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man having presentation at seminar

End of Enrolment Community Sessions – St. Georges

The Qalipu First Nation and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians will be hosting nine community sessions during February and March 2017.  The community sessions are being arranged to provide members and applicants with an opportunity to receive information about the enrolment process and to raise questions and concerns. The agenda for the community sessions will be structured as follows:

  • Opening prayer and welcoming remarks
  • History of the enrolment file
  • Present status of the enrolment file
  • Appeals process overview
  • Questions and answers
  • Closing prayer

Chief Mitchell, who will be accompanied by Elders and the Qalipu Ward Councillor, will lead the community sessions.  Information will also be shared with members and applicants regarding support services that are available to help them through this difficult time. The first round of community sessions will take place from February 13 – 16, 2017 as per the following schedule:

Date Time Community Meeting Location
Feb 13, 2017 7:00 pm Flat Bay Flat Bay Band Office
Feb 14, 2017 7:00 pm Port au Port East Port aux Port Leisure Club
Feb 15, 2017 7:00 pm St. Georges Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum
Feb 16, 2017 7:00 pm Stephenville Lions Den

Community sessions will also be held in Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Appleton, Gander Bay, and Hawkes Bay.  Further details on these sessions will be released in the coming days. For more information regarding the community events, please contact: Mabel MacDonald, 634-5111 or email mmacdonald@qalipu.ca

man having presentation at seminar

End of Enrolment Community Sessions – Port au Port West

The Qalipu First Nation and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians will be hosting nine community sessions during February and March 2017.  The community sessions are being arranged to provide members and applicants with an opportunity to receive information about the enrolment process and to raise questions and concerns. The agenda for the community sessions will be structured as follows:

  • Opening prayer and welcoming remarks
  • History of the enrolment file
  • Present status of the enrolment file
  • Appeals process overview
  • Questions and answers
  • Closing prayer

Chief Mitchell, who will be accompanied by Elders and the Qalipu Ward Councillor, will lead the community sessions.  Information will also be shared with members and applicants regarding support services that are available to help them through this difficult time. The first round of community sessions will take place from February 13 – 16, 2017 as per the following schedule:

Date Time Community Meeting Location
Feb 13, 2017 7:00 pm Flat Bay Flat Bay Band Office
Feb 14, 2017 7:00 pm Port au Port West Port aux Port Leisure Club
Feb 15, 2017 7:00 pm St. Georges Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum
Feb 16, 2017 7:00 pm Stephenville Lions Den

Community sessions will also be held in Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Appleton, Gander Bay, and Hawkes Bay.  Further details on these sessions will be released in the coming days. For more information regarding the community events, please contact: Mabel MacDonald, 634-5111 or email mmacdonald@qalipu.ca

man having presentation at seminar

End of Enrolment Community Sessions – Flat Bay

The Qalipu First Nation and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians will be hosting nine community sessions during February and March 2017.  The community sessions are being arranged to provide members and applicants with an opportunity to receive information about the enrolment process and to raise questions and concerns. The agenda for the community sessions will be structured as follows:

  • Opening prayer and welcoming remarks
  • History of the enrolment file
  • Present status of the enrolment file
  • Appeals process overview
  • Questions and answers
  • Closing prayer

Chief Mitchell, who will be accompanied by Elders and the Qalipu Ward Councillor, will lead the community sessions.  Information will also be shared with members and applicants regarding support services that are available to help them through this difficult time. The first round of community sessions will take place from February 13 – 16, 2017 as per the following schedule:

Date Time Community Meeting Location
Feb 13, 2017 7:00 pm Flat Bay Flat Bay Band Office
Feb 14, 2017 7:00 pm Port au Port East Port aux Port Leisure Club
Feb 15, 2017 7:00 pm St. Georges Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum
Feb 16, 2017 7:00 pm Stephenville Lions Den

Community sessions will also be held in Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Appleton, Gander Bay, and Hawkes Bay.  Further details on these sessions will be released in the coming days. For more information regarding the community events, please contact: Mabel MacDonald, 634-5111 or email mmacdonald@qalipu.ca

man having presentation at seminar

End of Enrolment Community Sessions

Posted by Qalipu on

The Qalipu First Nation and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians will be hosting nine community sessions during February and March 2017.  The community sessions are being arranged to provide members and applicants with an opportunity to receive information about the enrolment process and to raise questions and concerns. The agenda for the community sessions will be structured as follows:

  • Opening prayer and welcoming remarks
  • History of the enrolment file
  • Present status of the enrolment file
  • Appeals process overview
  • Questions and answers
  • Closing prayer

Chief Mitchell, who will be accompanied by Elders and the Qalipu Ward Councillor, will lead the community sessions.  Information will also be shared with members and applicants regarding support services that are available to help them through this difficult time.

The first round of community sessions will take place from February 13 – 16, 2017 as per the following schedule:

Date Time Community Meeting Location
Feb 13, 2017 7:00 pm Flat Bay Flat Bay Band Office
Feb 14, 2017 7:00 pm Port au Port East Port aux Port Leisure Club
Feb 15, 2017 7:00 pm St. Georges Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum
Feb 16, 2017 7:00 pm Stephenville Lions Den

Community sessions will also be held in Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Appleton, Gander Bay, and Hawkes Bay.  Further details on these sessions will be released in the coming days.

For more information regarding the community events, please contact:

Mabel MacDonald, 634-5111 or email mmacdonald@qalipu.ca

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Qalipu First Nation Disappointed by Enrolment Outcome

Posted by Qalipu on

February 07, 2017, Corner Brook—Today the Government of Canada released the preliminary results of the Enrolment Committee’s review of applications for membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. The final Founding Members will only be known after the appeal process and officially confirmed through an Order in Council, expected in the spring of 2018.

The preliminary results of the Enrolment Committee’s review are as follows:

  • 13,365 applicants who are on the current Founding Members list will remain eligible for founding membership
  • 10,512 applicants who are on the current Founding Members list were found by the joint Enrolment Committee to not meet the criteria under the 2013 Supplemental Agreement for Founding Membership (These individuals will retain their membership until the amendment of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Order, expected in the spring of They are entitled to appeal their decision, the results of which may increase the Founding Members List. Some of those who are no longer eligible for founding membership may still be able to register for membership as a descendant of a Founding Member.)
  • 4,679 applicants who were not Founding Members will now be eligible for founding membership (They will gain membership once the amendment of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Order is confirmed through an Order in Council in the spring of )
  • 68,134 applicants were not Founding Members and will not be eligible for founding membership
  • 3,984 applicants have invalid applications and are therefore not eligible for founding membership
  • It is anticipated that the membership will be comprised of approximately 95% of people living in Newfoundland and Labrador, and 5% living elsewhere in

Brendan Mitchell, Chief of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation expressed his disappointment with the outcome of this process.  He said, “Unfortunately, the goodwill that was created with the formation of the Qalipu First Nation in 2011 stands to be negatively impacted by these outcomes.  Our language, culture and pride in who we are have been making a big comeback. I’m concerned about the hurt and division these outcomes may cause among families and communities. We are however, a resilient people, and I’m hopeful that we will pull through this difficult time together.”

Chief Mitchell explained that the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) is party to the Agreement and the Supplemental Agreement that established the First Nation.  Those Agreements established a process that must be seen to its conclusion. However, he noted measures that the FNI will take on behalf of applicants.  He said, “The FNI Board is utilizing the Agreement to try to help as many applicants as it can. To this end, its lawyers have been instructed to initiate appeals on behalf of the FNI under the

Agreement where there are reasonable grounds to do so. This will ensure that the Enrolment Committee did not overlook something that would allow the applicant to retain or qualify for Founding Membership. We will continue to work on behalf of members and applicants to minimalize impacts of today’s announcement.”

The Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation recognizes that this is a difficult time for our members and the

applicants.  As such, we are doing everything we can to offer support for our members and

applicants.  We have put in place an End of Enrolment Support Team including Enrolment Assistants that will be available to take your call or meet with you in one of our five office locations – St. George’s, Stephenville, Corner Brook, Glenwood and Grand Falls-Windsor.  For more information on this please visit our website https://qalipu.ca/end-of-enrolment-support/

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Chief Mitchell with the Qalipu Directors (L-R) Ralph Eldridge, Chief Brendan Mitchell, Keith Goulding and Rob Dicks

Christmas Greetings from the Chief

Posted by Qalipu on

Kwe’

I am pleased to greet you during this festive season and I pray that each of you finds joy in the twinkling lights, the snow-covered trees and Christmas treats.  I also pray that during this holiday season each one of you is blessed with many special moments of love and sharing.  May your homes be warmed with the presence of children, grandchildren, family members, friends and beloved pets.

I know that, for many, Christmas is not always joyous and it can be a difficult time of year.  I pray too that the Creator be with those who may have lost a loved one, is experiencing illness of a loved one, or finds themselves without the means of enjoying the kind of Christmas they would like.  Trust that there will still be many good moments for which to be thankful.  Creator is with us in good times, and in bad.

As I extend best wishes for 2017, I am struggling as your Chief, with the knowledge that we will share difficult times in the year ahead.   As we approach January 31, 2017, the conclusion of the enrolment process for membership in Qalipu First Nation, I recognize that applicants, which includes current members, are apprehensive and worried about possible outcomes.  I share your worries and concerns.  I have been working diligently on behalf of applicants while also lobbying Canada to minimize impacts and outcomes of the enrolment process.

In September of 2011, we received recognition as a First Nation under the Indian Act.  This was a truly momentous event that was the culmination of decades of fighting for recognition as the Federation of Newfoundland Indians.  Then something happened that surprised everyone; over 100,000 people came out and said, “I am Mi’kmaw!”  In the final days allotted for review of applications under the Agreement in Principle (Agreement), tens of thousands of applications were received.  Leadership at the time, which consisted of the Government of Canada (Canada) and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI), realized the need to negotiate an extension to the Agreement, as well as giving more guidance to the Enrolment Committee on applying enrolment criteria as presented in the Agreement.

In July, 2013, the Supplemental Agreement and its associated Directives to the Enrolment Committee, was introduced by Canada and the FNI.  The Supplemental Agreement meant that all outstanding applications would be reviewed, as well as all those that had already been assessed.  Indeed, even those who had received status cards were reviewed under the criteria laid out in the Supplemental Agreement to ensure everyone was assessed with the same criteria.

At the end of January, 2017, approximately 101,000 letters will be mailed to Qalipu members, and those seeking membership, advising them of the decision on their application. These letters are expected to be received within the first ten days in February. For those with a right to appeal the decision of the Enrolment Committee, there will be forty-five days to file such an appeal. The Appeal Notice Form will be included in the letters sent out.  An independent team of legally-trained Appeal Masters will review all appeals submitted and a final determination will be made on the appeal. The appeal process will be completed in its entirety by the fall of 2017. The decisions of the Appeal Masters will be final.

When I was elected in 2015, I inherited this process.  The legal agreements setting out how Founding Membership in the Qalipu First Nation was to be determined had already been established.  I have been asked the question, ‘Will you walk away from the table?’, and ‘will you fight to start over?’  My answer is no, I will not.  I might have negotiated things differently had I been in a leadership position at the time that agreements were made.  Today I have an obligation, as difficult as the outcome will be for many, to act in the best interests of our First Nation as a whole and to see the enrolment process through as it had been previously negotiated.  After having taken decades for the Newfoundland Mi’kmaq to achieve recognition, it is not in our First Nation’s best interest to leave it in a state of limbo by walking away from the table at this time.  This could potentially allow the Government of Canada to be in a position to unilaterally determine how all unresolved membership issues arising from the current enrolment process should be addressed.    Furthermore, I am concerned about the risk of losing or suspending the many programs and benefits that will be available to those who gain membership in Qalipu First Nation.

Many of you have made your concerns regarding the enrolment process known to your MP’s and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).  Others may exercise their right to do so.  I have been working with various levels of government to minimize the potential negative impacts of the ongoing enrolment process.  I have met three times with the Honourable Minister Carolyn Bennett of INAC and with Joelle Montminy, Assistant Deputy Minister of INAC and with other senior staff members at INAC.  I have also met with Newfoundland Members of Parliament to express my concerns on this important situation.  I have asked for support from the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and the Assembly of First Nations and I continue to meet with Canada’s legal representatives on the Enrolment Implementation Committee in an attempt to minimize impacts on current Qalipu members, particularly those that live outside established aboriginal communities.  Furthermore, I have written to Prime Minister Trudeau asking for a meeting on the topic of the Qalipu enrolment process.    These efforts will continue.

The most important thing I want you to know now, all of you, is that whether you are found eligible to hold a status card under the Indian Act or not, you will find that you are welcome at Qalipu First Nation.  The pinnacle of our focus going forward will be a culture of inclusion, and ensuring that it is the Mi’kmaq in our hearts that defines us, not what is stated on paper.

On behalf of Council and all of our staff I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  We look forward to working diligently on your behalf in 2017.

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Happy 5th Anniversary Qalipu First Nation

Posted by Qalipu on

Happy 5th Anniversary Qalipu First Nation!

Today we celebrate the anniversary of our Band, established five years ago on September 22, 2011.  In the years since our inception we have grown and journeyed together as a community.  We have worked toward common goals of rediscovering and sharing our culture, and building a bright future for our Nation.

Looking back over these past five years we have much to be proud of:

  • Our new Council has been working hard to be actively engaged with our membership—all our regular meetings of Council are now open to membership and include an opportunity for them to ask questions. We have also worked to increase the number of Ward meetings that are held each year. Town Hall meetings are now being organized in all of our Wards for this Fall.
  • Our new Council has purchased buildings in Grand Falls-Windsor and in Stephenville. In addition to the recent establishment of the Qalipu Community Room in our existing building at 3 Church Street, Corner Brook, we are also working toward establishing community rooms at each of the new buildings to better serve our members in Central and Bay St-George.
  • We lobbied and secured funding for the hiring of a much needed new position to administer the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy. Through matching the funding provided by DFO, Qalipu has recently hired two new River Guardians.
  • We have recently established an Urban Reserve Planning Committee and have been working hard toward realization of this shared vision for the future.
  • We currently provide employment for 33 full time employees, 10 term employees and 12 seasonal employees.
  • We have provided assistance to more than 600 members with wage subsidies, self-employment assistance and youth employment programs.
  • $39.4 million dollars has been paid out in education funding to thousands of members for post-secondary diploma, degree and masters programs.
  • The Qalipu Cultural Foundation was developed to support cultural documentation, and promote the involvement of youth and elders in cultural activities including educational outreach, celebration of special days and the support of other organizations who are working to bring cultural offerings to the people.
  • Nearly $52 million dollars in health benefits have been paid out to our membership. We continue to pursue continued growth in this area.  We are currently set to launch administration of the Medical Transportation Benefit for all Wards and for members living in Atlantic Canada.  This initiative will improve the services and speed up reimbursement processing time for our members.
  • We have begun to move forward on the first year of our five-year Tourism Strategy with the hiring of a Tourism Development Officer. Implementation of the strategy will lead to sustainable aboriginal tourism in our nine Wards.
  • We administer 13 inshore fishing licenses and one 65-foot enterprise, manage real estate, and have developed a number of companies. Each of these endeavors are earning own-source revenue to help the Band build for its future.
  • We have developed many beneficial partnerships in terms of business development and community involvement.

Chief, Council and Qalipu Staff are committed to ensuring the growth, effectiveness and prosperity of Qalipu on behalf of our People, our Communities, and our Nation.

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Chiefs Message – March 2016

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Kwe’,

It is my pleasure to bring greetings once again with this monthly message.  It is a privilege to be Chief of this Nation.  I ask Kisu’lk (Creator) today, and every day, for guidance to best serve the people I represent.  I pray too that this message finds each of you in good health and looking forward to more sun and warmer temperatures with the near arrival of spring.

There are many reasons to be proud when I look back on the past few weeks.  Qalipu staff did an excellent job in the organization and delivery of our annual business forum, Mawio’mi.  I personally attended this event and was pleased to see a high number of indigenous businesses participating, and presentations from local development leaders.  The youth element of the event was perhaps the best part.  For the first time our Mawio’mi Business Forum included students from around Atlantic Canada who actively participated in the Forum.  The students also participated in break out groups to analyze a business scenario and come up with a solution.  The professionalism and the well put together presentations from these young people gives me confidence in the future.

Another highlight this past month was the opportunity to visit the Miawpukek First Nation along with several of the Qalipu Councilors.  We met at their headquarters, learned about their governance and activities and had a tour around Conne River.  We also met with Qalipu members that are living in that area.  This was a great opportunity to get to know each other better, and to build on the relationship between our two Nations, both Mi’kmaq with shared history.  We anticipate that Chief Mise’l Joe and some of the Miawpukek Councilors will be visiting Qalipu territory in May.  We look forward to the opportunity to connect and build on this important relationship.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to point out several Town Hall Meetings that are coming up in our Wards in the near future.  April 3-Grand Falls-Windsor, April 4-Gander, April 16-St. George’s and April 17-Flat Bay.  You will find the particulars of these meetings in our monthly newsletter, attached.  It is important that members take the opportunity to come out to these meetings and connect with their Ward Councilors.

Wela’lioq (Thank you to all of you)

Chief Brendan Mitchell

Click here to read our monthly newsletter, Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k

Background

Qalipu (Pronounced: holly-boo, Meaning: Caribou)

Qalipu is part of the Mi’kmaq Nation whose territory extends from Maine to Quebec, through the Maritime Provinces and into Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). This territory is also known as Mi’kma’ki. This Indian Act Band is unique in its size (one of the largest Bands in Canada) and representation; Most Mi’kmaq ancestors who were denied rights when Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949 would not live long enough to see the government finally recognize their existence more than sixty years later. Instead, today, some twenty-five thousand of their descendants proudly claim Indian status in their place.

Qalipu is made up of 67 traditional Mi’kmaq communities, spread out over 9 Electoral Wards.  An elected Chief and Council govern the Qalipu First Nation.  Ward Councilors are elected to represent each of the nine Wards.  Additionally, two Vice-Chiefs represent western and central Newfoundland and the Chief is the official spokesperson and leader of the Qalipu First Nation as a whole.

Qalipu has four satellite offices located in Glenwood, Grand Falls-Windsor, St. George’s, and Stephenville and its central administrative office is in Corner Brook.  These offices give representation to the regions of our dispersed Mi’kmaq communities.

Core programs and services are delivered by a growing body of staff.  Our service offering includes education and training, tourism development, health benefits and services, employment programs, registration assistance, environmental monitoring, culture and heritage and community economic development.   Qalipu also conducts a variety of special programs which vary from year to year.

Economic and corporate development are led by the Qalipu Development Corporation (QDC). The QDC was established by the Chief and Council as an independent, arms-length corporate business entity. It functions as a holding company for all business operations and investments of the QFNB. Its primary mandate is to manage the Band’s portfolio of existing business operations and seek new investment and joint-venture opportunities to ensure the Band’s long term economic growth and overall sustainability.

Get to know us better by exploring our website, Qalipu.ca, or spending time with us at National Aboriginal Day and other celebrations that are shared on our events calendar.

Enrolment

Click Here for the Enrolment Q&A Page

Members and applicants who have questions regarding their membership application and the enrolment process, please see below for frequently asked questions or call 1-800-561-2266

Summary

Below is a time line chronicling some of the milestones on the road to recognition for the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland.

1972

No Mi’kmaq living on the island of Newfoundland are recognized as being eligible for registration under the federal Indian Act.

Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) forms (initially as the Native Association of Newfoundland and Labrador).

Its chief membership by late 1972: six affiliated Mi’kmaq bands on the island of Newfoundland:

  • Benoits Cove First Nations (now named Elmastogoeg)
  • Corner Brook Indian Band
  • Flat Bay Indian Band
  • Gander Bay Indian Band
  • Glenwood Mi’kmaq First Nation
  • Port au Port Indian Band

FNI’s primary goal: to obtain Government of Canada recognition of Mi’kmaq eligibility for registration under the Indian Act.

FNI’s mandate: To promote the social, cultural, economic, and educational well-being of the Newfoundland Mi’kmaq.

1972–1982: Early successes

Province agrees to contribute to basic genealogical research of Mi’kmaq people on the Island.

Negotiations for recognition begin with the federal government.

Mi’kmaq of Conne River become eligible for registration under the Indian Act. Mi’kmaq outside Conne River are not eligible because the federal government recognizes only Mi’kmaq that are “resident in designated native communities.”

1983–1992: Decade of frustration

Conne River withdraws from the FNI and is recognized as a Band under the Indian Act. FNI continues to work towards eligibility of remaining members.

In support of their eligibility claims, FNI conducts genealogical studies.

Canada takes no action. FNI continues negotiations with Canada in attempts to redress the situation.

David Crombie, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND), requests participation of Newfoundland government in tripartite negotiations on financial arrangements for FNI. Newfoundland governmentrejects Newfoundland participation in tripartite talks.

FNI and chiefs of six affiliated bands begin a Federal Court Action seeking eligibility for registration under the Indian Act (1989).

FNI membership expands – three new bands become affiliated:

  • Exploits Indian Band (now Sple’tk First Nation)
  • St. George’s Indian Band
  • Stephenville/Stephenville Crossing Band (now Indian Head First Nations).

FNI applies to add new bands to list of Plaintiffs in court action.

1992–2002: Decade of on-and-off negotiations

The Department of Indian Affairs invites the FNI to discuss an agreement while placing its court case in abeyance (1999). FNI agrees.

No progress towards goal. Reactivation of the FNI court case (2001).

FNI presents Canada with the “2002 Mi’kmaq Regime” proposal.

FNI amends by-laws: each of the affiliated bands must accept minimum criteria for the admission of persons into its membership (2002).

2002: Exploratory discussions

Canada approaches FNI to engage in discussions to settle the court action. FNI agrees. Honorable Marc Lalonde appointed as the special representative to lead the discussions.

FNI and Canada hold consultation sessions with Mi’kmaq communities and FNI members. Consensus: FNI members want registered Status under the Indian Act.

FNI commitment to members: All members will be able to vote on any agreement reached with Canada.

During the exploratory discussions, Canada proposes that Newfoundland Mi’kmaq be registered under the Indian Act as a landless-band if they meet established membership eligibility criteria.

FNI consults its members: proceed with negotiations that include landless band component? Consensus – yes.

2003: Preliminary negotiations

The FNI agrees to place the court case into abeyance prior to the negotiation process.

The Honorable Marc Lalonde presents the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, the Honorable Andy Scott, with a report recommending proceeding to Cabinet seeking an Agreement-in-Principle to negotiate a landless band under the Indian Act for the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland.

2004–2006: Official negotiations

FNI and Canada agree to undertake official negotiations for terms of Agreement-in-Principle.

FNI establishes negotiation team. Abeyance of court case requires negotiations to be kept confidential. Negotiating team can consult with FNI its Steering Committee for the Agreement-in-Principal.

2006–2008: The Agreement-in-Principle

FNI represents 10,500 Newfoundland Mi’kmaq, and more than 10,000 members have band affiliation. Roughly 500 are General Members.
Tentative Agreement-in-Principle reached (2006):

  • identifies process for recognition
  • includes creation of landless band
  • stipulates entire FNI membership can vote on ratification

Agreement-in-Principle is initialed (November 30, 2007) – an historic day for the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland.

In ratification vote, 90% of the FNI membership votes yes. FNI ratifies Agreement-in-Principle (March 30, 2008).

Canada ratifies Agreement-in-Principle (June, 2008).

2009 – First Stage of the Enrolment Process

November 30, 2009 marked the conclusion of the first stage of the enrolment process held under the Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu First Nation Band. As of November 30, 2009, close to 25,000 applications had been received and approximately 11,000 have been approved by the Enrolment Committee.

2011 – Federal Court Decision Clears the Way for Qalipu First Nation Band Formation

On June 14th, 2011 the Federal Court of Canada rendered its decision on the motion seeking an injunction  to delay the formation of the Qalipu First Nation Band.  Paragraph 94 of the decision said “The motion is dismissed with costs to the other Plaintiffs and the Defendant.”

2011- Qalipu is Recognized as a First Nation Band

The Qalipu First Nation was created as a “band” under the Indian Act by an Order in Council on September 22, 2011, and 23,877 members were found eligible and registered as founding members of the Qalipu First Nation Band.

Following Band creation, 70, 000 additional applications were received.

2013-Supplemental Agreement

On July 4, 2013, the Government of Canada and FNI announced a Supplemental Agreement that addressed the surge in applications, clarified the process for enrolment, and resolved issues that emerged in the implementation of the 2008 Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Band.

All applications, except for those that had already been assessed and rejected would be reviewed against the Supplemental Agreement.

The review of all applications was expected to be completed by August, 2015 followed by an appeal process which would end on March 31, 2016.

2014-Qalipu First Nation Act

In June, 2014 Qalipu First Nation Act received Royal Assent.

2015-Review Process Extended, Review Committee Enhanced

On April 2, 2015, the Government of Canada and FNI announced that the enrolment process was extended to June 30, 2016 and the appeal process deadline was extended to January 31, 2017. As well, the Enrolment Committee was expanded from four members to eight.

2015-Foster and House Court Case

In September 2015, the Federal Court set aside two Enrolment Committee decisions as a result of judicial reviews that were launched by two applicants who had been notified by the Enrolment Committee that their applications were determined to be invalid (on the basis of a missing signature and long-form birth certificate). The court ordered the Enrolment Committee to continue the assessment of both applicants for membership.

2016-FNI and Canada Agree to Apply Court’s Ruling to all Invalid Applicants who were Rejected (On the basis of a missing signature and/or long-form birth certificate.)

In April 2016, applicants were informed that those notified in November 2013 that their applications were determined to be invalid will have the opportunity to correct their applications for review by the Enrolment Committee.

2016-Review Process Extended, Review Committee Enhanced

As a result of Canada and the FNI’s agreement to review all Invalid Applications who were found invalid due to a missing signature and/or long form birth certificate, some 6,500 applicants were given 90 days to submit the information to have their applications reviewed anew.  This led to a second extension to the Enrolment Committees review of all applications.

The Enrolment Committee’s deadline to review the applications was extended to no later than January 31, 2017 and the appeal process deadline was extended to September 30, 2017.

Backgrounder

Backgrounder

Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment Process

When Newfoundland joined Confederation in 1949, Mi’kmaq communities were not recognized as First Nations under the Indian Act and their legal status, as well as the status of their members, was uncertain.

Discussions between the Government of Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) led, in 2008, to the Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Band, and, in September 2011, an Order in Council established the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation as a “band” under the Indian Act.

The Agreement provides for an enrolment process to assess applications for Founding Membership in the new band. Applications for Founding Membership in the First Nation are assessed by an Enrolment Committee, composed of an equal number of representatives from Canada and FNI, and a jointly appointed independent chair. The Enrolment Committee’s role is to assess each application for membership in a fair and consistent manner.

Approximately 27,000 applications were received in the first stage of the enrolment process, which concluded on November 30, 2009. Of these, 23,877 applicants were found eligible and registered as Founding Members of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. From November 30, 2009 to September 22, 2011 (when the band was created) approximately 4,000 additional applications were received. The number of applications rose sharply following band creation. In the14 months before the application deadline of November 30, 2012, more than 70,000 applications were received, bringing the total number of applications to over 104,000.

On July 4, 2013, the Government of Canada and the FNI announced a Supplemental Agreement that addressed the surge in applications, clarified the process for enrolment, and resolved issues that emerged in the implementation of the 2008 Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.

Under the Agreement, it was determined that all applications, except for the approximately 3,000 already assessed and rejected, would be reviewed by August 31, 2015, followed by an appeal process which would end on March 31, 2016. The review would include the applications of all the individuals registered as Founding Members of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, to ensure that all applicants meet the criteria for eligibility set out in the 2008 Agreement and the 2013 Supplemental Agreement.

On April 2, 2015, Canada and FNI announced that the enrolment process deadline was extended to June 30, 2016, and the appeal process deadline was extended to January 31, 2017. As well, the Enrolment Committee was expanded from four members to twelve.

Canada and FNI agreed that the enrolment decisions of approximately 101,000 applications would be communicated at the same time. The Enrolment Committee conducted an initial review of the applications based on the validity criteria outlined in the 2008 Agreement and, in November 2013, sent letters to advise applicants of the status of their applications. Approximately 94,000 applicants were notified that their applications were deemed valid and roughly 6,500 applicants were notified that their applications were deemed invalid.

Two applicants for enrolment in Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, Mr. Sterling Clyde Foster and Mr. Alex Howse, initiated proceedings against Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians  in the Federal Court of Canada over the Enrolment Committee’s determination that their applications were invalid. One application was deemed invalid because of a missing signature; the other because it did not include a long-form birth certificate. The Federal Court agreed with the applicants, and found that they were not given notice of the missing information or an opportunity to correct their applications. For that reason, the court set aside the Enrolment Committee’s decisions and ordered that both applications be evaluated for Founding Membership.

Canada and FNI decided to apply the same reasoning to all applications that were deemed invalid consistent with the court decisions. As a result, approximately 6,500 individuals were given an opportunity to correct their applications, and submit additional material in support of their applications, for review by the Enrolment Committee.

The Enrolment Committee has completed a diligent and consistent review of all 101,000 applications for Founding Membership in the band, as assessed against the 2008 Agreement and the 2013 Supplemental Agreement. The work of the Enrolment Committee has been supported by INAC officials responsible for pre-analyzing the files in order to expedite the assessment and decision making process. The enrolment process included the review of the applications of individuals who were granted Founding Membership and Indian Status in 2011.

As a result, the Enrolment Committee will be sending letters of decision, on January 31, 2107, to each applicant with the  results of its review. In some cases, these letters will confirm eligibility as Founding Members of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation and Indian Status, while in other cases applicants will be informed that they  do not qualify as a Founding Member (this will be completed in accordance with Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nations Act). Some individuals who are deemed to no longer meet the Founding Membership requirements may be eligible for registration under the Indian Act as being a child of a remaining Founding Members. The Department is currently determining volume and options for a seamless transition for those eligible individuals.

To ensure fairness, the Government of Canada and the FNI jointly decided to allow for an appeal period following the application review process. Applicants who are eligible to appeal the Enrolment Committee’s rejection f their applications will have 45 days to initiate an appeal of the decision of their application. All appeals will be concluded on the fall of 2017. The tabling of the Founding Members List to the First Nation will be issued no later than February 28, 2018 and changes to the Indian Registry will be made shortly afterwards. Changes to access to program benefits and services will only occur at this time. This is expected to commence in spring 2018.

Throughout the process, the Government of Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians have been and continue to be committed to the integrity of the process for enrolment of Founding Members in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, in accordance with the 2008 Agreement and the 2013 Supplemental Agreement. As such, the creation of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band is an important step forward for the Mi’kmaq people of Newfoundland. As we continue to move ahead, we look forward to maintaining a meaningful Nation-to-Nation relationship and ongoing dialogue.

News Releases

Canada to reassess nearly 58,000 applicants for Founding Membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation and commits to exploratory discussions on membership for veterans, military members, RCMP and FNI members

November 15, 2018 — Ottawa, ON — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Canada remains committed to renewing the nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

Today, Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains and Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, along with Brendan Mitchell, President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) announced the next steps in the implementation of the Wells/Wells decision.

Canada and the FNI will be moving forward with reassessing approximately 58,000 individuals who were denied Founding Membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. In addition, parties have committed to enter into exploratory discussions to address outstanding concerns regarding members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, RCMP and FNI members or members of other Mi’kmaq organizations who were named in the 2008 agreement and denied Founding Membership. Individuals affected by the exploratory discussions will be contacted once further information becomes available.

The review of the Enrolment Process is a result of the May 8, 2018 Federal Court decision on the David Wells and Sandra Wells case, which deemed the requirement for proof of self-identification to the Mi’kmaq community pre-dating 2008 to be unreasonable and unenforceable. Therefore, these individuals will have the right to request reassessment of their application and to submit additional documentation for the self-identification criterion.

Individuals affected by the Wells decision will be contacted by mail in January 2019 with information on how to submit additional documents to have their application reassessed. Those who wish to have their applications reviewed will be asked to submit the form and documents with a postmark no later than 100 days after receipt of their letter.

Quick Facts on the Wells Decision

  • On May 8, 2018, Federal Court released its decision in the David Wells and Sandra Wells case, stipulating that it was unreasonable to require applicants to provide proof of self-identification to the Mi’kmaq community pre-dating the 2008 Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Band.
  • This decision means that the approximate 58,000 individuals whose application for Founding Membership to the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation was denied based on the self-identification criterion of the Enrolment Process, now have the right to request reassessment of their application and to submit additional documentation.
  • In January 2019 (TBD), the Government of Canada and Federation of Newfoundland Indians will notify the 58,000 applicants eligible for re-assessment as a result of the Wells decision on next steps for the reassessment of their application.
  • Those affected should ensure their mailing address is up to date by contacting the Qalipu toll-free telephone line (1-800-561-2266). Individuals whose mailing address has not changed since their initial application are not required to provide updated information.
  • Additional information on the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment Process and the process through which the Wells decision will be implemented can be found online.

Quick Facts on the Exploratory Discussions

  • In the signature of the 2008 and 2013 Agreements and the Indemnity Agreement, the Government of Canada, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, and the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation all agreed to the eligibility criteria individuals were required to meet in order to register under the Band.
  • In accordance with the 2008 and 2013 Agreements, and with the Enrolment and Appeals Processes, no exemptions or exceptions were granted to Veterans or members of other distinctive groups. However, Canada has heard the concerns regarding Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, veterans, as well as members of FNI, who believe their applications were unfairly denied and will be entering into discussions with the FNI on this matter.
  • The Government of Canada recognizes and deeply values the meaningful contributions of Indigenous Veterans, RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces and other members of the military, to the development of our nation, and honours the sacrifices they have made in the defense of freedom and the pursuit of world peace.

 

Quotes

“The creation of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation is an important step towards reconciliation and the recognition of Newfoundland’s Mi’kmaq People. Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians will continue to work in close collaboration throughout the implementation of the Federal Court’s decision, in the spirit of upholding the integrity of founding membership.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“I encourage all those who are eligible to submit additional documentation regarding the self-id criteria to do so.  Letters will be mailed to impacted individuals in the near future so I encourage you to ensure that your mailing address is up-to-date.  If you’ve moved or changed address, please contact 1-800-561-2266.  Let’s all look out for one another by sharing this news among our communities.”

Brendan Mitchell
President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians

 

Public Notices

*Added May 22 2018

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.

 

*Update March 27, 2017 – Deadline for applicants/members to file an appeal has been extended to April 13, 2017

“Although the ‘Instructions for Submitting and Appeal’ indicates that your Appeal Notice must be witnessed, all appeal notices completed by applicants eligible to appeal (witnessed or not witnessed) and submitted on or before April 13, 2017, will be considered by the Appeal Master.”

Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) Appealing on Behalf of Some Applicants, Notifications Arriving in the Mail *April 7, 2017
Important Notice: Eligibility to Appeal *March 15, 2017
Public Notice Changes to Appeal Deadline *Feb 20, 2017
Information on Criteria of Group Acceptance through Residency *Feb 14, 2017
Public Notice Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment Process Applicants Found Ineligible Based on Self-ID *Feb 10, 2017

 

Membership Search Service – Were You Already a Member of an Existing Band?

If you were a documented band member in one of Newfoundland’s Mi’kmaq bands prior to the signing of the Agreement in Principle (AIP) on June 23, 2008, then your name should be on the master list of band members that was compiled at that time.  The Mi’kmaq bands of Newfoundland that were recognized for inclusion at the time of the AIP included the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI), Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance, Benoit First Nation and Sip’kop Mi’kmaq Band.

Click here for more information

 

End of Enrollment Support Team

At Qalipu First Nation, we are doing everything we can to offer support for our members and applicants. We have put in place an End of Enrolment Support Team including Enrolment Assistants that will be available to take your call or meet with you in one of our four office locations –  St. George’s, Corner Brook, Glenwood and Grand Falls-Windsor.

To contact our End of Enrolment Support Team:

St. Georges:  709 647 3514
Glenwood:  855 263 6440 (toll free) or 709 679 2338
Grand Falls-Windsor:  709 489 2898
Corner Brook:  844 368 7160 (toll free) or 709 634 4010
*Toll Free (in Newfoundland only)

 

Are you looking for more information about Enrolment? Find it here:

End of Enrolment Q & A: Appeals Process
Updated Q & A: Appeals Process
End of Enrolment Q & A: General Information

 

Are you interested in the history leading up to the creation of our First Nation, including where we are today? Click the link below for a summary:

Backgrounder
Road to Recognition of the Newfoundland Mi’kmaq-History

 

Would you like to review all the details of the Agreement and related documents? Find these documents here:

How about the Supplemental Agreement?

 

What has Chief Mitchell been saying about the end of Enrolment? Click on the links below to hear from our Chief in news items posted by the Qalipu First Nation.

Message from the Chief – March 31 2017
Statement Regarding Ottawa Meeting
Qalipu First Nation Disappointed by Enrolment Outcome
Christmas Greetings from the Chief
Chief to Demonstrators: I have an obligation to act in the best interest of our First Nation
Video: Chief Mitchell talks Enrolment at Corner Brook Café

 

Update on the Review of Applications Previously Determined to be Invalid in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment Process

April 13, 2016 – Ottawa, ON – Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, and Brendan Mitchell, Chief of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, provided an update on the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment Process.

In March, Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) announced they will give individuals the opportunity to correct and provide additional documentation in support of their application for review by the Enrolment Committee.

This decision is a result of collaborative efforts between Canada and the FNI to give a broad application to the Foster and Howse court decisions and provide applicants a fair opportunity to demonstrate they should be founding members of the First Nation.

Click here to read the full release

 

Update on the Review of all Invalid Applicants in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment Process

March 18, 2016 Ottawa, ON Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, and Brendan Mitchell, Chief of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, today provided an update on the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation enrolment process.

Get the full story here

 

The Government of Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians Announce Appointment of Geoffrey Brown as Chief Appeal Master to the Qalipu Enrolment Process (Published June 18, 2015)

OTTAWA, July 31, 2015 /CNW/ – The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Brendan Sheppard, President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI), today welcomed the joint appointment of Mr. Geoffrey Brown as Chief Appeal Master to the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment process.

Click here to read more

 

Government of Canada and Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) bolster Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment Process  (Published April 20, 2015)

April 2, 2015              Ottawa, ON                Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Brendan Sheppard, Chief of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, today announced the Government of Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) have doubled the number of members to the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Enrolment committee.

The new Enrolment Committee members will apply the same approach to reviewing the files in accordance the 2008 Agreement and the 2013 Supplemental Agreement. The additional four members continue to offer equal representation from the Mi’kmaq and the Government of Canada.

Read the full story here

 

Message from the Chief (Published January 16, 2014)

Happy New Year to all, it’s my hope that everybody will have a year filled with good health and that good health will be with each of you for many years to come.

There have been many calls and emails from concerned applicants regarding the January 31, 2014 deadline date to provide additional supporting documentation to their file for enrolment into the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band.  The date for submitting additional documentation has now been extended until February 10, 2014, I realize this is not a huge extension and I sympathize with those who feel more time is required… Read

 

Frequently Asked Questions on Enrolment Process – Sworn Declarations and Affidavits (Published January 2, 2014)

Click here to read FAQs on Sworn Declarations and Affidavits.

 

Chief’s Message (Published December 19, 2013)

For individuals who are providing additional documents to Winnipeg for the Enrolment process of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band, outlined below is a check list to ensure you do not miss submitting any critical information… Read

 

Message from Chief Sheppard (Published December 9, 2013)

First of all, I extend a sincere thank you to so many people who have called/ emailed to say thank you for my message that contained a number of scenarios.  I am very pleased that the scenarios have helped some people to clarify the letter they have received from Ronald Penney(Enrolment Committee Chair).  Unfortunately, there are many who are not certain of what they should provide and I realize that the scenarios do not take away the stress of how you will meet the requirements.  It has come to my attention that there are people who were members of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (member of one of the FNI local affiliate bands) prior to 2008 who thought they were still on the 2008 membership list and have discovered for some reason they are not on the list when they call for verification at the 1-800-567-9604.  This piece of information is extremely important for individuals that need to meet the requirement of Self Identification and or substantial connection.  For that reason Qalipu has hired two individuals until January 31, 2014 to search old FNI membership lists.  Individuals who were a member of one of the FNI local bands or FNI General membership list prior to 2008 can call 709-634-0996, then press #(pound), Extension Numbers, 209 or 214 or email fni-info@qalipu.ca to have a search conducted.  If your name appears on either of the lists a letter can be provided.  However; letters will only be given out if we have a band list that can be referenced containing your name.  I cannot promise that we have all of the lists from all of the FNI local bands since the organization began.  Letters issued after June 23, 2008 from a local band council will not be accepted.  It is important to note that not everyone will require a letter verifying their membership.  Please review the scenarios of my previous message to determine if you need to meet self-identification and or substantial connection prior to requesting a search.

Download the FNI Band list inquiry form Here

 

Chief’s Message (Published November 18, 2013)

It is now evident that the letters, which members and applicants were advised through the Qalipu website in July 2013 would be coming, are now being received.  As anticipated, these letters are causing concern among many individuals.  We have posted as much helpful information that we could anticipate would respond to various questions under the Enrolment tab of Qalipu’s website site under the Latest News section.

I sympathize with the difficulties and frustrations that you are experiencing; this process is complicated, as legal processes tend to be.  In an effort to provide a level of comfort to members and applicants, I will provide a few scenarios that I hope will help explain the process and your next steps.  It is important to note that these scenarios are of a general nature; differing circumstances may significantly change the approach required. In these scenarios, ‘Mi’kmaq community’ refers to one of the geographic locations of the Mi’kmaq Group of Indians of Newfoundland listed in Annex ‘B’ to the 2008 Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Band.  Read

 

PUBLIC NOTICE
ATTENTION APPLICANTS AND MEMBERS OF THE QALIPU MI’KMAQ FIRST NATION (November 9, 2013)

This notice is an update to the public notice of July 31, 2013.

More information is now available on www.aandc.gc.ca/qalipu and www.qalipu.ca concerning the process for enrolment in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation and the implementation of the 2008 Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Band and the 2013 Supplemental Agreement.

All applicants, except those whose applications were previously rejected, have been sent one of two letters regarding their applications.  Read

 

UPDATED INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE QALIPU MI’KMAQ FIRST NATION
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION (November 9, 2013)

This document updates the July 31, 2013 bulletin entitled, Important Information for Applicants, and includes general guidelines for applicants who wish to provide documents related to self-identification and/or group acceptance to support their application for enrolment in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. Please read it carefully prior to providing additional documentation in support of your application.  Read

Click here for Sworn Declaration Form

 

Important Information for Applicants (July 31, 2013)

Applicants are advised that this document is not a substitute for the June 2013 Supplemental Agreement, the June 2013 Directive to the Enrolment Committee, or the 2008 Agreement. This Information Update is intended to provide general guidelines on what information applicants can start to gather to support their application for enrol­ment in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.  Read

 

 

Public Notice

CORRECTION NOTICE (August 8, 2013)

An earlier version of a Public Notice for applicants and members the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, which appeared in several Newfoundland newspapers in August 2013, incorrectly stated that individuals are required to submit their original long form birth certificate.  Read

For more information the public notice can be viewed Here.

 

FOR ALL APPLICANTS AND MEMBERS OF THE
QALIPU MI’KMAQ FIRST NATION (July 4, 2013)

On July 4, 2013, Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI)
announced a Supplemental Agreement that clarifies the process for enrolment in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation and resolves issues that emerged in
the implementation of the 2008 Agreement for the Recognition of the
Qalipu Mi’kmaq Band.  Read

 

 

News Release

Government of Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians Announce Appointment of Ronald G. Penney as Chair of the Qalipu Enrolment Committee
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (September 10, 2013) –

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Brendan Sheppard, President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI), today welcomed the appointment of Mr. Ronald G. Penney as Chair of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment Committee.  Read

Biographical Note on Ronald G. Penney
Frequently Asked Questions on this announcement

 

Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians Reach Agreement on Resolution of Issues Related to Enrolment in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (July 4, 2013) – The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Brendan Sheppard, President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI), today announced a Supplemental Agreement that will address shared concerns about the integrity of the enrolment process for membership in the Qalipu Mi`kmaq First Nation.  Read

Archived Public Notices

Membership Notice:

The Wells Implementation for the applicants who were denied founding membership in Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation in 2017 recently concluded. All of the decision letters were mailed to applicants on July 13, 2020.

Applicants, who have not received their decision letter within a few weeks after the mail out are asked to verify their mailing address by contacting the Government of Canada’s Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation line at 1-800-561-2266.

Membership Notice:

The deadline to submit a request for reassessment of the self-identification criterion because of the Wells et al. vs. Canada decision was May 13, 2019. The enrollment committee is no longer accepting requests for reassessment.

However, if you requested documents from Statistics Canada on or before May 13, 2019 an extension has been granted to August 15, 2019 to submit your census returns or National Household Surveys.

The extension has been granted due to the time needed to process document requests.

To qualify for the extension you must also submit proof that you asked for your census returns or National Household Surveys on or before May 13, 2019.

For more information please visit https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1319805325971/1319805372507

Update on the Appeal Process

The appeal process is currently underway and appeals are being reviewed by an independent body of Appeal Masters.

Individuals who appealed their decision will receive appeal decision letters as decisions are made, beginning in the fall of 2017 through winter 2018.  The updated Founding Members list will be finalized by spring 2018.

Important Notice: Eligibility to Appeal

The Federation of Newfoundland Indians wishes to advise members and applicants that only those whose decision letter states “You have the right to appeal the decision of the Enrolment Committee” are eligible for an appeal to the Appeal Master.  These letters also include an Appeal Notice and Instructions for Submitting an Appeal.

In recent weeks, the Appeal Notice has been photocopied, distributed and made available on social media.  It has been suggested by some that “everyone should appeal anyway.”

Please note, appeals submitted by applicants who are not eligible to appeal will not be considered by the Appeal Master; therefore, you are encouraged not to “appeal anyway”.

If you have any questions about the appeal process, please contact a member of our End of Enrolment Support Team:

St. Georges:  709 647 3514
Glenwood:  855 263 6440 (toll free)
Grand Falls-Windsor:  709 489 2898
Stephenville:  709 643 3774
Corner Brook:  844 368 7160 (toll free) or 709 634 4010
INAC Qalipu line:  1 800 561 2266.

Public Notice Changes to Appeal Deadline

On January 31, 2017, letters were sent to all those who applied to be founding members of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation notifying them of the Enrolment Committee’s decision and outlining next steps. The deadline to appeal the decision has been extended from March 17, 2017 to March 31, 2017.

Information on Criteria of Group Acceptance through Residency

For your reference, information about group acceptance and residency has been compiled in one place.  In this document linked below, you can review what was required to prove that an applicant resided in or around one of the communities accepted by the Enrolment Committee, revisit the 67 communities accepted by the Enrolment Community (65 set out in Annex B of the 2008 Agreement, and two additions), the meaning of ‘in and around’, as well as what communities were considered ‘in and around’ one of the 67 Mi’kmaq communities.  Click below to view the information bulletin on Group Acceptance through Residency

Click Here to view the Bulletin

Public Notice Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment Process Applicants Found Ineligible Based on Self-ID

Applicants whose applications were dated after September 22, 2011 were required to submit proof of self-identification as follows:

  • 2006 or earlier census return, filed in Newfoundland and Labrador, indicating that you identified as an Aboriginal Person, a North American Indian or a member of an Indian Band/First Nation.
  • Copy of a Newfoundland newspaper article pre-dating the 23 June 2008 signature of the Agreement reporting the participation of the applicant as a member of the Mi’kmaq Group of Indians of Newfoundland in ceremonial, traditional or cultural activities of the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland.
  • Certified true copy of an application form filled out by a resident on the Island of Newfoundland prior to the signing of the 23 June 2008 Agreement for a job in a government, other public institution or the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance, Benoit First Nation or the Sip’kop Mi’kmaq Band indicating that the applicant self-identified as Mi’kmaq, Indian or Aboriginal for the purpose of being selected for the job.
  • Certified true copy of an application form filled out by a resident on the Island of Newfoundland prior to the signing of the 23 June 2008 Agreement for a program benefit sponsored by a government or government agency for the purpose of being selected for the program benefit.
  • Other relevant documents submitted to or issued by a government, a public institution, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance, Benoit First Nation or the Sip’kop Mi’kmaq Band, prior to the signing of the 23 June 2008 Agreement, showing that the applicant self-identified as a Member of the Mi’kmaq Group of Indians of Newfoundland.

If you believe that you have submitted one of the documents listed above but were nonetheless sent a rejection letter by the Enrolment Committee, please contact the INAC Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation line at 1-800-561-2266 to advise the agent of your situation.  You must have your file number and be able to reference the specific document you claim meets the criteria listed.  Please read these criteria carefully before calling the call centre.

PUBLIC NOTICE: ATTENTION APPLICANTS AND MEMBERS OF THE QALIPU MI’KMAQ FIRST NATION

More information is now available on www.aandc.gc.ca/qalipu concerning the process for enrolment in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation and the implementation of the 2008 Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Band in accordance with the 2013 Supplemental Agreement.

On January 31, 2017, all applicants, except those previously rejected, were sent a letter notifying them of the Enrolment Committee’s decision regarding eligibility for Founding Membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.

If you are an applicant and have not received a letter by February 13, 2017 please contact 1-800-561-2266. TTY: 1-800-465-7735.

The Enrolment Process will be followed by an appeal period which will begin on February 1, 2017 and be completed in the fall of 2017. Applicants who are eligible for an appeal and wish to appeal the decision of the EC can do so by completing the appeal notice attached to their decision letter and return it to the Appeal Master no later than April 13, 2017.

A new Founding Members list will be established after the determination of all appeals in the spring of 2018.

For more information:
Web: www.aandc.gc.ca/qalipu
Phone: 1-800-561-2266
TTY: 1-800-465-7735

Click Here to go to http://www.aandc.gc.ca/qalipu