Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band Supplemental Agreement

On July 4, 2013, the Government of 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. This Supplemental Agreement also addresses the surge in applications received for membership in the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation, which had prevented the parties from reviewing all applications submitted prior to the November 30, 2012 application deadline.

CORRECTION: 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. Applicants are only required to provide a copy of their long form birth certificate. An original version is not required. As a result, applicants who provided either a copy or the original version of their long form birth certificate before November 2012 are not required to take any further action. Applicants who have not yet submitted their long form birth certificate as part of their application must provide a copy of their certificate, and a proof that it was requested before November 30, 2012, no later than September 3, 2013.


As a result of the 2013 Supplemental Agreement, all applications for membership in the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation submitted between December 1, 2008 and November 30, 2012, except those previously rejected, will be reviewed to ensure that applicants meet the criteria for eligibility set out in the 2008 Agreement. This includes the applications of all those who have gained Indian status as members of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation. No new applications will be accepted.

Canada and the FNI will provide information in the coming weeks outlining the steps applicants can take to prepare the necessary documentation in support of the review of their application. All applicants will be sent a letter in November 2013 that outlines the next steps for the consideration of applications and whether further documentation is required.

Until such time that the letters are distributed, which will include the proper mailing address for where information can be submitted, applicants are directed to not provide additional information related to their applications unless specifically requested to do so by Canada and the FNI.

This Supplemental Agreement reflects the original intention of the parties to the 2008 Agreement for the Recognition of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq Band and clarifies a number of issues which had prevented conclusion of the process for enrolment in the First Nation. Specifically, the Supplemental Agreement:

  • extends the timelines for review of the applications, ensuring all previously unprocessed applications can be reviewed;
  • ensures that all applications received during all phases of the enrolment process, except those previously rejected, will be assessed or reassessed;
  • provides that all those whose applications will be assessed or reassessed will be sent written notification and will have an opportunity to provide additional documentation, if necessary;
  • provides clarity regarding the assessment of an applicant's self-identification as a member of the Mi'kmaq Group of Indians of Newfoundland; and
  • provides guidance related to an individual's acceptance by the Mi'kmaq communities of Newfoundland, particularly as it relates to individuals not residing in the communities of the Mi'kmaq Group of Indians of Newfoundland.

Through this Supplemental Agreement the Government of Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians will ensure integrity in the enrollment process, while ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably.

What Information is Available?