This past week, we came together to honour Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day. These days remind us of the courage and sacrifice of all who defended our lands and freedoms, especially Indigenous veterans, whose contributions have too often gone unrecognized. Their dedication strengthens our communities and inspires future generations.

I also want to update you on the situation with the MSC Baltic III, the container ship grounded near Cedar Cove. Recent reports indicate that severe storms have caused structural damage to the vessel. Salvage and cleanup efforts continue, and we are monitoring the situation closely. While weather has slowed progress, most of the heavy fuel oil has now been removed. We continue to expect MSC to fully include our Nation in the response and take immediate, comprehensive action to address its impact.

We are not alone in pressing for accountability and action. The Canadian Coast Guard has been providing consistent updates, and we continue to receive strong support from Minister Lela Evans, Provincial Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation; Minister Joanne Thompson, Federal Fisheries Minister; Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Brendan Mitchell; Traditional Chief Misel Joe; and Chief Brad Benoit of Miawpukek First Nation. We share our community members’ concerns, and we are demanding clear answers and a concrete plan to safely remove this vessel from traditional fishing grounds without further delay. Together, we are advocating for Indigenous participation at every stage of the response to ensure that local knowledge, community priorities, and cultural values are respected. Our Environment and Natural Resources team is working with DFO and other environmental partners to monitor the coastlines.

We will continue to hold MSC accountable, push for decisive action, and ensure Indigenous voices remain at the centre of this process.

This year’s federal budget brings a mix of good and challenging news for Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. We know the government is working to manage spending, which has led to a small two per cent decrease at federal Indigenous departments, a much smaller reduction than the 15 per cent cuts seen in other areas. Our key programs remain fully supported, giving our members peace of mind.

These reductions are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing duplication, not eliminating essential services. There are encouraging signs that future decisions will involve Indigenous governments more directly, giving us greater input on how priorities and outcomes are set.

While this budget signals a time of change, it also offers a chance to strengthen relationships, enhance accountability, and ensure Indigenous-led outcomes guide the path forward for our Nation.

Separately, we want to address recent rumors about a re-application process. Some members have reached out with concerns about information circulating online. Please be assured that these claims are not true. As always, we encourage everyone to rely on official Qalipu communications for accurate updates, and we will continue keeping our members informed directly.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to our members and our communities. By working together and staying engaged, we will ensure that the decisions made today lead to lasting benefits and opportunities for our Nation.

This week, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Atlantic Indigenous-led Energy Symposium. Since its first modest gathering in 2022, the symposium has quickly grown into a sold-out event hosting over four hundred participants. It brought together First Nations leaders, knowledge keepers, youth, energy innovators, and government officials from across our territories to network and share experiences.

A personal highlight was connecting with several members of our Nation who are already doing great work in the energy sector and are passionate about contributing to our community.

This year’s theme, Protecting Mother Earth, Powering Future Generations, inspired meaningful discussions about our shared values and responsibilities. Throughout the symposium, I joined several sessions and listened to powerful accounts reflecting a growing shift in how provincial governments and industry developers view and value Indigenous leadership.

There is a growing, long-overdue awareness that true progress requires authentic partnership with Indigenous leadership, moving beyond colonial frameworks. Our voices are vital in shaping decisions that define success, not by profit margins but by sustainability. Profit can only follow once we ensure that the development aligns with our duty to the land and to future generations.

As our new provincial government takes shape, we look forward to working in the spirit of collaboration to play our critical role in the future of our unceded, un-surrendered lands. Our Economic Development team is undergoing significant changes as we recognize the need to approach each opportunity with a deep understanding of our Nation’s values. Soon, we hope to welcome a new Chief Operating Officer who will collaborate closely with our Council and spend time in our communities, listening to members and learning about your priorities. This feedback will guide our path forward and foster shared ownership in what we build together.

Together, we must continue to protect the land, waters, and air, not only as our sacred responsibility, but as the foundation for a thriving future.

This week, I had the honor of attending an event hosted by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. It was an important opportunity to share our work in environmental stewardship and to highlight the vital role of partnerships in protecting our lands and waters. Strong relationships and collaboration are essential to achieving shared goals.

Together with the Nature Conservancy, our work at Charlie’s Place demonstrates the power of collaboration. Having signed a MOU in 2024, we are committed to protecting and conserving this area, long used by generations of Beothuk and Mi’kmaq people for traditional purposes, and still holding a deep cultural and spiritual significance.

I also recently met with key stakeholders, including the FFAW, the Fur Institute of Canada, and the Seals and Sealing Network. These conversations allowed us to strengthen connections, share expertise, and work to foster relationships that support the stewardship and monitoring of our lands and waters.

Meaningful partnerships require time, trust, and consistent engagement. By working closely with others, we can combine knowledge, share resources, and create initiatives that are inclusive, respectful, and effective for our communities. Meeting with these organizations reinforced that partnerships are not just beneficial, they are essential.

Together, we can preserve biodiversity, protect cultural heritage, empower our people, and build sustainable solutions for generations to come. I am proud of the work our Nation continues to lead and remain committed to fostering partnerships that support environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community well-being. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we can achieve lasting and meaningful impact.

Following this week’s provincial election, we congratulate Premier-designate Tony Wakeham and the Progressive Conservative Party on their majority win as well as all Members elected to the House of Assembly, especially those bringing Indigenous voices and perspectives to the legislature. We also acknowledge everyone who put their name forward; participating in the democratic process is an act of service to our province.

During the campaign, Premier-designate Tony Wakeham responded to questions from First Light Friendship Centre with a tone that emphasized collaboration, including a commitment to implement Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, the Innu Child Protection Inquiry recommendations, and advancing UNDRIP. He also spoke to cultural inclusion in education, youth engagement, and the creation of a civilian-led Police Oversight Board, signaling awareness of systemic bias and Indigenous justice concerns.

While these commitments are encouraging, they must be backed by measurable timelines, meaningful engagement, and appropriate resources.

Our Nation is a strategic partner in Newfoundland and Labrador’s future, advancing clean energy leadership, maritime strength, and defense readiness through initiatives such as Newdock. Meaningful engagement with our Nation drives inclusive economic growth by strengthening infrastructure, building workforce capacity, enabling joint ventures, and enhancing governance to ensure projects move forward with legitimacy and shared purpose. We also champion reconciliation, cultural inclusion, and environmental stewardship, positioning the province as a leader for sustainable and equitable development.

We are builders, not merely beneficiaries. If the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador partners meaningfully with First Nations, it can unlock opportunities for investment, growth, and innovation where everyone can benefit. We are ready to help build a stronger, more inclusive province.

As we move forward, I call on our new provincial leadership to engage with us in the spirit of true reconciliation. That means listening, resourcing, and respecting our governance. Our Nation is strong, capable, and committed to the growth for our people and the future of this province. As the saying goes in conversations about Indigenous economics, “If you’re not at the dinner table, you might end up on the menu.” This is a reminder that Indigenous voices must be included, heard, and respected in every decision that affects our communities.

This week, I had the honour of attending the First Nation Financial Management Board Leading the Way conference as a panelist, where I shared our Nation’s journey in acquiring New Dock. It was a proud moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to connect with other First Nations from across Canada. These gatherings are powerful reminders of the strength we gain when we learn from one another, share our successes, and build relationships that support Indigenous-led economic growth.

On September 27th we celebrated one year as part of the New Dock ownership team. Our future plans include exploring expansion, creating additional sustainable employment opportunities, and opening our Nation to further economic growth in the marine sector.

Recent conversations at national gatherings have highlighted success stories from across the country, many rooted in strong, collaborative relationships between Indigenous and provincial governments. In our case, the provincial government was not involved in our acquisition of New Dock. As this was our first major acquisition, they, like others, were surprised by our ability to make such a significant transaction. Now that they’ve seen the potential that exists, we hope they recognize the value of our participation: not just as stakeholders, but as rights holders.

Our Council extends sincere congratulations to the newly elected municipal leaders across the region. As you begin your term, we encourage you to make space for Indigenous voices at your council tables. Meaningful partnerships with First Nations are essential to building stronger, more inclusive communities. When we work together, we expand capacity, deepen understanding, and create solutions that reflect the needs of all people.

With the provincial election approaching, we share this message with candidates seeking office: Indigenous communities must be heard, our partnerships respected, and our priorities reflected in policy and planning. Reconciliation is not just a word, it is a shared responsibility, and we look forward to working with leaders who understand and embrace that truth.

We are committed to steady growth and smart investments, including exciting plans at New Dock. Guided by the priorities of our people, we look forward to working with government as well as community and industry partners to create shared opportunities that will strengthen our economy and culture. Together, we can build strong partnerships that bring lasting benefits to our Nation.