Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) and related to the Self-Identification criterion of the Qalipu enrolment process, the right to appeal for applications denied on this criterion, and the validity of the Supplemental Agreement.

In summary, Justice Zinn ruled that:

  • The FNI and Canada acted within their legal rights to amend the 2008 Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Band through the introduction of the Supplemental Agreement. Amendments that corrected errors in the Agreement, or extended timelines, for instance, required only that the parties agree on the amendment and did not require ratification.
  • The FNI and Canada did not introduce the Supplemental Agreement for “the improper purpose of pre-emptively limiting the number of potential band members who would be entitled to registration.”
  • There were parts of the Supplemental Agreement that did not fit within the parties right to amend without ratification and thus the judge deemed unreasonable:
    • Removal of the right of appeal for applicants denied on the Self-Identification criterion
    • Evidentiary documentation supporting an applicant’s self-identification should have been based on the date of Qalipu’s formation, rather than the date that the Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq band was signed by Canada and the FNI.
  • The types of evidence required to show self-identification, and the requirement for this type of evidence on an applicants file, was reasonable and fair.
  • The timeline to respond to the Supplemental Agreement was fair and applicants were not denied procedural fairness.
  • Charter rights were not breached in the introduction of the Supplemental Agreement.

The next steps Canada and the FNI will take following receipt of the Federal Court decision have yet to be determined.   Once the parties have had the chance to meet, and discuss next steps, more information will be communicated on the path forward.

For a better understanding of this case, please click here to read additional information in Outcomes from the Recent Court Ruling Involving Dave Wells, Sandra Wells, Canada and the FNI.

Wigwam

Wanted: Your Indigenous Art Work

Posted by Qalipu on

The Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum in St. George’s is preparing to open for the season and would love to showcase local traditional art work in their gift shop.

If you’re an artist with work to sell, please contact St. George’s Indian Band Chief Marlene Farrell at (709) 647-3293 or email marlene.farrell@hotmail.com

Have you visited the museum yet?

Housed in a fully restored 19th century courthouse, this museum is a must-see.  As you read the plaque text you’ll learn about our province’s Mi’kmaq history.  While you’re there, get your picture taken inside a reproduction of a Trapper’s Lodge, beside Mattie Mitchell, a world renowned Mi’kmaw guide, or in front of the scale model replica of a 5-meter-long ocean going canoe that the Mi’kmaq used to travel to our island.

Activities will be planned for the summer.  Keep an eye on their website here: http://www.sgibnl.ca/ktaqmkuk-mikmaw-cultural-historic-museum-newfoundland/

The word NEWS written in vintage wooden letterpress type in a wooden type drawer.

Indemnity Agreement Explained

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An indemnity agreement is a common element of a legal contract between two parties.  It specifies that one party (the indemnitor) agrees to pay for potential losses or damages incurred by the other (the indemnitee) that may come about as a result of the execution of the contract.

The word indemnity simply means protection from, or compensation for losses incurred.  Such an agreement outlines who will bear the cost.

In the case of the Indemnity Agreement between the Government of Canada, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, and the Qalipu First Nation, linked below, the Government of Canada agreed to bear any costs that could potentially arise from court actions regarding the implementation of the Supplemental Agreement.

The Supplemental Agreement was signed in June 2013 to resolve issues which prevented conclusion of the Qalipu enrolment process.  For instance, the timeline for review of applications as set out in the Agreement in Principle, was about to expire leaving some 70,000 + applications outstanding.  The Supplemental Agreement provided an extension and the needed resources to review all applications.

By the time the Supplemental Agreement was signed, the Qalipu First Nation had been officially recognized as an Indian Act Band.  Qalipu owned office buildings, was providing employment for many people, it managed large budgets for programs and services, and it represented more than 24,000 status members.  From the point of view of the Qalipu First Nation, who now had much to lose, an indemnity agreement was a very important and responsible decision to make before signing any agreement.

The Indemnity Agreement protects Qalipu from possible financial ruin, from the loss of everything that has been built.

In a recent story published by CBC’s Nic Meloney, for instance, Meloney commented on a potential class-action lawsuit.  The article stated, “If successful, the case will see applications of those involved in the lawsuit reviewed under the original criteria and the potential for Canada to pay damages up to $600 million.” The Indemnity Agreement protects the Qalipu First Nation should the courts make such an award.

As litigation over issues with the enrolment process play out in court, the potential losses are far greater now than they were in 2013, making the Indemnity Agreement more important than ever.

In keeping with our mandate of openness and transparency, all members are encouraged to review the Indemnity Agreement.

Please click here to access the Indemnity Agreement.

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Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle NL (ASRCNL) Basketball ID Summer Camp

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Lead Coaches:

Peter Benoite – Memorial Men’s Sea Hawks Varsity Head Coach

          Doug Partridge – Assistant Technical Director, NLBA

Eligibility;

Male: Aboriginal status or * self identified, born 2001-2003 or 2004-2007.

Female: Aboriginal Status or * self identified, born 2001-2003 or 2004-2007.

*Self identified athletes may not have official status (ie Qalipu rejection) but still have              documented family linkages confirming their Indigenous ancestry.

Date: July 10-12, 2018

Location: Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Corner Brook NL

Registration Deadline: June 30, 2018. Please note there will be a cap of athletes per group as camp space is limited and will be determined on a “first come, first serve” basis.

Registration Fee:           $25.00

Schedule:  2 training sessions per day over 3 days (detailed schedule available by July 4).

Registration Procedure:
Please complete the accompanying registration form and attach with cheque/money order made payable to:   ASRCNL

Mail Registration forms to:

 ASRCNL
Provincial Training Center
P.O. Box 338
Goose Bay, NL
AOP 1CO

For further information, please contact:
Mike Alexander 709-643-3130, e-mail: bsgasrc@nf.aibn.com
Todd Winters  709-896-9218, e-mail: asrcnl@nf.aibn.com

Click here for the registration form

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Canada Summer Jobs 2018 hiring season kicks off with 742 jobs available for students in the Long Range Mountains

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Government of Canada funds work experience for local students

April 26, 2018 Corner Brook, NL Employment and Social Development Canada

A strong middle class and a growing economy depend on young Canadians getting the skills and work experience they need to succeed. That is why the Government of Canada has doubled the number of jobs created through the Canada Summer Jobs program since 2015, creating meaningful, paid work experience for almost 70,000 students per year.

Here in the Long Range Mountains, that means that 742 jobs have been approved for funding for local students. Today, Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for the Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced that the hiring season for Canada Summer Jobs 2018 has begun and employers are now accepting applications.

Once again this summer, tens of thousands of students across Canada aged 15 to 30 will get a great job opportunity—all while earning money to help pay for next year’s tuition. The Government of Canada invites young Canadians to visit Canada.ca/Canada-Summer-Jobs to connect with employers who are hiring in their communities. This year, for the first time, students can search for employers by province or territory, municipality or postal code, so they can apply to employers in their community.

Additionally this year, more than 3,000 employers are first-time funding recipients, ensuring thousands of fresh new experiences for young Canadians. This year’s jobs fulfill five national priorities, designated by the Government of Canada, including:

• employers who intend to hire youth from underrepresented groups, including new immigrant youth and refugees, Indigenous youth, youth with disabilities and visible minorities;
• small businesses, in recognition of their contribution to the creation of jobs;
• organizations that support opportunities for official language minority communities;
• organizations that provide services and/or supports to the LGBTQ2 community; and
• organizations that provide opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and information and communications technology, particularly for women.

A summer job helps students gain new skills and valuable work experience while saving money for the school year ahead. Thanks to Canada Summer Jobs, young Canadians from across the country will be able to access thousands of job opportunities with small businesses, not-for-profit organizations and the public sector.

Quotes

“Canada’s young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders today. That’s why our government is focused on ensuring more young Canadians get the skills and training they need to thrive. By helping more young Canadians get paid, meaningful work experience, we can ensure they have a fair shot at success.” – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

“I am proud that the Canada Summer Jobs program is helping to create job opportunities for youth in the communities of the Long Range Mountains. The skills that our young people will gain from the summer jobs will be important for their future careers, and allow them access to mentorship and valuable work experience.” – Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament

Quick Facts

• Not-for-profit employers are eligible to receive funding for up to 100% of the minimum hourly wage. Small businesses with 50 or fewer employees and public-sector employers can receive up to 50 percent of the minimum hourly wage.
• Canada Summer Jobs is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy. Since 2005, the Youth Employment Strategy has helped over 900,000 young people gain the skills and work experience they need to find and keep good-quality jobs.
• Each year, the Government invests over $330 million in the Youth Employment Strategy. Budget 2016 announced an additional investment of $339 million over three years. This was followed by an additional investment of $395.5 million over three yearsin Budget 2017. These investments are helping: o more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; o create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and o provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector.
• In 2017, the Government of Canada helped create nearly 70,000 summer job opportunities for students, which is double the number of jobs created through CSJ in 2015.
• Budget 2018 announced an investment of $448.5 million over five years to the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of Canada Summer Jobs opportunities in 2019.

Contact
Joanne Gillis
Corner Brook Constituency Office
49-51 Park Street
709-634-7540

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International Aboriginal Youth Intern Project 2018-2022

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Work on diverse projects on environmental and community sustainability, gender equality and Indigenous forest conservation which could be applied in your community. This hands-on program provides in-depth training and education in forest conservation and the industry.

For More information please view the poster here or visit http://www.janegoodall.ca/iayi and http://www.fnforestrycouncil.ca/

Download the Youth Intern Application here.

The First Nations Forestry Council is now seeking expressions of interest from interested individuals to act as mentor to Aboriginal youth interns. If you are interested please download the Mentors Application here and submit your application.