Have you applied to join the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation?
Applicants who have applied to be founding members of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation will receive a letter on January 31, 2017 regarding the Enrolment Committee's decision and next steps. If you have moved since you applied, you must provide INAC with your new address in order to receive this letter. Find out how at: What should I do if my address has changed?
In 2008, the Government of Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) agreed to establish a landless band for the Mi'kmaq Group of Indians of Newfoundland, now known as the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation, and launched an enrolment process for membership.
Choose a topic:
- What happens with applications determined to be invalid?
- Who may submit additional documents to support an application?
- What additional documents are required to support an application previously determined to be invalid?
- What should I do if my address has changed?
- What is the status of the enrolment process?
- How to appeal a decision?
- As a founding member, how do I register my child?
- History of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation
What happens with applications determined to be invalid?
In April 2016, the Enrolment Committee sent all applicants whose applications were determined to be invalid a letter documenting the steps they must take to have their applications reviewed for membership. If your application was determined to be invalid in November 2013 and you have not received a letter from the Enrolment Committee by April 30, 2016, please call the INAC Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation line at 1-800-561-2266.
If your application was determined to be invalid and you received a letter make sure to:
- correct all deficiencies in your application
- include all documents supporting self-identification and group acceptance, if applicable
- include affidavits and sworn declarations, if applicable
- clearly identify your name and file number (found at the upper-right corner of a letter from the Enrolment Committee) on all documents, affidavits and sworn declarations
- update your contact information, if it is different from what was on your original application
To learn more, visit: Updated Information for Applicants for Founding Membership in the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Who Have Had Their Applications Previously Determined to be Invalid
Who may submit additional documents to support an application?
Only applicants whose applications were determined to be invalid and received a letter from the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Enrolment Committee in April 2016, will have the opportunity to submit additional documents by July 12, 2016. Visit Updated information for applicants for founding membership in the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation who have had their applications previously determined to be invalid to find out more.
If you or your child was under 18 years of age at the time of application (or as of September 22, 2011), visit Applicants under the age of 18 years at time of application to learn more.
Eligible communities
Find a list of geographic locations of Mi'kmaq Groups of Indians on the Island of Newfoundland.
Kitpu band
Since the Government of Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians did not receive a copy of the 2008 membership list of the Kitpu band, the Enrolment Committee was unable to verify the membership for that group at that time. However, you could provide documents, such as a membership card, demonstrating that you were a member of that group prior to the signing of the 2008 Agreement.
What additional documents are required to support an application that was previously determined to be invalid?
If you were asked to provide additional documents related to self-identification and/or group acceptance as a member of the Mi'kmaq Group of Indians in Newfoundland the documents accepted as supporting evidence are:
- demonstration of self-identification
- demonstration of group acceptance
- affidavits and a sworn declarations must be used to support your demonstration of group acceptance
What should I do if my address has changed?
If your address has changed since you submitted your original application, please call the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation line at 1-800-561-2266 or send a signed letter by fax to (204) 984-3032. Make sure to include:
- your full name
- your date of birth
- your file number from INAC, if available (found at the upper-right corner of a letter from the Enrolment Committee)
- your previous and new mailing addresses
- the effective date of your address change
What is the status of the enrolment process?
The Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Enrolment Process is presently underway. Applications are currently being reviewed by the Enrolment Committee based on the 2008 Agreement PDF Version (1.51 Kb 111 pages) and the 2013 Supplemental Agreement. No new applications for enrolment as founding members are being accepted.
During the review and appeal processes, there will be no change in Indian status for existing members of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation and those who are currently registered as an Indian under the Indian Act will maintain their entitlement to programs and services.
Review process
The review process will be completed no later than January 31, 2017. At the end of it, all applicants will be notified by mail of their entitlement to founding membership.
Appeal process
Once the review process is completed, an appeal process will take place. Appeals will be decided by September 30, 2017.
How to appeal a decision?
The Government of Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians have agreed to extend the period for the assessment of all eligible applications for founding membership in the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation to no later than January 31, 2017. At the conclusion of the assessment process, all applicants will be notified of the decisions on their applications.
Once the assessment ends, the appeals process will begin. An appeal notice must be received or postmarked within 45 days from the date of the mailing of the Enrolment Committee's decision. All appeals must be completed by September 30, 2017.
You cannot appeal a decision from the Enrolment Committee if the application was denied on the grounds that:
- the application was determined to be invalid for one or more reasons set out in section 1 to 7 of the Enrolment Committee Guidelines PDF Version (1.51 Kb 111 pages) (Annex A of the Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq Band)
or
- the name of the applicant, who applied after September 22, 2011, is not on one of the lists mentioned in paragraph 23(2)(i) of the Enrolment Committee Guidelines and the applicant has not submitted any objective documentary evidence of self-identification under paragraphs 24(2)(ii) or (v) of the Enrolment Committee Guidelines
To learn more about appeals, consult the Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq Band PDF Version (1.51 Kb 111 pages).
As a founding member how do I register my child?
If you are a registered founding member of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation and want to register your child for Indian status and the Secure Certificate of Indian Status (secure status card) you must complete the general processes under the Indian Act:
- Are you eligible for Indian Status?
- Application information for the Secure Certificate of Indian Status
The application of your child may be reassessed depending on your entitlement once the enrolment process is completed.
- Date modified: