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BRANDY CALLIHOO

Before MSCN was formed, Brandy founded descendants of Michel First Nation Association (DMFNA) and is the CEO of the association.

 

DMFNA, has operated since its inception in 2017 on a voluntary basis and has provided services such as Covid-19 relief to it’s members. DMFNA’s mandate is to give those non-status Michel Family members a voice. Brandy has advocated and volunteered many hours for those non-status members to gain their Indian status.

 

Brandy is a certified Aboriginal support worker and was employed as a resolution health support worker for residential school survivors and thier families.

Image by Clay Elliot

Biography

Connection to Michel prior to MCNS

I have been researching Michel for over 40 years. Trying to find out who I was and where did I came from. This led me to a lifetime of Michel. I sat on the board of Friends of Michel Society twice over the years. I was involved with the mediation in 2018. Been a member of the Unity Group since 2014.

Volunteer experience

As stated, Board member for FMS twice. Have held other board seats over the years. Wetaskiwin Bowling Society. President of the Ponoka Girls Guides in the 1990s.

Highlights of work history

Held position of Band Manger for 2 different Indian Bands. Financial Controller for different Indian Bands and Band Corporations and a Hamlet. Executive  Administrator for Indian owned Ambulance Company.

Degrees, Diplomas, Certifications,

Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAFM). Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) Both from AFOA Canada.  Business Certificate from Harvard Business School. Business Administration Diploma from RDC

Dayle
Callihoo-Campbell

Dayle.jpg

Connection to Michel prior to MCNS

  • Elected Michel First Nation Councillor 1995 to present, worked with Chiefs Gilbert Goerz, Rosalind Callihoo, and firstly Gilbert Anderson. (Not sure how to massage this to reflect that MFN Chief and Council, with respect to and upon joining MCNS, has stopped referring to being called Chief and Council of Michel First Nation in order to avoid any confusion of current Leadership).

 

  • Elected Director and Secretary/Treasurer of Friends of Michel Society since 1995 to present.

 

  • Have been involved in many Michel projects over the years since 1995, and attended MFN/FMS Annual General Meetings since the early 1990’s.

 

  • Attended the Indian Claims Commission information gathering session held in Edmonton on December 17, 1996, Friends of Michel Society Inquiry on the 1958 Enfranchisement Claim.

 

  • Growing up, her family visited both Grandparents every weekend where they lived on former Michel Reserve lands.

List any volunteer experience 

  • Volunteered ISC co-lead of 30 years for Kindergarten Christmas arranging for collection and delivery of staff purchased Christmas gifts for Kindergarten children by choosing their letters to Santa; started with one school and expanded to 4, with 2 being Aboriginal schools.

 

  • Current approved foster for Boston Terrier Rescue Canada.

List highlights of work history

  • Retired in 2018 with over 33 years of employment with the federal government, with 30 years at Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) with the majority within Lands as a Land Officer for Treaty 7, and Land Registry Officer and Land Records/Surveys Officer serving all Land Officers and all Alberta First Nations, other federal and provincial government departments, law firms, surveyors, other companies, and the public.

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  • This included investigation and research of the status of reserve lands, Extinct Indian Reserves, sold and unsold surrendered lands, Crown lands, and fee simple lands; history of road status in road transfers and realignments; Certificates of Possession history and alleged encroachments onto reserve.

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  • Special research projects included Duty to Consult, the Soldier Settlement Board Minerals, and land history before attaining Indian Reserve status.

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  • Assisted on referendums, elections, and treaty payments, including the Treaty Annuity payment for Michel at Enoch in 1992.*

List any degrees, diplomas, certifications, etc.

  • Business Administration Certificate, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, 1984.

ROSALIND CALLIHOO

Rosalind.jpg

Connection to Michel prior to MCNS

Board of Michel Band United for Justice Corp was the incorporated body established to protect the interests of all former Michel Band descendants as identified with the formation of the Michel Band Unity Group.

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MBUG was formed to ensure that the remedies for wrongful Enfranchisements, suffered by the Michel Band descendants, were addressed under the Indian Act Ministry. As a result, the Michel file was moved to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)in 2019 from the Ministry of Canada Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada which focuses more modernization and self-determination of Indigenous people.

Volunteer experience

Since 1981 my volunteer experience has been in relation to Michel Band (MFN), starting with contacting former members of the Michel Band, research in Ottawa  to initiate 1985 Claim for the Michel Band, continued research, leadership and on-going lobbying to seek justice for the descendants of the former Michel Band.

Highlights of work history

Working for Confederacy of Treaty Six, learning from Chiefs, Elders and working and living First Nation Communities and Metis Settlements for 30 years and experiencing community, ceremony and cultural traditions.

Degrees, Diplomas, Certifications,

CMA – Certified Management Accountant 

CPA – Certified Professional Accountant 

CAFM – Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager

Tyler Garrison

Tyler.jpg

Connection to Michel prior to MCNS

  • Board member of Michel Band United for Justice Corporation

  • Formed to ensure that the remedies and reconciliatory actions of wrongful enfranchisement suffered by the Michel Band descendants were just and addressed under the Indian Act Ministry.

Volunteer experience

  • Youth Lacrosse Coach (2012 - present)

  • BCIT School of Business Professional Advisory Committee (2021 - present)

  • Vice President - UBC MBA Class of 2020 (2019 - 2020)

Highlights of work history

  • Manager, New Market Development - Translink (Jan 2023 - present)

  • Manager, Strategic Ventures - BCAA (Jan 2021 - Dec 2022)

  • Manager, Product & Process - Evo Car Share (May 2019 - Dec 2022)

  • Analyst, Business Insights - Evo Car Share (Aug 2017 - May 2019)

  • Financial Analyst - BCAA (May - Aug 2017)

  • Corporate Accountant - BCAA (May 2016 - May 2017)

Degrees, Diplomas, Certifications,

  • Diploma of Technology in Corporate Finance - British Columbia Institute of Technology (completed 2013)

  • Bachelor’s of Business Administration (Finance) - British Columbia Institute of Technology (completed 2016)

  • Certificate (Innovation & Entrepreneurship) - University of California, Berkeley (completed 2019

  • Master’s of Business Administration (Innovation & Entrepreneurship) - University of British Columbia (completed 2020)

  • Ron Moses, Director
    Ron Steven Moses was born and currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta, with his wife and two children. Ron started in construction and moved on to become a professional massage therapist, specializing in sports and motor vehicle accident injuries for over 15 years. He later worked in the oil and gas industry and managed a family-based, live-streaming company. Currently, he works in jewelry sales. Ron played hockey growing up and was involved in the Air Cadets as a teenager. In his spare time, Ron enjoys camping with his family at Mulhurst Bay in the summer and fostering dogs at his home for Second Chance Animal Rescue Society.
  • Dan Godbersen, Director
    Dan Godbersen is a direct descendant of Chief Michel, a signatory to Treaty No. 6. He serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of Michel Society and is an elected Councillor for Michel First Nation. As a board member, Dan helps descendants of Michel First Nation with applications for Indian Status and their connection to Michel through genealogy. In the past, Dan served on the board of directors of Descendants of Michel First Nation Association – advocating for Non-Status Michel Members and lobbying the federal government to recognize Michel First Nation and all its descendants. Dan helped successfully lobby Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment to recognize 838 Alberta General List members as Michel First Nation members with Treaty No. 6 rights to hunt, fish, and gather within Saskatchewan. Dan was elected and served on the board of directors of the Coalition of Aboriginal Peoples of Saskatchewan, advocating for programs and services for the Non-Status and Métis of Northern Saskatchewan. Dan holds various environmental and aquatic monitoring certifications, allowing him to participate in and protect monitoring opportunities for Michel First Nation.
  • Brandy Callihoo, Director
    Brandy Callihoo’s family was enfranchised under the 1958 enfranchisement of Michel First Nation. She is the CEO, Founder and President of the Descendants of Michel First Nation. Having extensive knowledge of Indigenous Treaty rights and governance, the Indian Act, and the genealogy of the Michel People, Brandy took part in the lobbying efforts of Michel First Nation Rights and Recognition. She presented on addressing the inequalities in the Indian Act, based on Band enfranchisement and Scrip, which was displayed in the House of Commons. Brandy also visited the Vista Coal Mine in Hinton, Alberta and monitored it for environmental issues. As a Resolution Health Support Worker for the Indian Residential School Society (IRSS), Brandy has attended many adjudications through her employment at Native Counselling Services. She is also certified as an Indigenous Community Support Worker.
  • Dayle Callihoo, Director
    Dayle Callihoo Campbell is the daughter of Paul and Octavie Callihoo, and great-great-grandniece of Chief Michel Callihoo. She was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, and spent time with both of her grandparents on former Michel Reserve lands on weekends. Dayle has been married since 1983, with one son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. She currently resides in Barrhead County. Dayle has over 33 years of experience as a Lands Officer in registry, records, and surveys at Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). She played a role in investigating and researching the status of reserve lands, and assisting on referendums, elections, and treaty payments, specifically for the Treaty Annuity payment for Michel at Enoch in 1992. Presently, Dayle is a councillor at Michel First Nations, having been elected into the position since 1995 and has also been the Director and alternating Secretary/Treasurer of Friends of Michel Society since 1995. Earning a Business Administration Certificate from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in 1984, Dayle also worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Supply and Services Canada, and Canada Employment Centre in clerical administration prior to employment with ISC.
  • Kimberly Beaudin, Director
    Kimberly Beaudin is an 838 member of Alberta's General Band list. His parents are Joseph Beaudin, a Red River Métis, and Margaret Callihoo, an 838 Member. He is the great grandson of Albert Callihoo. As a board member for Michel First Nation, Kimberly advocates for member rights with federal officials concerning the Michel Band descendants. He has also met with previous Government of Alberta officials responsible for Métis and Non-Status Indians. Kimberly served as President of the Aboriginal Affairs Coalition of Saskatchewan from 2006 to 2016 and was associated with the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. In 2016, Kimberly was appointed as National Vice Chief Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and worked to defend Métis, Status and Non-Status Indians living off-reserve in Canada. Now, he serves on the Aboriginal Advisory Committee of Corrections Services Canada. Kimberly served on the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) board when the Qalipu First Nation in Newfoundland was recognized as an off-reserve landless band in 2011 and when the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Métis and Non-Status Indians were a federal responsibility under the constitution. He was instrumental in helping band members from Michel First Nation achieve recognized Status in Canada.
  • Linda Buffalo, Director
    Linda Buffalo is the granddaughter of Louis Callihoo, Treaty # 137 Michel Band and the niece of Stella Callihoo. She has been an 838 member since 1987 and is also the great granddaughter of Albert Callihoo and the great great granddaughter of Chief Michel Callihoo. Linda is married to a member of Samson Cree Nation and has resided in Samson Cree Nation for the past 42 years. Linda worked at Indian Affairs and did extensive research on Michel First Nation at the Canadian Archives in Ottawa. She retained lawyers from Michel First Nation, putting together a claim on behalf of her mother, Rose Callihoo, regarding her mother Louise Callihoo's estate.
  • Tyler Garrison, Director
    Tyler Garrison has been an 838 member since 2019, after researching and studying Michel Band and enfranchisement since 2018. Tyler has worked in data and analytics, finance, corporate strategy, and innovation sectors. Tyler also serves on the Professional Advisory Committee for the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) School of Business where he earned his Diploma of Technology in Finance in 2014. Tyler received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from BCIT in 2016 and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of British Columbia in 2020, where he studied Indigenous Relations and Entrepreneurship. Outside work, Tyler has a passion for lacrosse. He played for the Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team in the World Lacrosse Championships and now oversees youth lacrosse camps for Indigenous lacrosse players in the community and around the province of British Columbia.
  • Rosalind Callihoo, Director
    Rosalind Callihoo is an 838 Status member and a great-great-granddaughter of Michel Callihoo, a signatory to Treaty No. 6. She has over 30 years of experience working with First Nation communities. She is a professional Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager. Rosalind represented Michel Callihoo descendants by supporting the initial engagement of former Members of Michel Band # 472 and obtained research documents on Michel Band in 1982. In 1985, she retained legal counsel to file the first claim with the Office of Native Claims and continued to work on historical research. She was elected to Michel First Nation Council in 1998, appointed as Chief and named Plaintiff on the statement of claim in 2000. Presently, she supports the Chiefs of Treaty No. 6 ongoing efforts to lobby Canada. Rosalind contributes through her knowledge of Treaty No. 6 historical documents, claims, and an understanding of Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada policies that diminish historical Treaty Rights.
  • Beverly Asmann, Director
    Beverly Asmann is the great-great-granddaughter of Chief Michel and has lived in Samson Cree Nation for over 20 years. She is a granddaughter and niece of two of the five women transferred to the Alberta General list in 1958. She has been an 838 Status member since 1988 and was elected twice as a councillor for Michel First Nation. As a Financial Controller and Band Manager for various First Nations Bands and organizations, she is familiar with total contribution and other funding agreements between the government and First Nations groups. In addition, she is certified as an Aboriginal Professional Administrator and Finance Manager. Beverly began researching the Michel Band's history in her youth while gathering information to make a claim on behalf of her family's grandmother.
  • Carey Beaudin, Director
    Carey Beaudin is a direct descendant of Michel Calihoo. A dedicated board member of Michel First Nation since 2018, Carey joined the Michel Band leadership team to represent First Nations voices for future generations. Carey founded a First Nations for-profit corporation and was a recipient of the Nexen Aboriginal Student Energy Award and Bank of Montréal Capital Markets Equity Through Education Award. Carey collaborated with the Gabriel Dumont Institute to train and employ Métis People and is a former member of the Native Youth Council. Along with helping the community, Carey has professionally represented members of the community in criminal, bylaws, small claims, and the Court of Queen’s Bench. In the hopes of one day practicing law, Carey is an honour student pursuing First Nations Law and Politics. Aside from a busy academic life, Carey is a licensed BC Master Electrician and has received an interprovincial Red Seal qualification.
  • How is MCNS being funded?
    Canada has provided MCNS with Professional and Institutional Development (P&ID) Program Funding to support the exploratory talks. Additional funding related to Bill C-38 engagement has also been approved. The use and disbursement of funds must be audited and must be used for approved purposes under the funding agreement with Canada.
  • If the Minister constitutes a new band, will Canada assure us the reserve will be somewhere appropriate and not isolated?
    Discussions with Canada have not advanced to this stage as Canada has not yet made a determination on whether to enter into a formal Band Creation process with MCNS. Negotiations regarding land are complex and any land being added to reserve would be subject to the Additions to Reserve Policy. If an Addition to Reserve is pursued, MCNS will work collaboratively with Canada on this process.
  • What are the exploratory discussions with ISC about?
    Under s. 17 of the Indian Act, the Minister may create a new Band and establish a Band List. The Minister of ISC does not have the authority to reinstate a Band, so MCNS have formally made a request for Band recognition under s.17 of the Indian Act for the descendants of former Michel Band #472. Throughout this process, MCNS has engaged with ISC in exploratory discussions which continue to this day.
  • What is the timeframe for the Minister to constitute a New Band under s. 17 of the Indian Act?
    There are a few steps that are required under the Policy and band creation has been known to be a multi-year process. MCNS’ Band Creation submission is currently under assessment by ISC. That assessment will result in a determination about entering into formal band creation discussions.
  • Will the proposed new Band be a Treaty 6 Band?
    Yes. All exploratory discussions presume all Treaty 6 benefits will apply. Exploratory discussions also presume that any Treaty benefits/claims will be addressed as a “Specific claim”. The source of these claims (the wrongdoings) was discussed at the June 10 Community Engagement. Part of those wrongdoings includes the complete loss of Michel Band # 472’s Indian Reserve # 132 (25,600 acres) of land. Claims cannot be addressed until the new Band is recognized. S. 17 does not allow a Band to be reinstated; it only allows the Minister to create a new Band. MCNS’s priority is facilitating the creation of a new Band. MCNS and Canada are not entertaining discussions negotiating a modern-day Treaty.
  • How long do we have to send a completed Statement of Intent to MCNS?
    Given that MCNS’s Band creation submission is currently under review, there is currently no deadline for completing and sending the Statement of Intent to Maurice Law. Prior to Canada’s determination on whether to enter into a formal Band Creation process with MCNS, Maurice Law is pro-actively collecting Statements of Intent from Michel descendants. The Statement of Intent must be completed before the Initial Band List is created. The timeline for the Minister to create a Band under s 17 of the Indian Act is unknown. The sooner you complete a Statement of Intent and provide it to Maurice Law, the easier it will be to ensure you will be considered for the Initial Band List if the MCNS enters into a formal Band Creation process with Canada.
  • What does dependent mean, is one form needed for each adult?
    Dependent means those children (or adults) that live with you, or you care for as they are unable to care for themselves. Each adult must fill out a separate form, unless a dependent(s) in your household is an adult.
  • Will the Michel descendants of those who accepted scrip be eligible for the Initial Band List?
    Although the Indian Act is currently silent on the issue, families impacted by scrip may not be eligible for registration but it is on a case-by-case basis. Bill C-38 is not intended to allow descendants of people who took scrip to become eligible for registration under the Indian Act. However, federal officials have told MCNS that the inequities related to scrip may be addressed in the future.
  • Treaty 8 allows for reserves “in severalty” for individual members. Is it possible to have “individual” reserves for members and their family?
    No, Treaty 6 does not provide for Indian reserve lands in severalty.
  • Who is the Michel Callihoo Nation Society, and why is Canada accepting MCNS as a representative voice in s. 17 Indian Act exploratory talks?
    Canada invited several descendants from The Friends of Michel Society, The Descendants of Michel First Nation Association, The Unity Group, The Michel Band United for Justice, and the Michel Corporation to join together as The Michel Callihoo Nation Society (MCNS). As a unified collective, we have begun exploratory talks with Canada about the submission of a Band Creation Request under s. 17 of the Indian Act. Under a Protocol Agreement prepared by the representative groups, MCNS leadership consists of two directors from each of the five groups. Other groups declined to participate. If a new Band is created, a Chief and Council will be elected to represent the Band’s interests.
  • Can Alberta interfere with or halt the Minister from constituting a new Band under s. 17 of the Indian Act? Can Alberta interfere with or halt the settlement of prospective Treaty 6 Specific Claims?
    No, Band creation is entirely within the power of Canada through the Minister’s discretion as set out in s. 17 of the Indian Act. If the proposed Band is created, it will engage with Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) to address Specific Claims. The question of Alberta’s role in land claims is premature.
  • Will membership to the 838 Alberta General List be required to reapply to the New Band?
    This category of Michel descendants, as well as non-status descendants will need to complete a Statement of Intent form and forward it to Maurice Law at jcampagna@mauricelaw.com - Suite 203, 21553 Chief Lapotac Blvd., Box 830, Enoch Alberta T7X 3Y3, to alert Canada and MCNS that they are descendants interested in becoming part of the potential Initial Band List.
  • How will the existing election codes of the various Michel descendants’ groups apply?
    These election codes will not apply to the new First Nation, although they may be studied by the drafting team.
  • Since the New Bands, Band Amalgamation Policy, 1991, have there been new Indian reserves set aside for new First Nations?
    Yes, Woodland Cree First Nation, Lubicon Lake Band No. 453, Smith’s Landing First Nation, Peerless Trout First Nation, all in Alberta.
  • What can be done for 838 Alberta General List Indians to access tax free gas and cigarettes?
    Individuals registered to the 838 Alberta General List can access tax free gas and cigarettes on reserve. You are an eligible consumer if you are an 'Indian' as defined in the Indian Act (Canada), who is 16 years of age or older. To receive a tax or levy exemption, eligible individuals must present at the time of purchase either a: Certificate of Indian Status (status card) or Temporary Confirmation of Registration Document The government of Alberta has a tax exemption website at https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-indian-tax-exemption.aspx for additional information.
  • Is the Statement of Intent only for Registered/Status Indians?
    The Statement of Intent’s purpose is to identify descendants interested in becoming a member of the new Band, regardless of status eligibility. All interested descendants should complete the SoI and forward the form to Maurice Law. Descendants can include those on the 838 Alberta General list, other Band Lists, descendants who have joined Métis organizations, descendants waiting for Bill C-38 to become eligible as an Indian under the Indian Act, and descendants eligible to register under the Indian Act, but never have. Not all who complete the Statement of Intent will be placed on the initial Band list, but it is important to complete the form and send it to Maurice Law to start the process.
  • What is the process by which the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Minister will form a new Band with an Initial Band List?
    The process is currently being explored in discussions between Canada (ISC) and the MCNS. Canada is responsible for recognizing who qualifies as a registered Indian under the Indian Act. Few Bands have been created over the last several decades, so ISC is investigating what processes are required to create the initial Band list. The following process is intended to ensure “informed consent” is obtained from potential members: MCNS is reaching out to contact descendants to advise them about the exploratory discussions. MCNS sends a Statement of Intent (SoI) to descendants. The SoI process is intended to update contact lists and identify who might be interested in joining the new Band. Subject to a positive review of MCNS’ submission request for band recognition under S.17 of the Indian Act, a determination will be made whether to enter into formal band creation discussions. This process will entail that: MCNS will share Statement of Intent information with Canada. MCNS prepares a draft Membership Code, or Codes (and other Governance Codes) that will be shared with descendants in various consulting engagements. MCNS determines the characteristics identifying a descendant and places that understanding within the drafted Membership Code. Canada will determine who is registered or eligible to Register. This process will be affected by the progress of Bill C-38. With input from MCNS, the Initial Membership List will be created by Canada. This list will be used to establish who can vote in referendums and elections. After the Band is created and governance laws are in place, the Chief and Council, with the support of membership, can create a First Nation-controlled Membership Code under section 10 of the Indian Act. Section 10 Bands have the authority to include non-status people as members of the Band. This process may change as exploratory and more advanced discussions develop.
  • Will descendants (status and non-status) be consulted in the development of the membership and election codes of the proposed new First Nation?
    Yes. MCNS is planning a process to inform and obtain feedback on draft governance codes. Maurice Law and MCNS are reviewing several codes from across Canada and are considering the pros and cons of different codes.
  • Who will be the leadership of the descendants at the time the Minister constitutes the proposed new Band?
    This is one of many questions being considered during exploratory discussions with Canada. There is no definitive answer yet. MCNS will be undertaking engagement sessions on an election code in the coming months.
  • Does filling out a Statement of Intent mean the MCNS Board speaks for me?
    No. The SoI only demonstrates if a descendant is interested in membership on the Initial Band List. If discussions progress past exploratory, the Minister will want electors to vote in a referendum, indicating support for a new Band.
  • Will Bill C-38 address the second-generation cut-off rule or Métis Scrip question?
    Not initially, but both issues are being considered under subsequent phases of engagement and consultation. After the introduction of Bill C-38 in Parliament, in December 2022, Minister Hajdu publicly committed to launching a co-developed consultation process.
  • Will Bill C-38 be adding more registered status members?
    Yes. Approximately 3,500 individuals over the next five years could be newly eligible for registration. Bill C-38 is expected to allow descendants of the 1928 and 1958 enfranchisement to become eligible to register. If the Bill does not pass, this group will not be entitled to registration under the Indian Act. There are an estimated 1100 Michel descendants who may become eligible for registration as Status Indians because of the proposed amendments.
  • Who will be able to vote on the s 17 Band Creation Process and following proposed First Nation Election?
    The initial Band list will be used by Canada to identify an initial voters list. Individuals identified on the initial list who have reached the age of majority will be asked to vote on a referendum, indicating to the Minister that descendants are or are not in favour of creating a new Band. The Initial voters List will be used for the first election. Canada controls the Initial Band List, the initial list will be a section 11 Indian Act membership list.
  • Will the s.17 process allow unregistered people on the Initial Band List? Will Band Creation give status to all children? Does blood quantum affect the possibility of being added to the membership list? Can my kids transfer to the new Band from my existing Band?
    Individuals must apply and be eligible to register in order to have their name on a section 11 Band List controlled by ISC. Blood quantum is used by Native American tribes in the United States, but not for Indian status. Band creation is not expected to circumvent the provisions for registration, so children would have to be eligible in order to obtain status (some may be impacted by the second-generation cut-off). MCNS has not yet developed a draft Membership Code clarifying who is and isn’t a potential member. Although it hasn’t been passed into law yet, Bill C-38 is intended to allow descendants of the 1928 and 1958 enfranchisement to qualify for Indian Act status. Currently, it is assumed that individuals on the 838 Alberta General List who are descendants registered on other lists could transfer to the Initial Band List. It is important for descendants who want to be part of the Initial Band List, or future membership list, to complete the statement of intent on our website and send it to Maurice Law at: jcampagna@mauricelaw.com Suite 203, 21553 Chief Lapotac Blvd. Box 830 Enoch, Alberta T7X 3Y3 Please continue to visit the website and attend community engagement events for more information.
  • How can we access the Statement of Intent forms, and where do we send these forms?
    Forms are available on the MCNS website and will be available at all community engagement sessions. Please send the signed forms to Maurice Law #203, 21553 Chief Lapotac Blvd., Box 830 Enoch, Alberta T7X 3Y3. You can also email an e-signed or hand-signed and scanned copy to jcampagna@mauricelaw.com. Refer back to the MCNS website for further news and information.
  • What is the purpose of the Statement of Intent form?
    The Statement of Intent identifies a person who would like to become a member and be added to the Initial Band List. Providing your current address/contact information, children and dependent adult information, and registered/registerable Indian Act status will help Canada and MCNS form the Initial Band List. The Statement of Intent is not an application for registration under the Indian Act or a promise that the applicant will become a member of the new Band. Canada is not expected to place a name on the Initial Band List without reviewing a completed Statement of Intent for that person (or persons).
  • Section 17(1)(b) of the Indian Act as a means of recognition
    Today, through the efforts of dedicated volunteers, Michel Callihoo Nation Society is advocating for Band recognition under Section 17(1)(b) of the Indian Act with added consideration of Bill C-38. Under the Indian Act (17.1b), the Minister responsible, “may … constitute new bands and establish Band Lists with respect thereto from existing Band Lists, or from the Indian Register, if requested to do so by persons proposing to form the new bands.” Michel Callihoo Nation Society is currently in exploratory discussions with Indigenous Services Canada. As a unified group, we are working in the best interests of the Descendants of Michel Band #472, using Section 17(1)(b) as a means of Band recognition under the Indian Act. Learn more about Section 17(1)(b) of the Indian Act
  • Section 110 & 112: the removal of harmful policies
    Section 110 & 112, known as the "compulsory franchise" section were harmful policies intended to forcefully seize Land from Indigenous Peoples. Although they were removed, you can read more about the sections below and their lasting legacy on Indigenous Peoples. Learn More about Section 110 & 112
  • Bill C-38 for a hopeful future
    Bill C-38 went into the second reading on October 20, 2023. Canada first introduced Bill C-38, an Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements), on December 14, 2022. This legislation, if ultimately passed by Parliament, is intended to address four areas: Enfranchisement, Individual deregistration, Natal (birth) band reaffiliation, and Addressing outdated and offensive language related to dependent persons. The proposed amendment is not just important to the Treaty No. 6 Descendants of Michel Band #472, but serves as an example of the reconciliation process across Canada. Learn more about Bill C-38
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