Too few details on Mi'kmaq landless band deal, participants say

Tempers flared Wednesday night at a Mi'kmaq meeting in western Newfoundland, with some walking out in frustration over a proposal to form a landless band.

The Federation of Newfoundland Indians held a meeting in Stephenville, leading to a vote later this month on whether to accept a deal that would provide benefits, but no dedicated land.

The benefits would include such things as improved dental coverage and funds for post-secondary education.

But the details on how those benefits could be accessed proved to be too sketchy for some, with about 20 people of the 110 in attendance walking out in frustration.

"They can't give you a straight answer on anything, on any of the questions that we asked," said Phyllis Cooper.

Linda Wells said some Mi'kmaq feel they are being rushed.

"Maybe people don't realize this is the first time we've met with the negotiating team. The first time, and they come here with government," said Wells.

"This is our one and only opportunity to ask questions? Shame on them. I don't know how they can look at themselves in the mirror."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a tentative agreement last November that would give about 7,800 members of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians recognition under the Indian Act.

The federation chose to pursue a landless band, because so many of its members live in different communities, and did not want to move from their homes to a reserve.

Gertie Mai Muise, a member of the St. George's Bay Mi'kmaq band who now lives in Ontario, returned home to voice her opposition to the landless band agreement.

"I think the process is way too fast. I don't think this agreement is actually ready for a vote," she said.

"I think there's still too many questions around some of the detail."

Despite the objections of some of those in attendance, the federation said the vote scheduled for March 29 will proceed.