Qalipu (Pronounced: ha-lee-boo, Meaning: Caribou)
Qalipu First Nation is a vibrant Mi’kmaq First Nation established in 2011 as an Indigenous Band under the Indian Act. With a large membership spread across 67 traditional Newfoundland Mi’kmaq communities and abroad, we are one of the largest First Nation groups in Canada.
Newfoundland is part of the traditional Mi’kmaq Nation whose territory extends from Quebec through the Maritime Provinces and into Newfoundland.
Qalipu has no reserve land; it is made up of 67 traditional Mi’kmaq communities, spread out over 9 Electoral Wards. An elected Chief and Council govern the Qalipu First Nation. Ward Councilors are elected to represent each of the nine Wards. Additionally, two Vice-Chiefs represent western and central Newfoundland and the Chief is the official spokesperson and leader of the Qalipu First Nation as a whole.
Qalipu has four satellite offices located in Glenwood, Grand Falls-Windsor, St. George’s, and Stephenville and its central administrative office is in Corner Brook. These offices give representation to the regions of our dispersed Mi’kmaq communities.
Core programs and services are delivered by a growing body of staff. Our service offering includes education and training, tourism development, health benefits and services, employment programs, registration assistance, environmental monitoring, culture and heritage and community economic development. Qalipu also conducts a variety of special programs which vary from year to year.
Economic and corporate development are led by the Qalipu Development Corporation (QDC). The QDC was established by the Chief and Council as an independent, arms-length corporate business entity. It functions as a holding company for all business operations and investments of the QFNB. Its primary mandate is to manage the Band’s portfolio of existing business operations and seek new investment and joint-venture opportunities to ensure the Band’s long term economic growth and overall sustainability.
Get to know us better by exploring our website, Qalipu.ca, or spending time with us at National Aboriginal Day and other celebrations that are shared on our events calendar.