MICHIPICOTEN FIRST NATION COMMUNITY TRUST

NOTICE TO MEMBERSHIP

 

Please be advised that the Michipicoten First Nation Community Trust (MFNCT) is not issuing benefit payments to membership this fiscal year.  The MFNCT has requested to Chief & Council that the Trust make financial contributions to the Band for the benefit of members through programming, rather than issuing payments to individuals.

 

The MFNCT is authorized to make financial contributions directly to the Michipicoten First Nation Council for the benefit of Membership under section 13.5 of the 2003 Community Trust Agreement, with the condition that Council agree to use the money in the same manner and for the same purposes as provided for in Article 11 of the Agreement.  At our May 9, 2026 Board Meeting, the MFNCT Trustees authorized the payment of $100,000.00 to Michipicoten First Nation for the 2026 fiscal year.

 

Article 11 of the 2003 Trust Agreement allows for trust revenue to be used for the following purposes:

  1. Acquiring land to be added to the Reserve;
  2. Constructing and maintaining homes and community infrastructure;
  3. An annual gathering of Michipicoten Members;
  4. Scholarships and bursary funds;
  5. Contributing to funeral expenses;
  6. Small business start-up loans;
  7. Promoting health of members;
  8. Acquiring land to be held for investment or development;
  9. Purchasing industrial or manufacturing equipment;
  10. Expenses necessarily incidental to the management of lands, buildings and businesses;
  11. Establishing a credit union or bank;
  12. Making permitted financial investments;
  13. Establishing a business or commercial operation;
  14. Enhancing recreational facilities;
  15. Preserving, studying or promoting language and cultural heritage;
  16. Lending money or other assets to the First Nation;
  17. Funding research, development or negotiation of claims;
  18. Hiring people to work in field of community development or resource development;
  19. Paying expenses in connection with administration and operation of the Trust;
  20. Trust Property shall not be used for per capita distributions to Members.

 

REASON FOR REQUEST TO COUNCIL

ANNUAL CASH PAYMENTS TO MEMBERSHIP ARE UNSUSTAINABLE

As we move forward, cash payments made to membership become more unsustainable.  The purchasing power of cash is decreasing at the same time that our membership base and demand for such payments is growing.  MFNCT is also limited by the amount of interest income generated each year to make such payments to membership.

 

CASH PAYMENTS TO MEMBERSHIP PROVIDE A SHORT-TERM BENEFIT

Small one-time cash payments, such as the $200 home maintenance program, provide members with a short-term financial benefit.  Directing funds towards social programming/services & community investments provide long-term (non-financial but often life changing) benefits to members who access them.

DUPLICATION OF SERVICES

Both the MFNCT and MFN are mandated to provide benefits to the same group of beneficiaries, the membership.  MFNCT attempting to provide social programming and community investments is a duplication of services that are already provided by the Band.  It is a better use of funds for the MFNCT to contribute to already existing, proven programs and services that have been created by the Band specifically to serve the needs of membership.

 

INTENTION OF TRUST

The Community Trust was originally created with the intention to utilize trust revenue to support the First Nation in providing benefits to membership.  The MFNCT is responsible for the financial management of Trust investments and making financial contributions directly to the First Nation, while the First Nation provides benefits to membership.  It will be beneficial for all parties, including membership, to rebuild the working relationship between MFNCT and MFN as it was intended.

 

FINANCIAL NEED

Members of Michipicoten recently received a substantial cash payment through the RST Distribution.  This alleviates some financial hardship and the need for small cash payments, such as those previously made by the MFNCT.   This provides us the opportunity to transition from providing small short-term financial benefits to providing long-term non-financial benefits/services to membership.

 

 

The Michipicoten First Nation Community Trust thanks all membership for their understanding during this time of transition.  We would also like to express our gratitude to Chief & Council for allowing us the opportunity to contribute to the services they provide to membership.  We are looking forward to building a solid working relationship as we grow together.

 

 

Michipicoten First Nation Community Trust

16 Whitesands Drive

Michipicoten First Nation, ON  P0S 1K0

Tel: 705-856-9559

Toll Free: 1-888-818-4417

Email: admin@mfnct.com