Decision in Qalipu First Nation membership court challenge ‘a long time coming,’ says former member – CBC

Jun 26, 2023

Court doesn’t overturn controversial 2013 agreement, but offers other remedies, says lawyer

The people behind a Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court challenge against the agreement that changed the Qalipu First Nation enrolment process say they’re pleased with the result — even though they didn’t get exactly what they asked for.

In her decision released last week, Justice Valerie Marshall said the federal government likely pressured the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) — the group that established Qalipu First Nation — to change the enrolment process when thousands more people applied than expected.

The new enrolment system awarded points to applicants based on evidence they presented in a number of sections — including, controversially, proof of maintenance of Mi’kmaw culture and way of life.

Margaret Cranford, a founding member of Qalipu First Nation and a member of the FNI, was one of the thousands of people removed from the landless band when she was reassessed under the point system.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/qalipu-first-nation-fni-decision-reaction-1.6886768