Flat Bay -
As the first founding members list for the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band nears completion, Brendan Sheppard is both pleased and surprised by the number of people who have registered.
The numbers, he says, exceed what is needed to establish the new landless band and then some.
The president of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians said when the agreement came about, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians had about 10,000 people registered and now applications exceed 20,000.
"What's surprising is the vast number we didn't even know about," Sheppard said.
While he couldn't give exact figures on how many people would be registered under the first founding members list, he did say those numbers should be available some time next week.
The agreement had several stipulations attached relating to numbers. One was the list of successful applicants must represent at least 50 per cent of the total Federation of Newfoundland Indians membership registered as of Nov. 30, 2007.
Should the list of successful applicants represent less than 50 per cent but greater than 40 per cent of members, the enrolment period could be extended by six months. If less than 40 per cent of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians' membership enrolled, the agreement-in-principle would be annulled and Canada would have no further obligation to negotiate.
"There will be no need for that six-month extension as the 40 per cent and well beyond 50 per cent have been met. The Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band will be a reality," Sheppard said.
The second phase
Once the first founding members list is completed early next week, the second phase will begin immediately for the second founding members list.
Members on that list will not be able to vote and enjoy some of the privileges members of the first founding members will have access to at first, however, there are some programs being delivered they will be entitled to.
Once the second list is completed, those on it will then become full-fledged members.
"Sure, everybody would like to be on the first founding members list, but due to the way the process has to unfold, it's not humanly possible," Sheppard said. "Considering the fact it took more than 30 years to get where we are today, another three years is not so bad."
In the agreement the five-member enrolment committee is made up of a chairperson, who oversees the entire process and handles verification of the work; along with two members from the Federation of Newfoundland Indians; and two people representing Canada.
