MemberInvite

Swearing-in Ceremony

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Pre-registration is now open for the Swearing-in Ceremony of the 2024-2028 Chief and Council. The ceremony is being held at Marble Mountain, Steady Brook on November 29 with the doors opening at 9:00am, drumming and dancing starting at 9:30am and the formal ceremony beginning at 10:00am. There will be space to smudge and light refreshments will be available.

Attendance in-person requires PRE-REGISTRATION and is for MEMBERS ONLY. Members will be required to present a VALID Status Card upon arrival.

To pre-register you can call Allyson at 709-634-5111 or email arobbins@qalipu.ca before the deadline of November 26th at 12:00pm. You must state your name, phone number and band number for your pre-registration in your email or in the event you are sent to telephone voicemail.

Members can view the ceremony’s livestream by logging on to their KINU membership profile: https://mala.qalipu.ca/ginu/login.aspx

Nov 15

Message from the Chief – November 15, 2024

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As we make our way through the month of November, also known to some as Movember, a time dedicated to raising awareness for men’s mental health, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of culturally relevant health care for our community.

We know that many men face silent battles with mental health. Shame and stigma often prevent folks from seeking help, and western approaches to health care don’t always reflect the spiritual and cultural needs of Mi’kmaq people.

Regardless of culture, our healthcare system must provide culturally safe spaces that support holistic healing and embrace every stage of life, from its beginning to our journey to the spirit world and every moment in between. Patients should never face discrimination or be denied the ceremonies they need during times of vulnerability.

Men’s mental health is not just a men’s issue, it affects families, communities, and future generations. We must continue to push for more resources and supports that reflect who we are as Mi’kmaq people, health care that integrates traditional teachings and guidance from Elders. This isn’t just about health—it’s about respecting identity and committing to true reconciliation.

Reach out to the men in your lives, check on your friends, family and neighbours. Together, we can challenge harmful stereotypes and ensure that seeking help is seen as an act of courage, not weakness.  By advocating for culturally supported health care, we can create safe spaces where our people feel seen and heard. The health and prosperity of our Nation must include everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or beliefs, we are stronger together.

 

Relevant Links:

Qalipu First Nation Non-Insured Health Benefits: https://qalipu.ca/health/non-insured-health-benefits/

Journey of Collaboration: https://nlhealthservices.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PT_JOC_small.pdf

Health Accord for Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.healthaccordnl.ca/

RCMP Applications Open for Summer 2025

RCMP/QFN Summer Student Applications are now OPEN!

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The RCMP/QFN Summer Student program was launched in 1999 through the Federation of Newfoundland Indians and has been a great stepping- stone to help students decide in a career in the RCMP is the right path for them. This 9-week program runs from June to August and includes a training session at the RCMP Headquarters in St. John’s (all expenses paid). Throughout the summer, students visit campgrounds, daycares, youth camps, and similar venues to promote safe and healthy communities. Students give presentations on bike safety, sun and water safety, bullying prevention, and online safety. They also provide presentations to seniors, attend community events, and assist with administrative tasks at the depot. The Education and Training Department are now accepting applications for the Summer of 2025. Applications can be found here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/RCMP-QFN-Summer-Student-Program-Application-Revised-October-6-2023-1.pdf

Students can earn $16.00 per hour and must have completed high school, identify as Indigenous (priority given to QFN members), be between the ages of 19-29 as of June 30, hold a valid driver’s license, registered as a full-time student and planning on returning to studies in the Fall, not have a criminal record and be successful in the RCMP screening process.

PRE-APPROVAL FOR MEDICAL TRAVEL (1)

Notice: NIHB Pre-Approvals

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Members who avail of Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) are advised that our offices will be closed for Christmas holidays starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, December 20th and reopen at 9 a.m. on January 6th.

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 13th, it is required that your pre-approval request and all supporting documentation are received prior to 4 pm on December 13th.

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 Non-Insured Health Benefits at 709-634-3144 or email mmuise@qalipu.ca.

NIHB pre-approvals can be emailed to mtpreapprovals@qalipu.ca or call 709-634-3386

Nov 8

Message from the Chief – November 8, 2024

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This week, the Honourable Murray Sinclair started his journey to the spirit world.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Murray Sinclair graduated from his high school as the valedictorian, went on to obtain a degree in law and served as Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge, and was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2016. He was a remarkable leader whose dedication to Indigenous rights and reconciliation profoundly shaped the path forward for Indigenous people in Canada.

As Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Murray Sinclair led the country through an honest and painful journey, bringing Indigenous voices, stories, and experiences to the forefront, laying the groundwork for healing and creating 94 Calls to Action that continue to guide us all. His important work has empowered us to speak openly about our histories and advocate for meaningful change, not only in education and justice but in every aspect of Canadian society.

Murray Sinclair’s lifelong work has challenged deep-rooted inequalities and built bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and should serve as a reminder to us all that reconciliation is a journey that we must walk together with courage and commitment.

By sharing our knowledge, holding our truths, and standing together, we can ensure that Senator Sinclair’s vision of justice and healing lives on. May we find inspiration in his strength as we continue our efforts to uplift our people and preserve the traditions and values that define us as Mi’kmaq people of Ktaqmkuk.

Related Articles:

Official Obituary for Murray Sinclair: Official Obituary for The Honourable Murray Sinclair (1951-2024) | Mizana Gheezhik (Sen. Murray Sinclair)

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/about/history-of-the-trc/trc-commissioners/

Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524494530110/1557511412801

Nov 1

Message from the Central Vice-Chief – November 1, 2024

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It is nearly the end of the term for Central Region Vice Chief, Andy Barker. Andy is finishing his fouth term on council, having previously served three terms (9 years) as the Exploits Ward Councilor. Andy was invited to offer some outgoing words for the message from the Chief this week.

Typically, nowadays, political leaders tend to run a campaign with a slogan that will guide their course of action if their party forms the government. In the USA in 1992, the Democratic Party’s Presidential candidate Bill Clinton campaigned with slogan, “It’s the Economy Stupid”. That slogan was coined by Clinton’s campaign strategist, James Carville.

At our last Environment and Natural Resources Committee meeting in September, as Chair, I expressed the point of view that Qalipu First Nation needs to be more active in the better care of our planet; walk in the moccasins of our ancestors. Thus, I gave Carville’s slogan a twist with, “It’s the Environment Stupid”.

New sources are constantly informing us about natural disasters all over the world, with such disasters tied to global warming. Whether you believe in global warming or not, the health and safety of all life on this planet is totally dependent upon clean air, water, and land. To achieve a cleaner environment much of the corporate world needs a good kick in the shins – do better than you are doing. However, before you start putting the boots to industry, you might want to determine if you need a few kicks yourself by questioning your own behaviour. Do I constantly waste food thus pressuring the food industry to produce much more food than we actually need? Do I wait in drive- throughs for minutes on end all the while my vehicle pollutes the atmosphere with exhaust fumes? Do I use the highways, byways, and waterways as my personal dumping grounds for food and beverage containers and household refuse? Do I drive my off-road vehicle anywhere I please be it on peat lands or shorelines? Do I buy, year after year, fashion trend clothing and footwear that all too soon ends up in landfills here or abroad? Do I use more and more plastic decorations (sources of nano plastics pollution) for such events as birthday parties, graduations, Halloween, and Christmas? Do I make a rigorous valiant effort to recycle, reduce, and reuse? It is a humongous, but not impossible challenge, to rejuvenate our precious blessed world. However, to ignore that challenge, we do so at our peril.

It’s the Environment Stupid. Msit No’kmaq.

Election 2024-8

Election Results for Qalipu First Nation Chief and Council 2024-2028

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The voting window for the Qalipu First Nation Band Council Election ended 8pm on Friday October 25. As per the referendum vote in the 2021 election, the newly elected Chief and Council will be the governing body of Qalipu First Nation for the next 4 years, term ending, next election in the Fall of 2028.

Welcome your Chief and Council 2024-2028.

Click here to view the 2024 Election End of Polls – Signed by Electoral Officer

Click here to view the 2024 Election End of Polls – Detailed Vote Count

Quick Summary of Chief and Council 2024-2028

Chief – Jenny (Jennifer) Brake

Western Vice-Chief – Charles White

Central Vice-Chief – Colleen Paul

Exploits Ward Councilor – Shianne Squires

Glenwood Ward Councilor – Francis (Frank) Skeard

Port au Port Ward Councilor – Lory Benoit-Jesso

Acclaimed:

Benoit’s Cove Ward Councilor – Terri Greene

Corner Brook Ward Councilor – Ernest Green

Flat Bay Ward Councilor – Ivan White (Sr.)

Gander Bay Ward Councilor – Calvin Francis

Stephenville Ward Councilor – Miranda Osmond

St. George’s Ward Councilor – By-Election TBD

Following a 30-day appeal period, per the Custom Election Rules, governing Qalipu elections, the new Chief and Council will be sworn in and take office.

Custom Election Rules be found here on the website Election Hub: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu-election-hub/

Electoral Officer, Reisha Knott,  709-486-2427 or rknott@qalipu.ca

Election 2024-10-Election Day

Election Day for Qalipu First Nation

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Today, Friday, October 25, 2024 at 8:00pm NL Standard time the voting window will officially close. Members who need assistance or are looking to retrieve their voters PIN, can call into the voters helpline at 1-888-281-8683 from 9:00am until 8:00pm Newfoundland standard time.

Results of the election, under the direction of the Electoral Officer, Reisha Knott will be posted at approximately 8:30pm NL Standard Time at Qalipu.ca, Qalipu First Nation Facebook Page, and Twitter at @Qalipu2011.

October 18

Message from the Chief – October 18, 2024

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October is Mi’kmaq History Month, a time filled with opportunities to celebrate our culture, traditions, knowledge, and the wisdom shared by our elders. This is a time to reflect on our collective history. We are the stewards of this place, and we must focus on our responsibility to nurture respectful relationships with one another and the land that has sustained us for so many generations.

When we explore the natural world, or when we share our stories, songs and creations, we honour our ancestors. Keeping their wisdom and our cultural traditions alive is the best way to show our respect for them. Our culture is so rich with the teachings of those who came before us; from them we have inherited resilience, innovation, and the ability to adapt while holding fast.

As we celebrate our shared history, we must also acknowledge the challenges we have overcome. One such milestone in our fight for equality was the hard-earned right to vote. It wasn’t until 1960, not so long ago, that Indigenous people in Canada were finally granted the right to vote in federal elections without having to give up their Indian Status. That moment in history marked a significant step forward, allowing our voices to be heard in the political decisions that shape our lives.

Remembering the fight for voting rights is a reminder of the resilience and determination that defines us as Mi’kmaq people. While that particular victory was long overdue, achieving it was a testament to our strength and commitment to ensuring that our voices are always part of the conversation, whether in the halls of government or around the fires of our own communities.

Mi’kmaq History Month is not only a celebration of who we are, but a vivid reminder that our journey continues. Let us all be inspired this month, and take this time to learn, share, and pass down the knowledge and values that make us who we are. Let’s ensure our culture, language, and beautiful traditions thrive for generations to come.