{"id":504234,"date":"2026-02-28T01:25:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T01:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/504234\/"},"modified":"2026-02-28T01:25:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T01:25:53","slug":"indigenous-groups-react-to-muns-new-indigenous-verification-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/504234\/","title":{"rendered":"Indigenous Groups React to MUN\u2019s New Indigenous Verification Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The President of Memorial University says she\u2019s had direct contact with the NunatuKavut Community Council regarding changes to its Indigenous verification policy.<\/p>\n<p>However, Janet Morrison says MUN will no longer rely on self-identification for those hoping to avail of Indigenous benefits or programs.<\/p>\n<p>MUN is adopting a federally-recognized process, following the lead of some 20 other post-secondary institutions across Canada.<\/p>\n<p>That means they will no longer rely solely on students who self-identify, and will instead seek official documentation from a recognized Indigenous group or collective.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s drawn the ire of the NunatuKavut Community Council whose members are no longer able to rely on self-identification.<\/p>\n<p>Morrison says she met with NCC President Todd Russell, but adds that the voices of other Indigenous groups made their decision clear.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have heard clearly, consistently, about the significant harms and risks posed by including unrecognized collectives within the verification policy framework,\u201d she told reporters.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA decision not to approve this policy would have undermined the integrity of, frankly, of our Indigenous relationships and our reconciliation commitments.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Indigenous Groups Supportive of Policy Changes<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Innu-Nation-2.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14479 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Innu-Nation-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\"  \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Innu Nation supports MUN\u2019s decision to adopt an Indigenous Identity Verification Policy, calling it a \u201cnecessary measure \u201d to protect Indigenous rights.<\/p>\n<p>The Innu Nation says the policy will ensure that opportunities intended for Indigenous peoples are not undermined by organizations or individuals who are not federally-recognized or who have recognition from \u201clegitimate Indigenous peoples.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Indigenous identity fraud has become a serious issues across Canada according to the Innu Nation, diverting opportunities and resources away from Indigenous peoples.<\/p>\n<p>Grand Chief Chris Rich says the policy protects the integrity of opportunities intended for Indigenous peoples.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nunatsiavut-logo-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-275976\" class=\"size-full wp-image-275976\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nunatsiavut-logo-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\"  \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-275976\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(via the Nunatsiavut Government)<\/p>\n<p>The Nunatsiavut Government also welcomes MUN\u2019s adoption of an Indigenous Verification Policy, calling it \u201can important and long-overdue step toward protecting the rights of Inuit and all Indigenous peoples\u201d in the province.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The President of Memorial University says she\u2019s had direct contact with the NunatuKavut Community Council regarding changes 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