CAP, the AFN, the Qalipu and Indigenous unity

Interesting feedback to our interview with National Chief Dwight Dorey of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, especially as it regards CAP’s relationship with its largest affiliate, the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. 

The future of CAP (now rebranded the Indigenous Peoples Assembly of Canada) is of special interest to the Qalipu, at 24,000 members the largest First Nation in Canada. It is a “landless band” (one of five across the country), which means that it has no reserve land. 

Qalipu’s forerunner, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, long had a history with CAP. But the Qalipu was established as a band under the Indian Act in 2011. Lately, Qalipu members have been debating whether the AFN would be a better home than the problem-plagued CAP. 

As might be expected, Chief Dorey made the case for staying in CAP during his interview with Native Currents (in particular, the historical relationship and the off-reserve Qalipu situation). But he also said something that surprised us – there’s nothing stopping the Qalipu from being affiliated with both CAP and the AFN. 

Chief Dorey also said that he has reached out to AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde but, alas, there has been no call-back. Sad, but not surprising considering the difficult relationship between the two bodies. 

Would the AFN agree to include a First Nation that was also affiliated with CAP, or would it demand the Qalipu choose between the two? If the Qalipu could belong to both, perhaps it could be the bridge between the two solitudes. 

One thing is for certain – we need to find unity between the many factions in Indian Country. Channels of communication would be a good first step. Walking in two worlds – status and off-reserve – the Qalipu might be the medium the moment requires.