Has Benoit First Nation joined the Federation of Newfoundland Indians?
No. we are not a band under the FNI, but many of us are registered with the FNI undr their general membership list. The FNI has never found it necessary to include all Mi’kmaq communities outside Conne River. But we have agreed to support the deal being brokered by the FNI so we will become status indians under the Indian Act. We see this as being our only option. Under this concept, our members will become members of the new provincial land-less band. It the meantime our members living on the island are able to join the FNI general membership list if they so desire. At least half of our band council, including the chief, are memberS of the FNI.
