For those rejected from Qalipu First Nation, a court challenge is about more than a status card – CBC

Jan 20, 2023

First week of the trial wraps up on Friday

A long-awaited court challenge against criteria for membership in Qalipu First Nation began this week, and for dozens of people who came to watch the proceedings in St. John’s, the outcome of the case represents more than a status card.

On Thursday, Pauline Tessier, co-founder of the Friends of Qalipu Advocacy Association, said the trial is about a second chance at recognition for herself and thousands of others.

“It’s my grandmother, my grandfather, it’s their heritage that I’m trying to protect — and my own,” Tessier said.

The Friends of Qalipu Advocacy Association is challenging a 2013 supplemental agreement between the federal government and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI), the organization which shepherded the formation of Qalipu First Nation.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/qalipu-trial-first-week-1.6719803