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

OTTAWA – The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Brendan Sheppard, President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI), 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.

“The Mi’kmaq people of Newfoundland hold a unique place in Canadian history and our Government is committed to implementing the 2008 Agreement for Recognition of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Band in a manner that reflects the original intent of the Agreement,” said Minister Valcourt. “I am pleased that we have reached a supplemental agreement that will address our shared concerns about the enrolment process. This agreement will protect the integrity and credibility of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation by ensuring that only those with a legitimate claim to membership and registration are enrolled.”

“The 2008 Agreement was intended to recognize the Mi’kmaq Groups of Indians of Newfoundland as a band for the purposes of the Indian Act,” said FNI President Brendan Sheppard. “The Supplemental Agreement will ensure that all valid applications submitted since the enrolment process began in December 2008 will be reviewed in accordance with the criteria for m ...

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