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A supplemental deal in 2013 set up an enrolment committee to assess “current and substantial” connections to the group after it was inundated with more than 100,000 applications — equivalent to almost one-fifth of the province’s population.

The department says roughly 10,000 applicants who were on the original founding members list did not meet the criteria under the 2013 agreement.

I’m concerned about the hurt and division these outcomes may cause among families and communities

“This is a complex process. It’s difficult in the sense that obviously some people won’t be happy with the results, but I think we need to look at the positives,” Fred Caron, ministerial special representative for the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, told reporters.

“The creation of the Qalipu First Nation is an important step forward for the Mi’kmaq people of Newfoundland. The Government of Canada and the (Federation of Newfoundland Indians) have worked hard to ensure a fair and equitable enrolment process which will uphold the integrity of the membership of the band and will result in a First Nation that will be the second largest in Canada.”

Caron said the main reason applicants were rejected was because they did not live in Newfoundland and could not demonstrate they still have a connection to Mi’kmaq communities.

That included providing evidence such as plane tickets and credit card bills.

Barry Wheeler of Summerside, N.L., said he was accepted as a founding member of the band. But Wheeler said he feels torn because a sister living in Ontario, who was on the original list of founding members, was rejected.