The tipi glows red on the Majestic Lawn, standing peacefully under the calm of a spring evening. Photo Credit: Ernest Green

On May 5, 2025, members and the public gathered at the Qalipu Community Room in Corner Brook to observe the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). It was an emotional ceremony, highlighted by musical sharing provided by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Group and the Men’s Fellowship Circle, promoting a strong sense of connection and healing. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness and honor the memory of those lost to violence.

The ceremony was led by Annette George, Manager of Mental Wellness, with Marlie Smith, a member of her team, reading a beautiful poem to the crowd. Quinn Jesso spoke on behalf of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, sharing important words of support, and Sherry Dean, a member of the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association (CBAWA), delivered powerful words that resonated deeply with all in attendance. Chief Jenny shared a song, with others joining in to support her in singing and drumming, creating a heartfelt expression of solidarity.

Chief Jenny emphasized that this day marks a new chapter in the fight against violence, reminding everyone that there will be no more stolen sisters or stolen lives. She urged the community to unite, recognizing that together, we can be the change needed to stop violence.

Reflecting on the importance of the gathering, she shared, “Today is crucial because it brings us together in solidarity. We support one another, and we raise awareness about this critical issue.”

She also stressed the importance of collective responsibility in ending violence: “We must stand tall together. Women need to lift up other women, Two-Spirit people must be supported, and men must understand their role in this. Everyone has a part to play.”

The gathering continued with a walk around West and Park Streets, symbolizing the journey of remembrance and solidarity. The walk ended at the Mikwite’tm Garden, where participants shared songs and expressions of support for the victims and their families.

A special thank you was given to the Men’s Fellowship Circle for taking the time to set up and the take down of the tipi on the Majestic Lawn, adding a meaningful cultural element to the event.

In addition to the event in Corner Brook, Qalipu First Nation also held a gathering in Grand Falls-Windsor, where community members came together in remembrance and support.

This day serves as a call to action for continued advocacy and change, ensuring that all Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals are protected and valued in their communities. The day also highlights the importance of supporting families and communities in their efforts to seek justice and healing.

The NIHB Medical Transportation Program is here to support members with managing travel costs for medical care. Through this program, we offer pre-approval for certain expenses and reimbursement of expenses after the trip.

Important Reminder: This is not an emergency service. To ensure we can assist you, please make pre-approval requests in advance, and submit reimbursement claims after your travel with the necessary documentation.

Pre-Approval for Medical Travel

NIHB can assist members with paying the service provider directly for expenses such as hotels, taxi’s, DRL bus and flights (based on medical justification).

To arrange this, please call ahead with the required pre-approval information and submit the necessary documentation for review.

Please note the timelines for pre-approval requests:

• Taxis – 2 business days notice
• Hotels – 5 business days notice
• Flights – 7 business days notice.

If you have questions about pre-approvals:

• Call us at 709-634-3386.
• Or email your upcoming appointment confirmation to mtpreapprovals@qalipu.ca, and we’ll be happy to help.

Medical Transportation Reimbursement Forms

To submit your reimbursement request, please send your forms with supporting documentation to mtreimbursement@qalipu.ca.

Reimbursement requests with supporting documentation can also be dropped off at our Qalipu First Nation office locations:
• 3 Church Street, Corner Brook, NL
• 43 Main Street, Stephenville, NL
• 28 Hardy Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL
• 45 Spruce Avenue, Glenwood, NL

You can find the Reimbursement Form here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Vendor-Request-for-EFT-Direct-Deposit.pdf
Please note that faxed forms are not accepted.

The artwork, “Unity” (“Mawo’ltimk”) — pronounced Mow-olt-dimk — by Qalipu First Nation artist Marcus Gosse was unveiled on April 30, at the Confederation Building in St. John’s.

“Unity” will accompany other pieces created by Indigenous artists from across Newfoundland and Labrador.

About the Artwork:
This powerful painting displays whales (putup) swimming around a Mi’kmaq Star. The whales explore the ocean together, experiencing unity as a reflection of the sun shines down on their beautiful coastal waters. Inside each whale are traditional Mi’kmaq elements: the Mi’kmaq Star, a double curve floral design, and a Mi’kmaq hieroglyph.

The Mi’kmaq Star is an ancient petroglyph that symbolizes Mi’kmaq pride and unity among all cultures through the colours of the medicine wheel. The hieroglyph, Melkita’suaqn, means “Strength”—a reminder that as we explore our culture, we must have the courage to embrace it, preserve it, and pass it on.

Together, these symbols express community connectedness, cultural preservation, strength, support, and the beauty of Mi’kmaq culture.

You can read more in the official news release from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2025/exec/0430n04/

The Qalipu Emergency Housing Relief Program is here to help prevent and reduce homelessness among our members.

We currently offer the following supports:

• Emergency Housing Setup: Help with rental startup costs like first month’s rent and damage deposit.
• Prevention and Shelter Diversion: Help with rent or utility payments to avoid eviction.
• Emergency Housing: Short-term emergency stays for up to five (5) nights

Who Can Apply?

• You must be a registered member of Qalipu First Nation.
• You must be currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
• You must live in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• You must not be a homeowner (including rent-to-own arrangements).
• The program is intended as a one-time support.

Important Information

• If your rental agreement is in the name of a non-member spouse or partner, you can still apply. You will need to provide extra paperwork to show you live together.
• The maximum funding available per applicant is $3,000.
• Your landlord cannot be an immediate family member.

Emergency Housing Support Application Available Here

Dear QFN Members,

We kindly ask that you notify our office to update your information whenever there are changes, such as:

• A change of home address
• A change of email address
• A name change
• A change in gender
• A change in marital status
• A transfer between bands

Additionally, if a family member has passed away, please provide a copy of the death certificate.

By notifying us of these changes, you help ensure that our records remain accurate and up to date.

If changes need to be made to your membership information, please contact Nancy O’Connell by phone or email at the following:

• Phone: 709-634-4010
• Toll Free: 1-855-263-6440
• Email: noconnell@qalipu.ca

You can also update your information online using the Member Information Update Form

During the summer, we will have student assistants helping us in maintaining our Kinu membership database. As part of this work, you may receive a phone call from one of our team members to verify your information.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work to maintain an accurate and respectful record of our community.

Wela’liek – We thank you.