Watchdog group protests lag in Qalipu applications

People with aboriginal ancestry seeking status under the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation beat drums outside the band council's office in Corner Brook on Monday to voice concerns about the slow processing of applications.

Therecently formed Qalipu Watchdogs group is looking for answers for the approximately 70,000 people whose applications for membership have not yet been processed.

"We just want some information," said Erika Lavers, one of the speakers at the rally.

"We just want people to be open with us. That's really just our beef and that's what's so irritating about not getting a response is that we have given them the opportunity," she told CBC News.

"We asked them several times. We just want them to come forward and if they have nothing to tell us, that's fine, but tells us you have nothing to tell us," said Lavers.

Qalipu chief Brendan Sheppard said in an email to CBC News that he would not be commenting publicly, and that there is no new information on talks with the federal government.

A deal between the federal government and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, the group the preceded Qalipu, expired last month.

Qalipu officials were overwhelmed last year when far more people than expected applied for official recognition.

Some people atMonday'sprotest feared that changes to the application process will be coming.

Many of the 125 people who attended the peaceful demonstration say they are frustrated by the wait for answers.

"We need to get some information," said Lorna Warford. "It's been so long. My application has been in for quite some time ... All we want is fair and equal treatment."

Ralph Loder said he and others have the patience to keep pushing for recognition.

"What it means is that we got more work to do. We are not going to give up," he said.

"We are not going away ... and if it takes seven generations, we will be here for seven generations."