April 13, 2016 –  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, 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.

“Determining a process to allow these applicants to remedy their applications ensures all eligible applicants have an opportunity to demonstrate why they should be a member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.” Stated Minister Bennett.

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.

These applicants will receive a letter this month detailing steps they must take for their applications to be reviewed for membership. If an applicant had their application “determined to be invalid” in November 2013 and does not receive a letter from the Enrolment Committee by April 30, 2016, they should call 1-800-561-2266.

“One of the best ways of communicating, especially here in Newfoundland, is through word o ...