FNI History

• 1972
• 1972–1982: Early successes
• 1983–1992: Decade of frustration
• 1992-2002: Decade of on-and-off negotiations
• 2002: Exploratory discussions
• 2003: Preliminary negotiations
• 2004-2006: Official negotiations
• 2006–2008: The Agreement-in-Principle
• Next steps and proposed schedule

Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) forms (initially as the Native Association of Newfoundland and Labrador).

• Benoits Cover First Nations (now named Elmastogoeg)
• Corner Brook Indian Band
• Flat Bay Indian Band
• Gander Bay Indian Band
• Glenwood Mi’kmaq First Nation
• Port au Port Indian Band

FNI’s primary goal: to obtain Government of Canada recognition of Mi’kmaq eligibility for registration under the Indian Act.

FNI’s mandate: To promote the social, cultural, economic, and educational well-being of the Newfoundland Mi’kmaq.

Negotiations for recognition begin with the federal government.

Mi’kmaq of Conne River become eligible for registration under the Indian Act. Mi’kmaq outside Conne River are not eligible because the federal government recognizes only Mi’kmaq that are “resident in designated native communities.”

In support of their eligibility claims, FNI conducts genealogical studies.

Canada takes no action. FNI continues negotiations with Canada in attempts to redress the situation.

David Crombie, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND), requests participation of Newfoundland government in tripartite negotiations on financial arrangements for FNI. Newfoundland governmentrejects Newfoundland participation in tripartite talks.

FNI and chiefs of six affiliated bands begin a Federal Court Action seeking eligibility for registration under the Indian Act (1989).

• Exploits Indian Band (now Sple’tk First Nation)
• St. George’s Indian Band
• Stephenville/Stephenville Crossing Band (now Indian Head First Nations).

FNI applies to add new bands to list of Plaintiffs in court action.

No progress towards goal. Reactivation of the FNI court case (2001).

FNI presents Canada with the “2002 Mi’kmaq Regime” proposal.

FNI amends by-laws: each of the affiliated bands must accept minimum criteria for the admission of persons into its membership (2002).

FNI and Canada hold consultation sessions with Mi’kmaq communities and FNI members. Consensus: FNI members want registered Status under the Indian Act.

FNI commitment to members: All members will be able to vote on any agreement reached with Canada.

During the exploratory discussions, Canada proposes that Newfoundland Mi’kmaq be registered under the Indian Act as a landless-band if they meet established membership eligibility criteria.

FNI consults its members: proceed with negotiations that include landless band component? Consensus—yes.

The Honorable Marc Lalonde presents the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, the Honorable Andy Scott, with a report recommending proceeding to Cabinet seeking an Agreement-in-Principle to negotiate a landless band under the Indian Act for the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland.

FNI establishes negotiation team. Abeyance of court case requires negotiations to be kept confidential. Negotiating team can consult with FNI its Steering Committee for the Agreement-in-Principal.

• identifies process for recognition
• includes creation of landless band
• stipulates entire FNI membership can vote on ratification

Agreement-in-Principle is initialed (November 30, 2007)—an historic day for the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland.

In ratification vote, 90% of the FNI membership votes yes. FNI ratifies Agreement-in-Principle (March 30, 2008).

Canada ratifies Agreement-in-Principle (June, 2008).

• Implementation Committee appointed
• Implementation Plan developed
• Enrolment Clerks hired
• Enrolment Applications available
• Enrolment Application Reviews begin

Application Review process (one-year period)

First Founding Members List complete.

Establishment of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band (Spring 2010)

Announcement of election dates for the Qalipu Band executive (Fall 2010)

Elections for the Qalipu Band executive (Spring 2011)