Loading...
Snow Clearing and Ice Control – Request for Proposals 2026-2027
Loading...
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab 
Message from Chief Jenny – September 18, 2026
Back-to-school season is always a special time. It brings new opportunities, new friendships, and new experiences for our students and educators. Even for those who are not returning to the classroom, the changing season offers an opportunity for renewal, reflection, and a fresh start.
As parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, neighbours, and community members, we all have a role to play in ensuring our children feel safe, supported, and encouraged. Our young people watch and learn from us every day. The way we speak to one another, the respect we show, and the kindness we extend, both in person and online, help shape the world around them.
This year, I encourage all of us to be mindful of the example we set. A few words of encouragement can build someone’s confidence, while a few careless words can leave a lasting impact. Let us continue to foster a community where people feel valued, differences are respected, and kindness is stronger than criticism.
Every child deserves to go to school feeling safe, accepted, and proud of who they are. Together, we can help make that happen.
As we prepare to commemorate the 15th anniversary of our Nation’s formal recognition by the federal government next week, it is an important time to remind our youth of the resilience, strength, and determination of our people. We did not suddenly appear 15 years ago. We have been here since time immemorial. The journey to overcome colonialism and denial, and to rebuild, revitalize, and reclaim our identity, has required tremendous courage and perseverance.
This milestone is an opportunity to instill pride in our youth and remind them that they are part of a story much larger than themselves. They carry forward the work, sacrifices, and dreams of those who came before them. As descendants of the nine original territories that came together as one Nation, they have every reason to stand tall and take pride in who they are and where they come from.
On behalf of Council, I wish everyone a successful, healthy, and rewarding school year. Work hard, be proud of your accomplishments, support one another, and never underestimate the positive difference that a little kindness can make.
Have a wonderful school year, stay safe, and take care of one another.
🧡 Orange Shirts Featuring Lydia Dyer’s Winning Design
As part of Qalipu First Nation’s annual recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, school-aged children across Canada are invited to create a logo that reflects their thoughts and feelings about the history of residential schools and the meaning of this important day.
Lydia Dyer, a student at Corner Brook Intermediate, was selected as the 2025 winner, and her winning design is featured on this year’s orange shirts.
A limited number of shirts are available for purchase. Pickup is available in Corner Brook, Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander.
👉 Order Form: Click here for the order form
Payment can be made by cash or e-transfer to payments@qalipu.ca. Shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
All profits from the sale of the shirts will be donated to the Residential School Legacy Program at the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre.
Learn more about the program: https://www.mikmaweydebert.ca/sharing-our-stories/indian-residential-schools-legacy-project/
Meeting of Chief and Council
The next meeting of Chief and Council is scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at 9:00 a.m. at Saint James All Grade in Lark Harbour, NL.
Registration is required to attend the meeting in person. Members wishing to attend must register in advance. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 17 at 4pm.
Members wishing to attend can contact Natasha or Amanda:
Natasha – 709-634-6895, email: nwhite@qalipu.ca
Amanda – 709-634-5111, email: amanda.gaudett@qalipu.ca
Please note that delays in the meeting start time can be expected. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding.
Members can view the meeting’s livestream by logging in to their KINU membership profile: https://qalipu.ca/login-options/
Message from Chief Jenny – September 9, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our Director of Operations and friend, Rod Bennett, who passed away on Friday, September 4, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Rod’s loss is deeply felt throughout our whole Nation, our community, and by the many people whose lives he touched. To know Rod was to know a person whose positivity, strength, and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His infectious smile, unwavering optimism, and genuine care for others made him not only a loved and valued team member, but a true friend and inspiration.
As we move forward, we are committed to carrying Rod’s legacy with us in the work we do each day. We will strive to honour his example of love, commitment, compassion, and service to everyone he met. And, as we do, we will always remember his smile, his generosity, and the sincere way he cared for us all. His impact on our Nation and on each of us personally will not be forgotten.
Rod’s love and devotion to his family and community were evident in everything he did. He spoke often and proudly of those he held dear, and his commitment to serving others was reflected daily in his work and in the relationships he built.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Rod’s family, whom he loved so dearly, and to the many friends, colleagues, and community members who had the privilege of knowing him. We share your grief and celebrate his life that touched so many. May Rod’s memory continue to inspire us and may the legacy of his kindness and dedication live on through all those whose lives he enriched.
We will miss our dear friend, but hold close the assurance that he will join the ancestors guiding our way. Rod: Mikwite’lmultesnen Iapjiw—We Will Remember You.
Service Members Agreement — September 2026 Update
Introduction
The Service Members Agreement was developed by the Government of Canada (“Canada”), Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation (“QFN”) and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (“FNI”) to establish criteria for accepting former and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces (“CAF”) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (“RCMP”) as founding members of Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. This Agreement was founded in the special place of honour these Service Members hold in the Mi’kmaw culture due to their service as protectors of Canada and their communities. The Agreement applies to persons who were part of the enrolment process between 2008 and 2012 but were denied founding membership based on the group acceptance criterion.
The following is a tripartite statement from all parties to the Agreement:
Loading...
Questions and Answers from QFN
Q: What does the joint statement mean for the Service Members?
A: The Service Members Agreement remains in place, and the files remain active. Canada has ceased work and is waiting for further clarification from the court before proceeding.
Q: Have the Service Members been denied?
A: No. The files remain active. This is not a decision to deny or close applications, this is a delay.
Q: Is Qalipu First Nation (QFN) still supporting the Service Members?
A: Absolutely. QFN has consistently supported completing the Service Members Agreement. That has been our position and remains our position. We recognize the importance of this process to individuals and families who have been waiting too long.
Q: Why can’t QFN just move forward with the applications?
A: This is a tripartite agreement involving QFN, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) and the Government of Canada. All parties need to be prepared to move forward.
QFN remains committed to the process, but we also must respect all parties involved and our tripartite decision-making process—we cannot act on our own according to the Agreement.
Q: Was this a delay caused by either QFN or the FNI?
A: This is a tripartite discussion involving all three parties. As stated above, in spite of any other matters or disagreements, QFN and the FNI were prepared to proceed with outstanding applications. Canada was not.
Q: How long will Service Members have to wait?
A: We do not have a current timeline to provide. We don’t want to speculate about when Canada will be prepared to resume this process following matters before the courts.
Q: What do you say to Service Members who are frustrated?
A: We understand the frustration of service members and share them. Many people and families have been waiting for a long time, and we recognize how difficult continued uncertainty can be for individuals and families. We will continue to stick to our principles and positions.
As Chief Jenny has said before:
We firmly believe that Service Members deserve a prompt and fair resolution. You have waited long enough, and we are determined to see this work progress without further delay. Our goal is to ensure that the process continues in a way that is consistent, accountable, and respectful of the people whose lives and families are directly affected… Our position stays unwavering: Service Members deserve justice, and they deserve it now. We are committed to moving this process forward in line with the commitments we have already made, and we will continue to advocate for the prompt completion of this work.
Q: What about the impact this is having on our people’s mental health?
A: We recognize that this has been a long and difficult process. Further, waiting without knowing when there will be an outcome can take its toll.
We would encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for support. There are mental health and wellness resources available. Taking care of yourself and your family is important.
- 811 health line nurses are available 24/7 — If you are experiencing a mental health and addictions crisis, need support, or are looking for health information, call 811.
- Suicide Crisis Hotline — Call 988 (for all of Canada).
- Hope for Wellness Helpline — Call 1-855-242-3310 or “connect” to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca to access immediate help for all Indigenous people across Canada.
- Kids Help Phone — Call 1-800-668-6868 and press 3. For texting, text “CONNECT” to 686868 (youth) or 741741 (adult). To connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder (when available), text “FIRSTNATIONS”, “INUIT”, or “METIS.”
- Provincial Lifewise Warm Line — Call 1-855-753-2560.
Previous Statements and Updates:
- 10 April 2026 – Message from the Chief on SMA and Demanding Action
- 7 March 2025 – Update to Members on the Service Member Agreement
- 24 November 2023 – Message from Chief Brendan on SMA Update
- 24 November 2023 – Service Members Agreement Update
- 17 May 2023 – Update on Incomplete SMA Application Submissions
- 1 February 2023 – Update to Members on the Service Member Agreement
- 6 January 2023 – Message from Chief Brendan on SMA Referendum
- 6 July 2021 – Press Release: Announcement on Exploration to Create Service Member Agreement
- 31 March 2021 – Press Release: Canada Halts Exploratory Discussions re: Membership (incl. Service Members)
- 16 November 2018 – Initial Exploratory Discussions with Canada Announced
Message from the Chief to Qalipu First Nation Membership
Message from the Chief to Qalipu First Nation Membership Dear Qalipu First Nation members,
I am writing to you on behalf of your Council to acknowledge the hurt and concern caused by the recent targeted harassment directed at Qalipu First Nation, our members, and our staff. We know that harmful messages, direct calls, online posts and recordings, and physical materials have a real effect on people’s sense of safety, dignity, belonging, and wellbeing.
Please know this: Chief and Council are taking this seriously. No one should be targeted at work, at home, in their community, or online because of their Mi’kmaq identity or connection to Qalipu First Nation.
We have activated a coordinated response to protect our people and pursue accountability. This includes workplace-safety measures for staff, confidential reporting and support for people who have been affected, preservation of evidence, reports to online platforms and the appropriate authorities, and legal review of all available options. Where the evidence supports it, we will pursue appropriate action through police, platform, legal, and other lawful channels.
Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our members and staff. We are not going to amplify harmful content or engage in online arguments. We will continue to communicate directly with you, our membership, through Qalipu First Nation’s official channels, and we will provide updates as they can be shared without compromising anyone’s safety, privacy, or an active process.
It is also important to be clear about who we are. We as Mi’kmaq people have deep and enduring connections to Ktaqmkuk. Mi’kmaq oral history records a presence on the island since the 1400s, if not earlier. Historical sources document Mi’kmaq families hunting, fishing, and trapping along the southwest coast and toward Placentia Bay during the 1600s, and records of Mi’kmaq presence become more frequent in the 1700s. In May 1767, during the survey of St. George’s Harbour, a record from Captain Cook’s expedition noted meeting “a tribe of the Mickmak Indians”.
Canada’s formal recognition of Qalipu First Nation in 2011 did not begin the story the Mi’kmaq people of Newfoundland. It recognized an elected government of our people and our communities with a history, kinship, culture, and connection to this island that long predate 2011. Our members’ identity and belonging are not for a social media misinformation campaign to decide.
We welcome respectful, good-faith dialogue and remain committed to respectful relationships with our relations across Mi’kma’ki and Turtle Island. Harassment, intimidation, falsehoods, and targeted abuse are not dialogue, and they will not define who we are.
If you receive an abusive or threatening call, message, post, or recording, please do not engage. Preserve the details if it is safe to do so: take screenshots, record the date and time, save the link or caller information, and report it confidentially to communications@qalipu.ca. If there is an immediate threat or you fear for your safety, call 911.
We also recognize that seeing or experiencing this content can be upsetting, even when it is not directed at you personally. Support is available:
- 811 HealthLine: Call 811. Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, need support, or are looking for health information, call 811.
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988, anywhere in Canada, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Hope for Wellness Helpline: Call 1-855-242-3310 or use the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca for immediate, culturally grounded support for Indigenous people across Canada.
- Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 and press 3. Text CONNECT to 686868 for youth or 741741 for adults. To request an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder when available, text FIRSTNATIONS, INUIT, or METIS.
- Provincial Lifewise Warm Line: Call 1-855-753-2560.
We are a family, and through challenging times, it is essential that we remain strong, united, and steadfast. Let us be reminded of the resilience that has always defined this place and the strength passed down to us by our L’nuk ancestors. I hear your concerns, and together with Council, we will do everything possible to support and advocate for this Nation.
Please look after one another. Reach out if you need support, share concerns with us through our confidential reporting channel, and rely on Qalipu First Nation’s official communications for verified updates.
Nmultes and wela’liek,
Chief Jenny Brake
Chief, Qalipu First Nation
On behalf of Chief and Council
Special Message from Chief Jenny – August 14, 2026
On March 17, 2024, I was flying home at 3am and could not sleep. My head was full and my heart was heavy knowing that communities across the Turtle Island were impacted by harmful online hate speech. I was reminded of the resilience of my own family and our community and it resulted in picking up my laptop and writing this message.
Today, I am sharing this again, because we all need to be reminded of that strength that exists in us, the strength that was passed down for generations.
We are family and we must hold fast and stand tall.
Our culture is not a competition.
In my life I have had the privilege of getting to know many people from many places all over Turtle Island, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. I have heard so many stories of where folks come from and who raised them, their traumas and triumphs. I have never felt the need to challenge anyone regarding their journey; I was raised to respect that we are all different and that’s what makes us human.
As someone with mixed ancestry, like many folks I have met in Indigenous circles, I respect both our differences and our similarities. For us in Ktaqmkuk, our existence varies from community to community, or home to home. Each family dealt with their own forced assimilation in their own way. Being told they didn’t exist when Newfoundland joined confederation in 1949 left them to decide to either to hide in the shadows or to be punished for living their truth.
As people of what we now call Newfoundland, we are often referred to as resilient, not just the people but the vegetation, the wildlife and landscapes. It is an unforgiving place at times with our harsh weather and short growing seasons. We are rich in resources which is why we were one of the first points of European contact in North America, but for any settler, you weren’t likely to make it here without a good Indigenous guide.
My grandfather, Pearce, would be 107 years old today. He was a very stubborn man. Resilient, perhaps, but most definitely stubborn. In 1945, before Canada took us on as the last province, like other stubborn Mi’kmaq folks on the island, his father James, identified himself honestly as an “Indian”. In a time when we were the Dominion of Newfoundland, this was to no one’s advantage. My grandfather also refused his veteran’s pension because they did not accurately acknowledge which ship he worked on. Years later we found a handwritten letter from my grandmother, Sadie, pleading with Veterans Affairs to excuse my grandfather’s stubbornness as she had many mouths to feed. Despite the hardships that it caused his family to endure, he wasn’t going to deny his truth.
It couldn’t have been easy for her, for any of them. Many families were deeply traumatized by the denial of their Indigeneity. Priests were baptizing children as “child of savage”, jobs were exclusive to non-Indigenous people, folks were not living on reserves. If the existence of the 4 mapped reserves on the island or the Peace and Friendship Treaty that was signed on Codroy Island was acknowledged by the government they’d be responsible for us. Instead, folks were moved to places like Crow Gulch and other areas to keep people out of sight and mind.
Assimilation looks different in different cultures across the world, but the one thing we all have in common is the harm it’s caused. For us, the Indian Act has both hurt and helped us. We want to burn it, but it’s the individuals that twist the meaning of the act that harms us.
Our recognition as Status Indians was a triumph but also a curse and a further means of trauma for many. It has afforded opportunities for reconciliation but has caused community division. Why should the government get to decide who we are?
This path that we are on is one my grandfather could not have imagined in his lifetime, but like many of you, I’m walking this path with my head held high to honour the sacrifices of those that came before us. I will not deny any part of my heritage for anyone’s comfort. We are done with that. My experience may not look like yours, but it is my experience, and no one has the right to judge others.
If you cannot find your connection, if you do not know who you are and where you come from, you can respectfully find your way but always proceed with caution. Be mindful of the space you take and ensure it’s the path your ancestors paved for you. The government of what we know now as Canada has long determined our fates. There will never be enough Land Acknowledgments to heal the harm that has caused, but we can support each other with respect and love. We can protect spaces from exploitation, not by calling people out when we don’t know their stories, but by being strong and confident in our own histories. Those that do not belong will eventually expose themselves. Our focus needs to be on building, not wasting time in tearing down.
As your Chief, I will ask you all to be accountable to who you say you are. If you carry a status card or identify as Indigenous, you must do that with absolute confidence. Understand the responsibility attached to your heritage. Invest in your community, do not tear it down. Understand your history and honour it. Your family line resulted in that privilege and as much as it is a double-edged sword, you have an opportunity your ancestors did not, to be proud and to live out loud. We were hidden in shame too long; we are Mi’kmaq people of Mi’kmak’mi. We are not looking for approval from those trolling the internet, we only have ourselves to answer to. I go to bed each night knowing my Niskamij and Nukumij would be proud, that my parents and children are proud, and that is enough for me.
It’s time to build.
Land-Based Learning Pop Up Day Camps
🌿 Land-Based Learning Pop-Up Camps! 🌿
Qalipu First Nation is excited to offer two one-day Land-Based Learning Pop-Up Camps this summer, bringing hands-on cultural and land-based experiences to communities that have not had week-long camp offerings.
📍 Camp Locations:
- Badger
- Gander Bay
📝 To Register:
Email Alicia Whiffen at awhiffen@qalipu.ca to reserve your spot.
Please include:
- Child’s name
- Age
- Community
- Parent/Guardian name
- Phone number
Staff will follow up with registration details and any required forms. Registration is only confirmed once all required documents have been completed and submitted. Spots are limited, so be sure to register early!
See the attached poster for your community for camp dates and additional information.
Volunteer Committee Members Wanted
Qalipu First Nation is seeking volunteers to serve on seven (7) newly established Special Committees of Council. These committees will provide valuable advice and guidance to Council and Administration while creating new opportunities for members to help shape the Nation’s priorities and initiatives.
Members are invited to express their interest in serving on one of the following committees:
- Events and Commemorations
- Emergency Response Planning
- Youth
- Elders and Seniors
- 2SLGBTQ+ Mi’kmaq Communities
- Disabled Mi’kmaq Communities
- Organizational Review – Kiwaskitayk (We Are Changing)
Each committee has a unique purpose but shares a common goal of strengthening member engagement and ensuring members’ voices inform the Nation’s work.
Committees
The Events and Commemorations Committee will provide guidance, coordination, and support to QFN Administration and Council for Nation-wide events and commemorative activities.
The Emergency Response Planning Committee will provide guidance on emergency preparedness and advise on the development and ongoing review of Qalipu First Nation’s Emergency Response Plan.
The Youth, Elders and Seniors, 2SLGBTQ+ Mi’kmaq Communities, and Disabled Mi’kmaq Communities Committees will provide guidance based on members’ lived experiences, identify priorities affecting their communities, and make recommendations to Council to help strengthen programs, services, and member engagement.
The Kiwaskitayk (We Are Changing) Committee will review Qalipu First Nation’s organizational structure and governance practices and make recommendations to Council that support continuous improvement. Through this work, the committee will help strengthen the Nation’s governance, policies, operational practices, and organizational structure to ensure Qalipu First Nation is well positioned to meet the evolving needs of its members.
Committee Appointments
Qalipu First Nation is seeking members to serve in the following roles:
- Two (2) members to serve on the Events and Commemorations Committee, one of whom must be an Elder.
- Two (2) members to serve on the Emergency Response Planning Committee, one of whom must be an Elder.
- A member to serve as Co-Chair for Each of the Following Committees: Youth, Elders and Seniors, 2SLGBTQ+ Mi’kmaq Communities, and Disabled Mi’kmaq Communities. Once selections are complete, these Committees will be open to all members of these lived experience groups to attend.
- Two (2) members to serve on the Kiwaskitayk Committee. Applicants must not have served as a Qalipu First Nation Councillor or employee within the past ten years and should have significant experience in organizational transformation, governance, or related fields.
Committee appointments are voluntary and will be for a one-year term. At the conclusion of the term, Council will review recommendations to help determine how these committees may become permanent Standing Committees of Council.
Committee meetings will be held in a hybrid format whenever possible, allowing members to participate either in person or virtually.
Express Your Interest
Qalipu First Nation members are encouraged to volunteer for a committee that reflects their interests and lived experience. Committee-specific membership requirements apply.
To express your interest, please complete the Expression of Interest Form by August 3, 2026. Click here to fill out the form:
Expression of Interest: Qalipu First Nation Special Committees of Council
Questions about the committees or the expression of interest process can be sent to info@qalipu.ca
Wela’lin.
View the BCR’s here: Governance – Qalipu
Council Meeting Minutes: Council Meeting Minutes – March 28, 2026 – Qalipu