Last week in the Senate, during discussions regarding amendments to Bill S-2, Senator Judy White questioned the legitimacy of Qalipu First Nation members, remarks that are now part of the national record and circulating widely. This is not the first time she has used her office to cast doubt on our people, and the harm is magnified by the influence of her position.

Qalipu First Nation members deserve respect and unity, not division, especially from someone who holds the same membership card as every other member. Senator White herself is a Qalipu First Nation member, with many in her own community of Flat Bay also part of our Nation. Her remarks raise troubling questions about whether she is undermining not only our legitimacy, but her own and that of her community.

It was reassuring to see 68 Senators vote in favour of amendments to Bill S-2, approaching the issue from a broad national and regional perspective. Their leadership reflects unity, fairness, and accountability, in contrast to Senator White’s misuse of her platform to sow division and lateral violence against Qalipu First Nation’s members.

For our Nation, this issue is not about enrolment reform, it is about the dignity and legitimacy of our members. Qalipu First Nation members applied in good faith under rules designed and repeatedly rewritten by Canada in collaboration with the Federation of Newfoundland Indians. Criticism should be directed at the colonial registration system and federal control over Indigenous identity, not at Mi’kmaq families who followed the process laid out for them.

As a Nation, we remain steadfast in defending the dignity of our members and in working to reform the colonial systems that have caused harm and division. In doing so, we are safeguarding the hard‑won recognition that was lost in 1949 and took decades to reclaim, when Newfoundland joined Canada. We will continue to stand united, protect the integrity of Qalipu First Nation, and advocate for fairness, respect, and recognition for all our members, today and for generations to come.

More information on Bill S-2 can be found here: https://www.ubcic.bc.ca/indian_act_second_generation_cut_off

On November 22, Council held our most recent meeting, marking nearly a year since we were sworn in. From the start, we committed to accountability and serving our members with dedication. It was rewarding to see the many ways Council has engaged with members, often going beyond expectations. I am proud to serve alongside the representatives you elected and am hopeful for the years ahead.

As we reflected on our work, one common theme emerged, the frustrations and misconceptions we hear about programs and enrollment. I want to take a moment to clarify.

Like other Nations across Canada, we administer programs that support health, including Jordan’s Principle, housing repair, education and other supports. When funding is provided, it comes with contracts that include strict guidelines and parameters. We know this can feel limiting, particularly when members don’t meet the criteria. Still, we do our best to accommodate as many people as possible. Each program is reviewed by committees of staff, Council members, and community representatives, then passed to our finance committee and, if feasible, recommended to Council for approval. We also regularly review programs to improve their success.

It’s important to understand that program guidelines are not created by Council, they are set by funding agencies, and we are required to follow them. This includes enrollment.

As with all federally recognized bands, enrollment is determined by the federal government, with criteria set by Canada. Our role is to assist members with applications and provide guidance where we can.

We understand these processes can be difficult, and we share your frustrations as our families are also affected. That is why we continue to advocate strongly with all levels of government and pursue economic development opportunities to grow our own-source revenue. This will allow us to expand services beyond the limits set by the funders and reach more members.

Our Council remains committed to open communication and transparency. We have discussed future plans to host virtual and in-person engagement sessions with members to focus on topics that can best inform you. By clarifying program operations, we hope to reduce misunderstandings and make services easier to access. Thank you for your trust and engagement. Your feedback is vital to our growth as a Nation.