Why sign the Litigation Release?
This is a requirement of the Government of Canada under the Agreement-in-Principle. It is required because the Agreement is designed to settle the Court action and pending Class Action commenced by the FNI that sought recognition of the eligibility of its membership for registration under the Indian Act. The Release is sought from each person who seeks to be enrolled under the Indian Act pursuant to the terms of the settlement Every person who applies to enrol as a Founding Member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band must give up any personal legal claims against Canada (past, present, or future) that seek either recognition as an Indian under the Indian Act, or damages caused by Canada’s past failure to provide benefits comparable to those available to Indians. The signed Release also requires you to opt out of any class action suit regarding Canada’s past failure to provide those benefits. The Release becomes operative when and if the band is established and you are enrolled as a
