Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce that they have opened a new office location in Stephenville, located at 43 Main Street.

Staff at the location are prepared to offer services around NIHB benefit claims, SCIS card applications and renewals, and cultural outreach. To make an appointment, please call 709-643-2539.

Qalipu First Nation is holding land-based learning camps for Indigenous youth this summer.  The week-long camps, to take place in July and August, are the first of its kind for the Band and as it works through the challenges of building a camp from the ground up, it has found a friend and partner in Marathon Gold who recently made a substantial donation of $10,000.

Kellie Kerpan, Director of Culture, Tourism and Community Development noted that she often looks to community businesses and organizations for support and that it is a blessing to have had Marathon Gold come to her to offer their support.

“They approached us, usually it’s the other way around.  We get the sense that they really believe in what we’re doing with this initiative.  They came to us and basically said what you’re doing is awesome and we want to help.”

The camps offer youth aged 12-16 a unique opportunity to gather, spend time outside, and do fun activities like rafting on the Exploits River, zip lining, cod fishing and berry picking.  The camps will also connect youth with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, allowing them to engage in their culture.  They will also be encouraged to learn the responsibilities of keeping camp-sweeping the tent, washing dishes, and having respect for the space they share.

Matt Manson, President and CEO, commented: “Marathon Gold is proud to support meaningful initiatives such as the land-based learning camps and looks forward to working together with Qalipu First Nation to explore other opportunities for cultural investment and cooperation.”

The donation from Marathon Gold has helped with many improvements around camp including an upgrade to the picnic shelter that will make it more comfortable for the youth to come in for activities when it’s raining, will offer air conditioning for Elders on hot days, and allow for running of a fridge and stove.

“We also used the money to replace an old outhouse on the site and build platforms for the Labrador tents.  The remaining funds will be put towards cultural activities and supplies.

Kellie noted that the camps are approaching full capacity, but a few seats remain for each.

“Youth can still sign up.  Everything is free and we will even take care of travel.  Our staff are trained in wilderness first aid and have all clearance checks.  Most importantly, they are so fun and can’t wait to be at camp this summer.”

Camp Dates and Registration Contacts:

July 10-14
July 17-21
July 24-28
August 7-11
August 14-18
August 21-25

For more information about this opportunity, or to register, please contact Kimberly Butt at kbutt@qalipu.ca or Paul Pike at ppike@qalipu.ca

June 23, 2023, marked a historic day in Burgeo as parties from across the province and across Canada came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on establishing a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in the South Coast Fjords area.  The multipartite collaboration includes the Government of Canada, the Province of Newfoundland, the Miawpukek First Nation, the Qalipu First Nation and the Town of Burgeo.

The South Coast Fjords area, dubbed a biodiversity hotspot, is among the most productive marine environments in Atlantic Canada.  The coastal and marine ecosystems include spruce-fir forests, rocky barrens, sand dunes, flat sandy beaches, estuaries, large granite cliffs and deep, glacially carved fjords.  The coasts and waters are home to dolphins, porpoises and many endangered species.

Coming together to work on this project has been deeply meaningful to the Qalipu First Nation.

Chief Brendan Mitchell noted, “You have only to stand at the ocean’s edge to appreciate the power, beauty, and significance of water. This commitment to collaborate on the establishment of a new marine protected area in the South Coast Fjords region gives great meaning to me in my role as Chief. I look forward to working together in the spirit of protection and preservation of the world’s oceans.”

Following the official event which included drumming by the Burgeo First Nation Ladies Drumming Group, speeches, and MOU signing, participants travelled over to the Sandbanks Provincial Park for a Water Ceremony led by Arlene Blanchard White.

Chief Mitchell noted, “When we gathered at the beach, the importance of the day and the MOU we had just signed really hit home.  As leaders, we are very busy, and things can sometimes get lost in the politics and busyness of it all.  When we stood together in a circle to honour the water in ceremony, when we prayed for the waters that sustain us, that is when I believe we could all really feel the significance of what we were doing.  Water is life, without it, we would be lost.”

Parents and Guardians, schools out! Are you looking for something fun for your children to do this summer?

Qalipu First Nation is holding land-based learning camps at Indian Point, near Millertown in central NL. We’d love to have your kids join us! Camps are open to status, non-status and youth allies!

Not only will they get the health benefits of being outside on a daily basis, but they will also participate in river rafting, zip lining, harvesting berries, interacting with Elders and Knowledge Keepers on a daily basis, drum making, helping/learning to cook and clean (labrador tents, bathrooms, kitchen, etc), traditional crafting, working on restoring mamateeks, and harvesting cod out on Badger Bay with us!

Youth can sign up for one or all camps. Everything is absolutely FREE. We will even get your kids to camp. Camps will run Monday through Friday with weekends off.

Staff are trained in wilderness first aid, have all clearance checks and are super fun to interact with!

We can be your kids’ summer entertainment, all the while they are learning and won’t know it. It’s designed to be educational but more so fun!

Send us a message and or connect with Kim or Paul to register. Seats are limited for all the dates on the poster, first come-first serve.

Youth between the ages of 12 and 16 are invited to register for upcoming Land-Based Learning Camps set to take place this summer at Indian Point, Millertown. Camp dates are as follows:

July 10-14
July 17-21
July 24-28
August 7-11
August 14-18
August 21-25

For more information about this opportunity, or to register, please contact Kimberly Butt at kbutt@qalipu.ca or Paul Pike at ppike@qalipu.ca