FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The FAQs are taken directly from questions asked by community members at the Community Information Sessions. 

1. Will the costs of the negotiation, such as lawyer’s fees, come out of the settlement?

• The Manitoulin Project expenses are being paid for with funding provided by the Federal Government.

2. Is there still a trust account for the Manitoulin First Nations? Is there still an Indian Land Management Fund Trust? Does the government still have funds in Trust for the Island First Nations?

• The Indian Land Management Fund Trust no longer exists. The funds that were in that Trust were disbursed to the First Nations in the 1950s.

3. Where can we get a copy of the Settlement Agreement?

• Members of the five First Nations can get a copy of the initialed Settlement Agreement from their respective First Nation or from the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising Office. The value of the offer is confidential.

4. Has it been decided how the settlement agreement will be dispersed to the First Nations and its members?

• The five (5) First Nations are working together to come to an agreement on how the settlement will be shared.

5. Can we vote electronically when we are out of the country?

• Yes, you can digitally/electronically vote if outside the country. As long as you have access to the internet and the voter can confirm their membership with their Nation.

6.  Is there going to be a laptop/computer available at the Voting station for individuals wanting to vote electronically but do not have access to a laptop/computer?

• No. Each in-person voting station will only have paper ballots.

7. Will there be other in-person voting stations?

• There will be only one voting in-person voting station located in each of the five (5) First Nations. See the Notice to Vote to determine where your First Nation voting station will be.

8. Do we have to vote at our own First Nation In-person voting station or can we vote at any of the five First Nation voting stations?

• First Nation members must vote at their own First Nation voting station.

9. Is there a threshold for the vote?

• Yes, a minimum of 25% + 1 of a First Nation’s Eligible Voters must vote yes, and of those who vote there must be more “Yes” votes than “no” votes.
• All the five (5) First Nation must meet this threshold.
• To be eligible to vote, you must be 18 years of age by March 2, 2024

 10. How soon will we know the outcome of the vote?

• The ballots will be counted when the voting period closes on March 2, 2024. Once all the votes are counted, the Ratification Officer will provide the First Nations, Canada and UCCMM with the Unofficial Results within two (2) days of the Final Voting Day.
• The Official Results will be posted after the appeal period is closed, 10 to 24 days later (depending on if an appeal is received)

 11.  What happens if the First Nation does not meet the threshold?

• The First Nations, Canada and UCCMM will meet to discuss the next steps.

 

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