The Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band is a step closer to becoming a reality.
A Federal Court judge has dismissed a motion filed by elder Calvin White seeking an injunction to delay the formation of the band.
The decision was rendered on June 14 by Justice Elizabeth Heneghan – more than 16 months after the motion was filed by Mr. White.
“I am very pleased with the decision, quite frankly there was never a need for the Federal Court to deal with such a motion which caused such a delay,” said Brendan Sheppard, Federation of Newfoundland Indians president.
He said the next step is for the federal government to approve a recognition order, which will establish the band for the purposes of the Indian Act.
“That being said, it is never easy to have any item placed on the federal cabinet agenda,” said Mr. Sheppard. “And as we are all aware, the House of Commons will soon be recessed for the summer, therefore we are not certain on when this may happen.”
“I am very pleased with the decision, quite frankly there was never a need for the Federal Court to deal with such a motion which caused such a delay.” - Brendan Sheppard, Federation of Newfoundland Indians president
Meanwhile, the enrollment process continues for the Qalipu band’s founding members list. The names of those members will be added to the recognition order as soon as possible following the creation of the band, with more names added every four months after that.
“To the end of May 2011, the independent committee has approved 21,240 applications and has received 28,765,” said Mr. Sheppard.
While there is no deadline for processing applications, the deadline for the committee to receive applications is Nov. 20, 2012.
Mr. White could not be reached for comment.
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