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NIHB Benefit Update

Posted by Qalipu on

The Qalipu First Nation Health and Wellness Department wishes to advise membership that high volumes of claims and pre-approval requests for medical travel along with other extenuating circumstances have resulted in claim processing times that exceed 12 weeks. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your continued patience as we work towards remedying this situation. During this time we ask the membership to avoid contacting the office to inquire on the status of claims, as staff are currently addressing the high work volumes in order to expedite the processing of claims and pre-approval requests.

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Message from the Chief – June 8, 2023

Posted by Qalipu on

Kwe’,

Well, we had a day or two that felt like summer and then plenty of wind and rain! That’s Newfoundland for you but I can’t complain; the trees are once again covered in leaves; dandelions offer splashes of brightness and when we consider the many challenges faced by others in the world, I know that to call this place home is a blessing.

Chief dancing with Eva and Aaliyah Pike at first Exploits MawiomiAs we look forward to warmer days ahead, we can also anticipate a chance to gather with family and friends at a variety of events happening this summer.  I believe we even have enough powwows to say we have our own Newfoundland powwow trail!  There are events happening in Conne River, Flat Bay, Degrau, Burgeo and Corner Brook.

Up first is National Indigenous Peoples Day on Wednesday, June 21.  I’ve heard about events happening in various communities and I’m excited to celebrate this important day that celebrates the history, culture and unique contributions of Indigenous people in this country.

In Corner Brook, I invite you to meet me at the Sunrise Ceremony hosted by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association.  I look forward to that peaceful morning light and the special bonds that are formed when we stand together to give thanks for another day.

Later, we’ll gather on the Majestic Lawn in front of our offices at 3 Church Street.  From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM there will be singing, drumming, activities, and fun for the whole family.  We’ll fire up the BBQ for lunch and please know that everyone is welcome.

I wish you all the best this season and look forward to seeing you soon! Have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Wela’lin

Chief Brendan

 

Newfoundland Powwow Trail:

July 7-9 in Conne River

July 14-16 in Flat Bay

July 22-23 in Degrau

August 4-5 in Burgeo

August 12 in Corner Brook

 

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Health Focus Ward Meetings

Posted by Qalipu on

Learn about your benefits, programs, and services, and give your opinion on the future of health and wellness at Qalipu First Nation

Do you have questions about what’s covered with your NIHB Health Benefits, or how to access that coverage?

Would you like to be more aware of everything you can access under health programs for Indigenous people?

Do you have suggestions about how the Health and Wellness Department at Qalipu First Nation can grow into the future?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be interested in attending a health-themed Ward meeting in your area.  Later this month we’ll hold meetings in Glenwood, Grand Falls-Windsor, Benoit’s Cove, Stephenville, and St. George’s.  The meetings will bring together Ward Councilors, local Elders, the NIHB Navigator, the Mental Wellness Navigator, the Indigenous Patient Navigator, the Jordan’s Principle Coordinator and the Director of Health and Wellness all in one room to share resources, answer questions and meet face-to-face with our Band members.  We’ll also have a brief session regarding the future of health and wellness at Qalipu First Nation and provide you with the opportunity to share your opinion.

Everyone who attends the meeting will have the chance at a door prize: a $100 gift certificate for a wellness service of your choice, in your area.  This could be anything from massage to chiropractic to dietician services and more.  We have some beautiful swag to give away to our guests as well!

Mark your calendar and come out to meet our team! We can’t wait to see you there.

 

Meeting Schedule

Glenwood – June 11, 2023, 2:00-4:00 PM at the Glenwood Town Hall, 26 Main Street

Grand Falls-Windsor – June 11, 2023, 6:00-8:00 PM at the Qalipu Community Room, 28 Hardy Avenue

Stephenville—June 12, 2023, 6:00-8:00 PM at College of the North Atlantic, DSB Fowlow Lecture Theatre, 432 Massachusetts Drive

Benoit’s Cove—June 13, 2023, 6:00-8:00 PM at the Humber Arm South Town Hall Extension, 103 Hillview Rd.

St. George’s—June 14, 2023, 6:00-8:00 PM at the Royal Canadian Legion, 9 Steel Mountain Rd.

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Update Regarding Accommodations and NIHB Medical Travel

Posted by Qalipu on

Due to hotel shortages in St. John’s, Non Insured Health Benefits staff may not be able to book accommodations for medical travel. Members travelling for medical reasons may be required to book their own accommodations with other short-term accommodation providers and seek reimbursement later. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Find medical travel reimbursement forms and guidelines here: https://qalipu.ca/health/non-insured-health-benefits/

Press Release

Winners of the Qalipu First Nation/Marathon Gold 2023 Scholarships

Posted by Qalipu on

Qalipu First Nation and Marathon Gold are pleased to announce the winners of the first round of scholarships introduced last year to encourage and support Qalipu band members with career development and growth as they attend post-secondary education.  Five scholarships, valued at $1,000.00 each, will be presented annually over the next 5 years.

Please join us in congratulating Kaylee White, Tanner Wells, Chelsea Beaton, Matthew Antle and Anna Brake, winners of this year’s scholarships.  Each of these students demonstrates the attributes and qualities upon which this scholarship was based, academic excellence, community service and extracurricular involvement.

Qalipu Chief Brendan Mitchell noted that the promotion of educational pursuits is one of the top priorities for the Band.

“We fund hundreds of band members each year through our education programs and value every opportunity to see our people pursue an education and find success.  This scholarship, founded in partnership with Marathon Gold, greatly supports students.  We are proud of the accomplishments of this year’s winners.”

Matt Manson, President & CEO of Marathon Gold commented:  “Marathon Gold is pleased to be able to partner with Qalipu First Nation in establishing this important scholarship program. We recognize the challenges and the rewards that come with furthering one’s education and would like to acknowledge the hard work, community involvement and academic achievements of the five scholarship recipients.  We wish them all much success in their future endeavours.”

Congratulations to all!

 

-Update- Service Members Agreement

Update on the Service Members Agreement Process: Incomplete Submissions

Posted by Qalipu on

A letter called Incomplete Submission. was sent on May 15, 2023 to those applicants who provided their documentation with missing or incomplete information:

  • the Declaration form;
  • signature on the Declaration form;
  • signature on the Acknowledgement and Release;
  • witness signature on the Acknowledgement and Release;
  • proof of service;
  • a certified true copy stamp on the proof of service

The applicants receiving this letter will have 30 days to provide their documents and correct the missing or incomplete information, sent to this address:

Enrolment Committee
Indigenous Services Canada
Box 9100
Winnipeg MB R3C 0M9

Your response must be postmarked no later than June 15, 2023.

If you don’t respond by that date, the Enrolment Committee or the Appeal Master will not consider your application further. The existing decision of the Enrolment Committee to reject your application for founding membership will remain in effect.

Click here for the Service Members Agreement – Questions & Answers

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MMIWG2S National Day of Awareness – “Say Their Names” Photo Collection

Posted by Qalipu on

Last Friday, May 5th, marked the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirited People (MMIWG2S). Qalipu First Nation commemorated the day with an event at the Mikwite’tm [mig we day dum – I remember] Garden in Corner Brook; “Say Their Name” was a spiritual community gathering featuring smudging, prayer, words of remembrance, poster making and a walk of awareness.

Shawn and Linda Leamon remember and bring awareness to the loss of their niece, Beverly Brake.
Shawn and Linda Leamon remember and bring awareness to the loss of their niece, Beverly Brake.
Glenda Buckle hung a red dress as part of a ceremony in which women hung red dresses around the garden while men placed red carnations at the centre. Glenda is holding a photo of her sister, Janet Louvelle, whose life was taken before her 17th birthday. Glenda was an essential member of the team in the planning of Mikwite'tm Garden. The space was developed to bring awareness and honour to missing and murdered Indigenous women and children.
Glenda Buckle hung a red dress as part of a ceremony in which women hung red dresses around the garden while men placed red carnations at the centre. Glenda is holding a photo of her sister, Janet Louvelle, whose life was taken before her 17th birthday.
Glenda was an essential member of the team in the planning of Mikwite’tm Garden. The space was developed to bring awareness and honour to missing and murdered Indigenous women and children.
Chief Mitchell poses with the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women's Association who were on hand to support the event with prayer and song.
Chief Mitchell poses with the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association who were on hand to support the event with prayer and song.
Sgt. Shawna Park of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was MC for the event. We suspect Shawna may have been the first in Canada to pair her ribbon skirt with her uniform two years ago at the grand opening of Mikwite'tm Garden.
Sgt. Shawna Park of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was MC for the event.
We suspect Shawna may have been the first in Canada to pair her ribbon skirt with her uniform two years ago at the grand opening of Mikwite’tm Garden.
Western Vice Chief Jenny Brake spoke about the importance of bringing awareness to the serious issue of violence in communities. The Vice Chiefs' artwork is featured as the central design of Mikwite'tm Garden.
Western Vice Chief Jenny Brake spoke about the importance of bringing awareness to the serious issue of violence in communities.
The Vice Chiefs’ artwork is featured as the central design of Mikwite’tm Garden.
Kaylee Sullivan, Education Outreach Officer with the Band, shared her poem Mikwit'lmulek (we remember you). It reads, in part, "Please find our girls/ Find our women/ Before they join the stars forever/ And for those who have already/ crossed the rainbow bridge of light,/ Find peace, my sister, as I fight for/ you/ Mikwite'lmulek. We Remember You."
Kaylee Sullivan, Education Outreach Officer with the Band, shared her poem Mikwit’lmulek (we remember you).
It reads, in part, “Please find our girls/ Find our women/ Before they join the stars forever/ And for those who have already/ crossed the rainbow bridge of light,/ Find peace, my sister, as I fight for/ you/ Mikwite’lmulek. We Remember You.”
Women and girls formed a circle of unity around the Spirit Bay Drummers.
Women and girls formed a circle of unity around the Spirit Bay Drummers.
Amandeep Brar and her son, Jatinder (age 6) participated in poster and banner making. The creations were held by participants on the walk along West Street.
Amandeep Brar and her son, Jatinder (age 6) participated in poster and banner making. The creations were held by participants on the walk along West Street.
(L-R) Band Manager Charles Pender with Andrew Simmons, Director of Finance.
(L-R) Band Manager Charles Pender with Andrew Simmons, Director of Finance.
Lezley McCarthy, Manager of Tourism and Community Development, played a key role in organizing the event. Pictured here with Derek Baldwin of Corner Brook. During the event, a moment of silence was observed during which participants called out the names of lost women and girls, listed on the placard.
Lezley McCarthy, Manager of Tourism and Community Development, played a key role in organizing the event. Pictured here with Derek Baldwin of Corner Brook.
During the event, a moment of silence was observed during which participants called out the names of lost women and girls, listed on the placard.
(L-R) Kristen Pittman, Ashley Young, Monica Companion, Tina Diamond Guests at "Say Their Name" were encouraged to wear red to help raise awareness of MMIWG2S
(L-R) Kristen Pittman, Ashley Young, Monica Companion, Tina Diamond
Guests at “Say Their Name” were encouraged to wear red to help raise awareness of MMIWG2S
Chief Mitchell walking with RNC Inspector Gerard Webb. During the walk, the Chief and others shared songs on their drums.
Chief Mitchell walking with RNC Inspector Gerard Webb.
During the walk, the Chief and others shared songs on their drums.
Three generations Keith Goulding with daughter Rebecca Oake and grandson, Lincoln Oake.
Three generations
Keith Goulding with daughter Rebecca Oake and grandson, Lincoln Oake.
This card tells the story of a lost life Marion Brake holds one of the twenty-seven cards that were given to participants to read and learn about the lives of those who have been lost in our province.
This card tells the story of a lost life
Marion Brake holds one of the twenty-seven cards that were given to participants to read and learn about the lives of those who have been lost in our province.
The event planning team, Department of Culture, Tourism and Community Development (L-R) Kellie Kerpan (Director) and staff Lezley McCarthy, Kaylee Sullivan, Monica Companion, Allyson Robbins, Lindsey Swift, (front) Paul Pike, Marty Benoit.
The event planning team, Department of Culture, Tourism and Community Development
(L-R) Kellie Kerpan (Director) and staff Lezley McCarthy, Kaylee Sullivan, Monica Companion, Allyson Robbins, Lindsey Swift, (front) Paul Pike, Marty Benoit.