Qalipu First Nation is dedicated to providing support and creating opportunities for Mi’kmaq artists and craftspeople. Mi’kmaq people who create traditional and modern art and craft act as a catalyst to cultural revival; artists and craftspeople are preserving and promoting our traditional skills.

Experience Qalipu is partnering with the Deer Lake Airport Gift Shop to provide retail space to Mi’kmaq artists and craftspeople. Brent Marsden, the owner of the giftshop, is working with the Experience Qalipu team to create a section of the store dedicated to authentic Indigenous art and craft. Marsden shares that he is “looking forward to showing visitors another aspect of Newfoundland culture.” This retail space will create an economic and promotional opportunity for Mi’kmaq artists and craftspeople.

Tara Saunders, Director of Community Development at Qalipu First Nation says ” We are extremely excited to work with the Deer Lake Airport Gift Shop to offer this opportunity to our Indigenous community.  We will continue to work on other retail opportunities for our crafts people and artists throughout our region and beyond.  Promoting Indigenous products not only creates economic growth for our people, but also helps to preserve important elements of who we are for many generations to come.”

If you are a Mi’kmaq artist or craftsperson who is interested in selling your items at the Deer Lake Airport Gift Shop, please contact Alex Antle for more information, aantle@qalipu.ca. Please note that you do not need to be a member of the Qalipu First Nation Band to take advantage of this opportunity, this retail space is open to all Indigenous people.

If you are a Mi’kmaq artist or craftsperson who is interested in staying up to date with all Indigenous art and craft opportunities, please sign up for the Experience Qalipu Art and Craft Opportunity Mailing list: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ArtistMailingList