How Do I Become Informed?
Miawpukek First Nation is committed to ensuring that effective communication happens with all members in regards to Self Government.
Both on “On” and “Off” Reserve members will have an opportunity to have their input and concerns addressed. Here are some of the ways you can stay informed!
Publicized Website: www.mfnselfgovernment.com
Site Consultation: A Representative will be visiting your area to provide updates
Ongoing mail–outs to your home: Make sure you are registered with the Self Government Office by updating your personal information –call Toll Free 1–866–882–2470 –ask for the Self Government Office
Complete Surveys that are related to Self Government
Press releases and Media Coverage
To ensure you are included in the Self Government Registrar Please call (709) 882–3201
Under the Self Government I can draw my Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security...
TRUE– All benefits that are afforded to other Canadians will be given to me under a Self Government model.
I am a seasonal worker, I can receive my Employment Insurance (E.I.) benefits under Self Government...
TRUE– Under Self Government we will have the same benefits as we do now under Canada.
Chief and Council will not be accountable to the Community under Self Government...
FALSE– Self Government Agreement outlines standards, policies and procedures to ensure that Aboriginal Government are financially accountable for how programs are delivered. A key requirement of this agreement includes a community constitutions that outlines that Chief and Council are fully accountable to the membership.
I can lose my status under Self Government...
FALSE– The Indian Act can still apply when it comes to determining who is a status Indian. No one will lose his or her Indian Status and Miawpukek First Nation will have its own piece of Legislation such as the “Miawpukek Act”.
Funding under Self Government is different and we will probably end up losing a lost of our funding...
FALSE– Funding in Conne River under Self Government will be a shared responsibility of the Federal and Miawpukek Government. The Final Agreement will determine specific financing arrangements.
Will I have the same benefits I have now under Canada...
Even though a Self Government Agreement is being negotiated for Miawpukek First Nation, this agreement will still exist under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, guarantees the rights and freedoms of all Canadians. It encompasses all aspects a human rights, from fundamental freedoms such as mobility, through legal rights, to the right to free communication.
In particular, it states that everyone is entitled to the fundamental freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression; and this freedom extends to the press and other communications media.
But while the Charter allows all Canadians to freely express their thoughts and opinions, it also protects everyone’s right to be treated fairly.
What happens if there is a conflict among laws...
Self Government Agreements identify specific subject matters over which Aboriginal groups may exercise jurisdictions. This jurisdictions extend to matters that are integral to the aboriginal group, integral to the distinctness of culture and essential to its operation as a government.
In all instances, in matters related to peace, order and good government and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Federal Laws would prevail over any Aboriginal law passed pursuant to a Self Government Agreement.
Self Government will NOT affect our Land Claims...
TRUE– Self Government is NOT negotiating the Land Claims Settlement. Land Claims is a separate process and the Self Government Process will not change existing or historic treaties through the negotiation of an agreement.
The Governance of Miawpukek will be very different and unstable...
FALSE– Miawpukek First Nation would have distinct jurisdictions, including areas related to culture and language. The Community will be intergral in determining the governance through our constitution.
I will lose my tax exemption if Self Government is accepted...
FALSE– Taxation provisions provides an exemption from Federal and Provincial Laws on all real and personal property on reserve for registered status Indians. The provision will continue under a Self Government Agreement, as the land will remain reserve land.
We are here to help you understand the process. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at:
MFN Self Government Office
P.O. Box 10
Conne River, NL
A0H 1J0
Phone: 709–882–3201
Fax: 709–882–1247