Qalipu First Nation Receives Special Award for Support of Black Bear Program

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Ms. Monique Carroll of the Qalipu Mi’Kmaq, receives a special award for support to the Reserve Force during the Canadian Forces Liaison Council Awards Ceremony at Cartier Square Drill Hall on May 9th, 2019. The Canadian Armed Forces recognize employers and educators from across Canada for outstanding support to their employees and students who serve as reservists. Their support allows Canadian Armed Forces to fulfill its commitment under Canada’s Defence Policy Strong, Secure, Engaged and generate full-time capability through a Reserve Force providing part-time service. l-r: Brigadier-General Liam McGarry, Chief of Staff Army Operations, Ms. Monique Carroll, Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Bond, Mr. Bill Mahoney. Photo Credit: Corporal Lisa Fenton Canadian Forces Support Unit (Ottawa) Imaging Services © 2019 DND-MDN Canada SU06-2019-0329-007
(L-R) Brigadier-General Liam McGarry, Chief of Staff Army Operations, Monique Carroll, Director of Education and Training Department, nominator Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Bond, Provincial Chair Mr. Bill Mahoney, Chief Warrant Officer Kent Clapham, Army Reserve Sergeant Major

May 27, 2019 Corner Brook— Qalipu First Nation was recently recognized as a committed supporter of
Reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces and received the Special Award for support to the Reserve
Force on May 9, 2019 during a formal ceremony at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

The nomination was made by Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Bond, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, in
acknowledgement of QFN’s work in hosting information sessions to help raise awareness of the Black
Bear Program, a summer program geared primarily toward Indigenous youth. In the nomination, Bond
noted “As Qalipu Chief, Chief Brendan Mitchell is committed to the ongoing development of Qalipu on
behalf of his community. He promotes positive change in fostering a prosperous tomorrow for all
especially the youth in the Qalipu community. He was very quick to seize the opportunity to promote
the Black Bear program as a source of employment for youth and at the same time promote indigenous
culture.”

Chief Brendan Mitchell was unable to attend the awards ceremony in Ottawa. The Chief was
represented by Monique Carroll, Director of Education and Training. Carroll and her staff led the
Black Bear promotion initiative, brining information sessions across all the Wards.

Carroll said, “we are always looking for partnerships that will help us deliver more education,
training and employment opportunities to our people. The Black Bear Program provides great pay,
covers meals, accommodations and travel and positive cultural experiences along with basic military
training. We want young people to know about these opportunities, we want them to succeed. We
were pleased to partner with the Canadian Armed Forces to do this.”

Reflecting on the award, Chief Brendan Mitchell noted, “we had four indigenous people from
Newfoundland take part in the Black Bear Program in 2018. This was the first summer for
participation by Newfoundland’s Indigenous youth. For some, this was an important step in
recognizing their own potential and dreams. We expect to see much greater Newfoundland
representation at Black Bear this coming summer. We will continue to work with the Canadian Armed
Forces to bring opportunity to our youth and others”.

Members are invited to keep an eye out for education, employment and training opportunities, like
Black Bear, on the Band’s Education and Training Facebook page.