Statement by Minister Valcourt and Chief Sheppard on the Deadline for Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Applicants to Submit Supporting Documents

OTTAWA, Jan. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Brendan Sheppard, Chief of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation, issued the following joint statement today:

"The Government of Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians have agreed to extend the deadline for submission of additional documentation to support applications for enrolment in the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nations from January 31, 2014 to February 10, 2014. The deadline was extended in recognition of the fact that extreme weather conditions may have affected some applicants' abilities to obtain the documentation.

This extension to the deadline will provide additional time for eligible applicants to provide their supporting documents.

Applicants with a valid application were notified in November 2013 of the opportunity to provide additional documentation relating to self-identification and/or group acceptance pursuant to the June 2013 Supplemental Agreement.

As the enrolment process unfolds, Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians will continue to ensure that all applicants for membership in the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation are treated fairly and equitably."

More information is available on the following websites: www.aandc.gc.ca/qalipu or www.qalipu.ca.

This statement is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

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SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada