Members who avail of Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) are advised that our offices will be closed for Christmas holidays starting at noon on Thursday, December 21st and will reopen at 9am on Wednesday, January 3rd.

During this office closure time, new pre-approval requests for medical transportation will not be completed.  If members wish to have pre-approval bookings for appointments that are scheduled during the holidays until January 12th, it is required that your pre-approval request and all supporting documentation are received prior to 4pm on December 12th.

Please note that the NIHB medical transportation program is not an emergency service and eligible expenses can be reimbursed by completing a claim form and returning it along with supporting documentation.  If you have any questions, please contact the Manager of Health and Wellness at 709-634-4399 or email ageorge@qalipu.ca.

ISO 9001 is the international standard for Quality Management.  The standards look at a company’s level of excellence in leadership, attention to process, evidence-based decision making, engagement, relationship management, customer focus and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Band recently renewed its commitment to this standard following an extensive three-day external audit.  Originally achieved in 2015, maintenance of ISO certification requires an annual audit and a certification renewal every three years.

Band Manager Charles Pender celebrated the accomplishment in an email to the Qalipu team.

“This is a great achievement for QFN and was made possible by the work of our dedicated ISO Internal Audit Team and all staff who regularly work to ensure that we maintain the highest standards.”

Rod Bennett, Director of Operations, leads the team of internal auditors.  The team conducts scheduled audits to ensure performance and compliance and together, they help the Band prepare for the annual microscope on how well it’s meeting the standards.

“This accomplishment has been a team effort, and I would like to say thank you to our internal audit team for all the hard work that they have done this past year.  These folks have taken on these duties outside their regular scope of work and that is commendable.”

Paula Colombe, Administrative Assistant for the Education and Training Department is one of Rod’s key people.  She shared some details on what it means to be part of the team.

“Our main objective is to gather information by asking employees to demonstrate, with records and other documentation, that they are following set processes.  After we conduct our audit, we prepare a report that outlines non-conformance or opportunities for improvement.  It’s demanding for everyone involved, but it’s rewarding when we see ourselves get to the other side achieving what we set out to do.”

2023 Internal Audit Team

Rod Bennett (Operations Dept.), Paula Colombe (Education and Training Dept.), Annette George (Health and Wellness Dept.), Allyson Robbins (Culture, Tourism and Community Development Dept.), Travis Hulan, (Housing division); Karen Tiller (Finance Dept.) and Ryan Matthews (Operations Department).

Applications are now being accepted for the Marathon Gold—Qalipu First Nation Scholarship. There are five (5) scholarships available, and each is valued at $1,000.00

The Marathon Gold – Qalipu First Nation Scholarship is designed to encourage and support Qalipu band members with their career development and growth as they attend post-secondary education institutions.

Please click here for further details and to complete the application

Applications are due by January 31, 2024.

Come out for a chat and a cup of tea!

Qalipu First Nation invites band members in the Badger area to meet them at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre on December 6th at 6:30 PM.  Staff members from all departments will be on hand to share information about programs and services, talk about upcoming opportunities, and gather feedback for the Band’s future direction.

Staff will be on hand to take free passport-style photos and assist with SCIS renewals.

This is the third in a series of community gatherings that will move across the territory, visiting areas where the Band has not yet hosted a meeting.

Details regarding additional dates and locations for the Community Conversations will be shared on the Band’s website www.qalipu.ca.

Experience Qalipu will host an online auction of Mi’kmaw Art & Craft, on December 7-10, 2023, on Facebook.  Just in time for your holiday shopping!

Details on how to sell your art & craft at the auction will be shared in the coming days, along with details for shoppers like how to bid and win the item of your dreams!

Join the group now and stay tuned for more details:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2837911609771089/