June is National Indigenous History Month, a time for Nations everywhere to celebrate culture, reflect on histories, traditions, and for us here Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) we celebrate the enduring contributions of our people as we look forward.

It is a vital time to reflect on how far we have come as a Nation. When Newfoundland joined Confederation in 1949, Premier Joey Smallwood stated that there were no Indigenous Peoples in the province. We know that was not true. Our ancestors have lived on these lands since time immemorial, maintaining our identities, culture, and deep connections to community despite generations of policies and attitudes that sought to deny or diminish our existence.

This year marks a meaningful milestone: 15 years since Qalipu First Nation’s official recognition. Looking ahead, 2027 will mark 20 years since the ratification vote that represented a significant step in our collective journey toward recognition. These milestones remind us that our progress was hard-won, achieved through the fierce perseverance, advocacy, and determination of those who came before us.

As we continue through this month and approach National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, I encourage all members and neighbours to take time to learn, listen, and engage with our shared history and culture. By honouring our past and working together in the present, we will continue building a stronger future for the generations of Qalipu Mi’kmaq yet to come.

Comprehensive Community Plan Important Dates Timeline: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Qalipu-Timeline.pdf

I want to acknowledge recent conversations and concerns related to Corner Brook–Bay of Islands Pride events, and the importance of ensuring all people feel safe, respected, and included in our communities.

We continue to see the impact that social media bullying, harassment, and hateful comments can have on individuals, families, and communities. Online spaces should not be places where people are made to feel unsafe, unwelcome, or targeted because of who they are. We all share a responsibility to treat one another with respect, both online and in person.

I stand with our friends, family, and community members in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and I support ongoing efforts that promote dignity, respect, and safety for all. I also acknowledge the support shown by local organizations, including the Corner Brook Status of Women and the City of Corner Brook, in standing with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

I encourage everyone to take part in Pride events happening throughout the month with Corner Brook–Bay of Islands Pride, as well as other Pride events taking place in your communities. These events are an opportunity to come together in a spirit of inclusion, acceptance, and community.

As Canada continues to strengthen protections against hate through measures such as the recently passed Bill C-9, we must also do our part to ensure our communities remain welcoming places where everyone can live, gather, and celebrate safely.

Corner Brook – Bay of Islands Pride: https://www.facebook.com/cbboipride/
Bill C-9: An Act to Amend the Criminal Code: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/c9_2.html

As a member of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Fisheries Committee, I had the honour to welcome Chiefs, technicians, and AFN staff from across Canada to Corner Brook last week. For many, it was their first visit to the island, and I was proud to host them and show them around our beautiful territory.

Over our three days together, we reviewed the committee’s strategic plan and reaffirmed our commitment to proactive stewardship. At the heart of that work is the integration of traditional knowledge and science to support informed decision-making.

Our work strives to maintain our right to access traditional foods, which means sustaining our stocks through responsible harvesting so that our children and grandchildren can continue to benefit from what our ancestors passed down.

Our discussion extended to the future of our economies and how environmentally responsible, community-led wealth creation can support our people without compromising who we are.

These priorities are reflected across the full range of our water ecosystems, from offshore to inland and from eels to seals. Our committee works with AFN staff to bring issues to the Chiefs in Assembly. When these issues are supported, we enable the AFN Executive to raise our concerns with all levels of government and advocate for the protection of our resources for generations to come.

I am proud to serve as a member of the National Fisheries Committee. Each time we meet, whether virtually or in person, we learn from one another and deepen our understanding of our respective communities. I am grateful to everyone who travelled here and contributed to these important conversations. Together, we are helping build a future in which our fisheries remain strong, our rights are upheld, and our communities continue to thrive.