Qalipu (Pronounced: holly-boo, Meaning: Caribou)
Qalipu is part of the Mi’kmaq Nation whose territory extends from Maine to Quebec, through the Maritime Provinces and into Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). This territory is also known as Mi’kma’ki. This Indian Act Band is unique in its size (one of the largest Bands in Canada) and representation; Most Mi’kmaq ancestors who were denied rights when Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949 would not live long enough to see the government finally recognize their existence more than sixty years later. Instead, today, some twenty-five thousand of their descendants proudly claim Indian status in their place.
Qalipu 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.