While he believes it’s only a matter of time, Brendan Sheppard is frustrated with the amount of waiting involved in the formation of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band.
A federal court judge is currently determining a motion that seeks an injunction on the band’s formation until all membership applications filed before a Nov. 30, 2009 deadline have been evaluated by an enrollment committee.
Mr. Sheppard, president of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, thought the judge would render her decision the same day as the court case – but that was more than six months ago.
“I didn’t think a decision that had to be made with regards to the case, which is before the federal court judge, should take the time that it has taken,” he said during a speech to a Mi’kmaq Studies class at Appalachia High School last Thursday.
If the judge rules against the injunction, Mr. Sheppard said federation and federal government representatives would meet soon after to outline a timeline for the formation of the non-reserve band.
“I would like to see it established before the fall,” he noted.
More applicants
than expected
When a memorandum of understanding was signed between the federation and the federal government in 2007 for the formation of the Qalipu band, there were roughly 10,500 people registered with the federation.
By the time of a founding members deadline on Nov. 30, 2009, more than
28,000 submissions had come in for Qalipu band membership.
“So many applications went in, at first (the selection committee) couldn’t even deal with the applications,” said Mr. Sheppard. “As a matter of fact, they’re still dealing with the applications that came in during October and November of 2009.”
“I say welcome to everybody who meets the criteria to become a member of the Qalipu First Nations band.” - Brendan Sheppard, FNI president
Mr. Sheppard said as applications are reviewed, those approved will have their names added to the membership list in Ottawa and will receive official notification of their status as soon as possible after the creation of the band.
“I say welcome to everybody who meets the criteria to become a member of the Qalipu First Nations band,” noted Mr. Sheppard. “That’s your entitlement if you meet the criteria.”
Members of the Qalipu band would receive Indian Act status and benefits associated with it, including increased access to health insurance and various funding programs.
“Once it’s established and you young folks graduate and go to places like university, I’m sure that funding will be there,” he said, “depending on the type of courses you’re taking and everything else that goes into the (funding) application.”
He encouraged all of the students in attendance not to drop out of school and to strive for their post-secondary education – as he said this was a good way to ensure a successful future.
Student Nathan Cormier asked if a local person had their status and moved to a reserve on the mainland, would they have to pay income tax.
Mr. Sheppard said he wasn’t certain, but said it might be possible if such a person joined a reserve band. He noted those living on reserves do not pay personal income tax
