Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) Appealing on Behalf of Some Applicants, Notifications Arriving in the Mail
In February 2017, Chief Brendan Mitchell announced that the FNI Board would exercise its rights under the Agreement in Principle to issue its own appeal where FNI lawyers identified potential grounds to do so. Based on advice received from the FNI lawyers, they were instructed to initiate those appeals and this process is now underway.
This week, approximately 3100 appellants have begun to receive notification of this process in the mail titled Appeal Notice of FNI. The letter indicates that “the FNI believes a mistake or error was made and that the documentation submitted with your application demonstrates that you do meet the requirements to become a Founding Member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.”
For those who were unaware of this action of the FNI, there may understandably be some confusion. The Appeal Notice of FNI letter does not change the decision of the Enrolment Committee of which applicants and members were notified on January 31, 2017. It simply indicates that the FNI believes a mistake or error was made and is subsequently appealing that decision of the Enrolment Committee on the applicant’s behalf.
Steve May of Cox and Palmer, legal counsel for the FNI, explains the real meaning of these letters. He said, “under the Agreement, when a party issues an Appeal, the Applicant is to be notified. The reasons for this are to let them know of the appeal and to give them the opportunity to structure or revise their own appeals accordingly based on the grounds of the FNI appeal.”
Brendan Mitchell, Chief of the Qalipu First Nation, is hopeful that this legal action may lead to some positive outcomes on behalf of appellants. “However,” he states, “Those with a right of appeal should not rely solely on the appeal being made by the FNI. Please ensure that your appeal is sent, post marked no later than April 13, 2017.”
Chief Mitchell also clarified that the ability of the FNI to appeal decisions of the Enrolment Committee is part of the Agreement that created the First Nation and does not constitute legal counsel for the appellants named in its appeal.
New Q A about Qalipu Enrolment Appeals Process re Additional Grounds
Q: I already submitted my appeal notice, but I would like to submit another reason to support my appeal. Can I do this and what is the process?
A: Yes, you can submit another reason for appeal if you already submitted your appeal notice. To submit another reason for appeal, please note the following instructions:
Send a letter with your full name and file number at the very top of the first page and on every additional page. The letter must be sent to the following address by April 13, 2017:
Office of the Appeal Master
Box 9100
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 0M9
Ensure the first page contains the following heading: SUPPLEMENT TO PART 2 OF THE APPEAL NOTICE: REASONS FOR APPEAL
Your opening paragraph must say, “The following are my supplemental and/or additional reasons to appeal and are to be appended to my Appeal Notice dated [provide date].”
You can then proceed to outline your additional reasons to appeal.
*This Question and Answer is intended only for individuals who have already sent in their appeal notice and later thought of additional reasons that might support their appeal.
Click here for more questions and answers about the appeals process
Message from the Chief – March 31 2017
After nearly a decade from the time the Agreement to create our first nation was signed, the Qalipu enrolment process recently culminated in the mailout of 101,000 decision letters. By now members and applicants should have received a letter from the Enrolment Committee. I am aware that there are some people who are still waiting. Whether it is due to a changed address that didn’t get updated, or some other potential issue, I want you to know that Canada and the FNI are monitoring the situation. It should be noted that requests for copies of the decision letters are addressed within 48 hours, and ensuring that all applicants have received their decision letter is of utmost importance. This played an important part in the decision to extend the Appeal Notice submission deadline first from March 17 to the 31st, and recently to April 13, 2017.
The release of these letters on our communities, which included notification to some 10,500 current members that may potentially have their status revoked, has caused a great upset among our families and communities.
On February 13, I set out on a difficult journey to meet with members and applicants in communities across the province. In each of the communities along the tour, I heard similar frustrations, confusion and uncertainty. In Flat Bay, I witnessed the anger and frustration of three generations divided by status and non-status in one family; in St. George’s I met a veteran who was denied status due to residency, or his absence from the community while on multiple tours of duty; in Stephenville, a well-spoken woman from the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network brought forward the concerns of those who were lost in the confusion and paperwork of a long enrolment process. At every stop on the community tour—Port au Port, Burgeo, Corner Brook, Benoit’s Cove, Port Saunders, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gambo, Appleton and St. John’s—I heard stories of upset that I now carry with me on my shoulders and in my heart.
I can sincerely say that I have heard and felt the struggle of people in our communities. I know that our meetings were a good chance to talk to one another and I am truly greatful to have had the opportunity to meet so many of you during this difficult time. I want you to know that while I cannot solve all the issues that I have heard about, I am doing everything that I can to ensure the most positive outcome possible.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you all of our End of Enrolment Support Team which has been put in place at each of our office locations-St. George’s, Stephenville, Corner Brook, Glenwood and Grand Falls-Windsor. If you haven’t already reached out to a member of the team I encourage you to do so. Each has been trained to help you understand the meaning of your decision letter, the appeals process, and the enrolment process as it unfolded overall. We have also provided training for community members in Flat Bay, Burgeo, Port au Port, Port Saunders and Parsons Pond so that people in those areas may find the support they need.
Additionally, we recognize the strain that may be impacting our mental well-being and assistance is being made available to applicants in this regard.
My prayer is that we continue to find ways to work together to face the challenges that the enrolment issue presents.
Wela’lioq
Chief Brendan Mitchell
Keith Goulding New Band Manager at Qalipu First Nation
The Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Goulding to the position of Band Manager effective April 1, 2017. Reporting to Chief and Council, Goulding will be responsible for oversight and management of Band business and programs, including management of Qalipu staff at four office locations.
Randy Drover, the recently hired Band Manager, decided to move on to pursue another opportunity in his hometown in central Newfoundland. Randy tendered his resignation late last week and will work his final day with the Qalipu First Nation this Friday, March 31, 2017.
Brendan Mitchell, Chief of the Qalipu First Nation spoke highly of Drover and noted that during his short time at Qalipu, “he demonstrated a high degree of competence, effectiveness and professionalism. He has accomplished much in a short period of time on behalf of Qalipu First Nation and its members.” He wished Randy every success in his future endeavours.
He went on to say that he has a high level of confidence in Keith Goulding stepping into the position of Band Manager. He said, “Keith has strong leadership skills and has an extensive background in project management, community economic development, administration, finance, policy and strategic planning. He has been employed at Qalipu First Nation for the past six years and has senior management experience as Director of Work Force Qalipu.”
Prior to joining Qalipu, Keith served as Principal at Academy Canada in Corner Brook for six years. He has held key roles with the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade serving as Vice-President and President for two terms.
Keith holds a Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics) from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Masters Certificate in Project Management from the Schulich School of Business at York University. He is currently in the process of completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Fredericton.
Keith has been involved in the aboriginal movement for many years and continues to actively participate in Mi’kmaq culture. He is a former member of the Bay St. George Cultural Revival Committee and has volunteered extensively at the Flat Bay Pow Wow and other events locally.
Of his new post, Keith said, “Over the past six years I have been committed to this organization and to furthering the interests of our Nation. I look forward to continuing that work in a new and exciting role.”
Are You Interested in a Health Career
When:
August 13 – August 20, 207
Where:
Grenfell Campus, Corner Brook, NL
CULTURAL AND TRADITIONAL PRACTICES OF QALIPU FIRST NATION COMMUNITY FORUM
Gambo/Appleton Community Session report
Employment Opportunities For Qalipu Students
Employment Opportunities for Qalipu Students
Would you like to work in with an organization known throughout the world?
Parks Canada, in partnership with Qalipu Mi’Kmaq First Nation Band is offering unique employment opportunities to Qalipu students.
Be part of protecting and presenting this beautiful part of Canada; come join our team!
Positions
Student Park Communicator
Greet visitors and provide information and orientation related to facilities, services, programs, regulations, and safety precautions in person or by telephone. Collect revenue suing a point of sale system and complete daily sales deposits.
(Bilingual candidates and students may be given preference)
Campground Janitoral Student
Interact with other park employees and visitors as a member of the Visitor Experience Team. Perform a variety of duties to ensure parks facilities and campgrounds are clean and accessible for our visitors.
(Must have a driver’s license)
Student Heritage Communicator
Deliver on-site programs for specific audience needs using a variety of new and innovative approaches. Greet and orient visitor, respond to questions and provide information about National Historic Sites, Gros Morne National Park, other sites in the Field Unit, Parks Canada, and the surrounding areas.
(Bilingual candidates may be given preference)
Student Field Technician
Collect field data, including monitoring on a daily basis and recording, and other resource conservation activities such as surveys.
(Must have a driver’s license)
Locations:
Gros Morne National Park, Port au Choix National Historic Site, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Red Bay National Historic Site.
Period of Employment: Mid-June – Labour Day
Hours of Work: 37.5-40 hrs. /wk.
