Federation of Newfoundland Indians

The FNI has continued to strive for status recognition for its people and also to assist with their quality of life through training and employment programs.  Currently the FNI provides employment income to thirty-two individuals and assists 75 - 100 individuals annually with training.

The FNI has its administrative office located in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. The FNI was incorporated under the laws of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1972. The FNI is an evolution of the former Native Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (NANL). NANL was formed in the early 1970's which included the Innu Nation, the Labrador Inuit Association and the Miawpukek Band. The Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) represents approximately 4500 Mi'kmaq located in several Newfoundland Mi'kmaq communities. These communities are encompassed within the following affiliated bands of the FNI:

• Gander Bay Band

• Elmastogoeg First Nation

• Port au Port Band

• Glenwood Mi’kmaq 1st Nation

• Corner Brook Band

• Indian Head First Nations

• Sple’tk First Nation

• Flat Bay Band

• St. George’s Band

There has been an injustice to the aboriginal people of Newfoundland and Labrador since Newfoundland entered into Canada.  This entry was governed by the Terms of Union, which ultimately formed part of Canada's constitution.  The Terms of Union are silent to who is responsible for the Aboriginal people of this province.  Through a review of government documentation surrounding the discussions of the Terms of Union the leaders at that time were very well aware of the aboriginal people in Newfoundland but they decided to pencil us out.