This is chapter 2 of a mini series. To listen to all episodes, become a supporter at https://canadaland.com/join

When Newfoundland joined Canada as the tenth province in 1949, both the new province and the federal government neglected to mention in their terms of union that any indigenous people lived there. That meant Canada had no legal obligations to Mi’kmaq or Innu under the Indian Act. So First Nations peoples there were left out.

Over the decades, Mi’kmaq on the island fought for official recognition. Following the creation of Miawpukek First Nation (Conne River) in the early 1980s, the federal government finally agreed in the 2000s to recognize Mi’lkmaq in Central and Western Newfoundland, The Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation was formed. More than 100,000 people applied to join the new band, leading many to question the authenticity of those claims. 

Justin speaks with experts and Qalipu community leaders to figure out how the community defines who is or isn’t Mi’kmaq. He wants to know because he and his family enrolled with Qalipu, but as Justin learned more about his ancestry, he began to question whether that claim was legitimate.

And if that claim wasn’t legitimate, what would that mean for the thousands of other Qalipu members? 

Host: Justin Brake

Credits: Justin Brake (Writer & Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Further reading: 

• In landmark decision, Newfoundland appeal court judge lays out criteria for journalist protections when reporting at protests — Globe & Mail
• Proliferation of self-identified Indigenous people represents “new wave of colonialism” — APTN News

Additional music by Audio Network

Sponsors: Douglas, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra

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