Enterprise Qalipu is the Resources and Economic Development Department of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band. It has been tasked by Chief and Council to address the following priorities:
- Facilitating Community Economic Development Projects
- Enhancing Business Workforce Skills
- Forming a Qalipu Business Network
- Encouraging Entrepreneurship
Enterprise Qalipu is also charged with managing aquatic resources through two programs:
Aboriginal Fishery Guardian Program
The Mi’kmaq people have strong cultural beliefs and a deep concern for the survival of salmon and trout. In cooperation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), the Qalipu Mi’Kmaq First Nation Band conduct enforcement and conservation activities for the protection of salmon and trout stocks in these nine rivers in western Newfoundland:
Barachois Brook
Bottom Brook
Fischell’s Brook
Flat Bay Brook
Gander River
Harry’s River
Humber River
Robinson’s River
South West Brook
Night patrols are operated in an effort to further discourage illegal fishing activities. The program employs several people seasonally. Its activities are reported in the Fishery Guardian News. Contact the Fisheries Guardian coordinator for more information or to report a suspected infraction.
Mi’kmaq Alsumk Mowimsikik Koqoey Association (MAMKA)
Mi’kmaq Alsumk Mowimsikik Koqoey is “Mi’kmaq Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management” in the Mi’kmaw language. It’s pronounced Mig·maw All·sum·k Moo·wem·see·gek Ka·oak·gue·wey although most people use the acronym MAMKA.
The Qalipu Mi’Kmaq First Nation Band’s MAMKA initiative is undertaken in partnership with the Miawpukek First Nation (MFN). This program helps Newfoundland Mi’kmaq become more involved in the responsibilities and decision-making processes related to aquatic resources and ocean management in the Aboriginal communities of the Qalipu Band and MFN.
MAMKA operates under the protocols of the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource & Oceans Management (AAROM), a federal program designed to help Aboriginal groups develop expertise in aquatic-resource and oceans management, and allow them to participate in decision-making. A full-time aquatic-science technician is dedicated to this program. Activities undertaken include:
- developing a long term Strategic Plan
- consulting with members on Canada’s Plan for the Fisheries Act
- undertaking a Marine Resource Survey of Aquatic Resource Harvest areas and species in relation to food and ceremonial consumption in Bay D’Espoir and Bay of Islands
- facilitating a spawning survey of Northwest and Southwest Gander River to identify sensitive spawning areas and potential obstructions and environmental hazards/concerns
- planning for a SARA project at Bay St. George’s on killifish
- preparing a 2007 calendar highlighting tradition ecological knowledge
Learn more about the program at www.mamka.ca, or contact the Aquatic Policy and Planning Manager.