Population: June 3, 2006 - 255

Members between 0 and 18 – (Children) – 35

Members between 19 and over – (Adult) – 220

Boundaries

Introduction

Pjila'si (welcome), in 1972 under the local leadership of Adolph Benoit of Marches Point; the Port au Port Peninsula was part of the revival of the Mi’kmaq of St. George’s Bay. The local representative included Josephine Simon, and Edna Benoit, one of the band elders, who at one point was Secretary and very involved. With the disbanding of the Bay St. George Regional Indian Band in the early 1980’s – this signaled, for the community, the beginning of a long period of local silence that was only reawakened in the last couple of years. The Benoit First Nation was born out of this necessity to provide local representation to its people.

McAlpine's Directory of 1894 – 1898 of the area lists occupants with the surnames of Deman (Damois), Jesso, Tourout, Simon, Benoit, Young, Lainey, Carter, Paria (Porrier), Renouf, and Chesson.

Penwa' Mawi-Amskwesewey L'nue'kati is pronounced Ben-wah um-skoo wess-so-whey ul-noo-eh-gut-dee and translates as Benoit First Nation and is based on the South West side of the Port au Port Peninsula, NL. The band office is located in De Grau; incorporated in 2005 the Band Council is to be elected every three years. The Band has democratic elections and operates by majority rule, with traditional procedures used as much as possible.

Another mandate of the band is to reach out to other communities and organizations in an atmosphere of peace, friendship, and cooperation. The band will also work on a regional level with the other bands in the spirit of unity and cooperation.

Nation name significance

The name Benoit in the band title was chosen as a tribute to Francois Benoit and Anne L’Official, Mi’kmaq ancestors of band members. Other historic Mi’kmaq family names associated with the Band include Young, Jesso, Marche and others.

FNI Connection

Membership is open to those of documented Mi’kmaq ancestry and based on criteria set forth by the Federation of Newfoundland Indians. While not an official band of the FNI our local band members have the additional option of also joining the FNI general membership list.

Elders have special status

It should be noted that in the band that elders have special status as advisors, general members are welcomed as observers at Band Council meetings, members are encouraged to bring new ideas to the band council, General Assemblies take place with the seasons (quarterly), elections and referendums are conducted by secret ballot, and there is a focus on cultural and language revival. It is with this passion that the band embraces the idea of a regional Pow-wow and is an active member of the organizing committee.

Community Reserve

The Benoit Family operates a private wilderness reserve and nature park. You can visit the reserve website at bfn_2006community_reserve.html

Benoit clan Flag and it's meaning

Our Flag Signifies:

Eagle - Kitpu (pronounced Git-pu)- sacred to our people for it's power and its connection to the creator

Eagle feather - - The symbol of great honour and respect

Red- the fire of our conviction and the sacred colour

Sun- the life force of our sun and the power of the creator

Yellow - one of the four sacred colours

Arrow heads - the four directions and the importance of moving forward in all directions.

Band Photos

Council