Introduction

The following will delineate the programs and services offered by the FNI to their members in the absence of Federal Recognition. The FNI will continue to keep, “seeking for recognition under the Indian Act,” their Priority.

Training

Employment and Training (ET) will provide training to aboriginal people. ET will assist with Adult Basic Education and further your education into Post Secondary Training. Approval for individual training will be based upon labour market need, initiative of the individual and cost of training. Specialized Training for a particular company that guarantees graduates full time long term employment will be considered under our training program. ET will entertain proposals that fall under the guidelines of other Employment Benefits and Support Measures programs of Human Resource Development Canada.

Wage Subsidy

The Wage Subsidy Program will assist aboriginal people to prepare for, obtain and maintain full time new employment.  Employment and Training (ET) also offers employers a seasonal Wage Subsidy. The purpose of this program is to provide an incentive to employers to hire individuals whom they would not normally hire in the absence of a subsidy. Native and non-native businesses or organizations are eligible applicants. The employee however must be an aboriginal person.

Disabilities

ET welcomes proposals to provide special programs to help aboriginal people with physical and mental disabilities obtain and retain employment. 

Grad Incentive

The Grad Incentive Program will provide additional assistance to Graduates of Post Secondary Programs.  ET will assist in providing such services as:

• Lump Sum bonus

• Income support for job shadowing

• An elaborate wage subsidy

The aboriginal graduate must have completed training no longer than two years prior to application date; graduate must have not worked in the field of study for more than four consecutive weeks since graduation.

Diabetes

"Pathway to a Healthier Lifestyle" is a diabetes prevention program that is in place for the members of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians to give them information on ways to prevent, or at least delay, the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.  This initiative is funded by Health Canada's, Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative.

Commercial Fisheries

The FNI currently has two under 34’11” and one 44’11” fishing enterprises. These enterprises are providing an adequate living for eight men. The FNI hopes to continue the growth of this endeavor by adding more enterprises in the future.

Fishery Guardians

The Newfoundland Mi’Kmaq have strong cultural beliefs and deep concern about the survival of the salmon and trout that has been passed down from generation to generation.   Because of this relationship to our resources the Federation of Newfoundland Indians entered into an agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in 1992 to assist in the enforcement and conservation activities of the following rivers in Newfoundland:

• Harry’s River

• Fischell’s Brook

• Flat Bay Brook

• South West Brook

• Bottom Brook

• Barachois Brook

• Gander River

During the 2004 season, fifteen guardians were employed in western and central Newfoundland to ensure the conservation and preservation of our salmon stocks. Through their presence, the FNI guardians intentions is to prevent, as much as possible, the illegal fishing activities taking place on rivers in central and western Newfoundland.

Youth

The Federation of Newfoundland Indians goals and objectives for its aboriginal youth program are:

To implement initiatives to enable aboriginal youth to enhance the quality of their lives, to direct their futures and to attain their dreams;

To encourage Aboriginal Youth to avail of social, education, and economic opportunities;

To involve Aboriginal Youth in the decisions that affect their lives including the broader recognition and governance issues of the "Newfoundland Mi'kmaq" as represented by the FNI;

To create and promote a recreation environment that offers better, healthier, and productive lifestyle choices for  Aboriginal Youth.

If you would like more information on any of these programs you can call the Federation of Newfoundland Indians at (709) 634 - 0996.