CAP Affiliate - Federation of Newfoundland Indians

"Working together towards a better future"

Contact Information

The Federation of Newfoundland Indians
President: Brendan Sheppard
Vice-Presidents: Kevin Barnes & Terry Mills
P.O. Box 956
Corner Brook, NF
A2H-6J3

Telephone: (709) 634-0996	Fax: (709) 634-3477
Email: annie@ fni.nf.ca	Website: http://www.fni.nf.ca

Description of FNI The Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) was officially formed in 1972 and represents more than 3000 non-registered Micmacs, organized in ten community Bands. The mandate of the Federation is to assist in organizing and uniting Micmac People for the purpose of advancing their level of education, training, and socio-economic conditions. The general goal of the Federation is to see Micmac identity maintained, promoted and given meaningful local influence in terms of economic livelihood and the welfare and education of Micmac people.

Federation Objectives The mandate of the FNI includes the following objectives: Obtaining recognition of Micmac structures of government at the community, regional and central (FNI) levels Developing a clear system or style of government that is controlled by and accountable to the membership, and is capable of entering into agreements with provincial and federal authorities Provision for local, regional and central government authorities to; Use, manage administer and regulate human and natural resources available to the communities, including wildlife and fisheries.  Control the disposition of rights, benefits and interests of the communities and membership in natural resources, and carry out Band development and works for the benefit of the communities;  Regulate local matters of exclusive Band interests and to use, manage and administer Band monies and others assets;  Participate in legislative, administrative and advisory capacities in matters of shared Micmac and non-Micmac interest, including land usage;  Promote the general welfare of Band members, particularly as concerns health, education and employment  Establish and administer services, programs and projects for members of the Bands, and where applicable, other residents of shared communities;  Promote and preserve Micmac language, culture, values and traditions.

Community Band Councils Flat Bay  Benoits Cove  Port-Au-Port East  Corner Brook St. Georges  Gander Bay Glenwood  Exploits  Bartlett's Harbour  Stephenville Stephenville Crossing

Provincial Structure of FNI President: Brendan Sheppard Vice-President Hayward Young & Tony John   10 Chiefs   Honorary Chief

Programs The Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) is comprised of ten affiliate local band councils. We would like to provide the members with an update on programs that the FNI has to offer you through a program called Mi'kmaq Resources and Development (MRD). Approval on any of the following programs is based on availability of funding with MRD. Post Secondary Training This training is available to all members that would like to enter a technical college, a brochure can be obtained through your local chief regarding training. Employment Counseling We presently have two people hired to promote the members of the FNI in the work force. If you have a resume and would like for these people to promote your skills send your resume to either the Central Office (134 Main Street, Grand Falls, NF A2A-1J8) or (P.O. Box 460, St. Georges, A0N-1Z0 Wage Subsidy Program Paid to employers to encourage them to hire Micmac people. MRD will pay an employer a portion of your wages and benefits to hire you for approximately 26 weeks out of a 52 week period. Job Creation Program Financial assistance to create employment opportunities that will provide members of the FNI with work. For approval of this program there has to be long term employment after the FNI financial assistance is discontinued. Self-employment Assistance To assist individuals with sound business ideas to start their own business by offering financial assistance. This program is only offered to EI clients. Mobility Program To financially assist individuals that obtain full time employment outside of the province. Employment must be full time, not seasonal and MRD will cover a portion of the cost of moving.

Membership Criteria II Membership 2.01 Only those persons admitted to membership in accordance with these By-Laws, and no others, shall be members of the Corporation and their names shall be entered in the Register of Members accordingly.   2.04 A member may elect to transfer his or her membership in the Corporation from one Band to Another Band so long as the  following criteria are met. (a) the Band council representing the Band to which the Member is seeking transfer his or her membership is satisfied that the Member meets the criteria of Clause 2.06; and (b) (i) the Member lives within the boundaries of the Band to which membership is sought, or (ii) is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister of a Member of the Band to which the transfer is sought, or (iii) in the sole discretion of the Band Council representing the Band to which the transfer is sought, has a connection to the Band to justify the transfer. 2.05 Each band council of the Corporation will determine its own membership in accordance with the criteria established by Clause 2.06. Each Band council shall maintain an accurate list of its Members in good standing and shall make such lists available to the Corporation upon the request of any member of the Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Band council  shall submit a current list of its Members in good standing at  each Annual General Meeting 2.06 Each Band Council in determining its own membership shall use the following criteria (a)(i) Demonstrated Mi'Kmaq descent through Pre-confederation census; or Provincial or colonial documentation, or other historical documentation; Church records; and/or affidavit establishing that a person is a direct descendant of another person with demonstrated Mi'Kmaq descent through pre-confederation census, provincial or colonial or other historical documentation or church resords. And (ii) Demonstrated connection with a Mi'Kmaq community that existed prior to 1949; and (iii) A voluntary request for membership in a Band. OR (b) Descent from any person that meets all of the criteria contained in Clause 2.06(a); or OR (c) A person accepted as a Band Member in accordance with Clause 2.07 of the By-Laws. 2.07 A person who has been legally adopted or adopted through custom adoption while at or below the age of nine years by a person of MiíKmaq ancestry pursuant to clause 2.06(a) and who has been accepted by Mi'Kmaq custom to be a Band Member is eligible to become a Member of the Corporation, subject to the following: (a) the presentation of proof of adoption meeting the criteria of this Clause and a resolution from the Band Council representing the Band to which the person which to join approving the Band's acceptance of the new member. (b) The descendants of the person becoming a member of this Corporation pursuant to this Clause shall not be entitled to membership in the Corporation unless one parent of that descendant is a person of Mi'Kmaq ancestry pursuant to Clause 2.06(a). (c) Compliance with the provisions of these By-Laws and (d) such further conditions as the Board of Directors may by resolution determine.