Strategic Planning Health 2023-1

Strategic Plan to be Developed for the Health and Wellness Department

Posted by Qalipu on

The Health and Wellness Department at Qalipu First Nation has taken the first step in what will be a months-long project to develop a Strategic Plan to guide the future of health services with the Band.  A launch meeting with the Bands planning group along with the Business Development Organization (BDO), the successful proponent in a Request for Proposals for the Strategy that was issued last fall, took place late last week.

Mitch Blanchard, Director of the Health and Wellness Department, is leading the project and reports that he is looking forward to planning for the future and enhanced strategic direction for his growing group of employees.

“The intention of the Strategic Plan is to develop a vision for the future of health services, to better understand needs, service gaps, and priorities for health and wellness among our community members.  With the strategy in hand, we have a road map for the future that guides our work.  I’m looking forward to the process, and the outcomes of the strategic planning exercise.

Mitch noted that BDO will be reaching out to Band members and other stakeholders to inform the plan, to help determine priorities, programs and initiatives that are reflective of community need.

“We are hoping for a high level of engagement with the planning process and encourage Band members in particular to participate in survey’s and engagement sessions when the time comes.”

Brian Critch, Manager with BDO’s Advisory team, is leading the project delivery team and created the engagement strategy for the project.

“Our team is thrilled to be working with the Qalipu First Nation at this crucial juncture for the Health and Wellness Department. This initiative is especially timely with healthcare being the focus of discussions at all levels of government. We will be holding several town hall sessions throughout the membership regions to hear from members directly through the Spring, and all members will have several opportunities to provide their input either in person or online.”

The development of this strategy is part of the Band’s overall Strategic Plan, and will align with priorities identified in the Comprehensive Community Plan.

Group Shot of the kids before heading out to learn on the land survival skills.

Land-Based Camp Provides Learning Opportunities in the Great Outdoors

Posted by Qalipu on
The fire picture was taken from inside the emergency shelter that the youth, along with Brent Watkins (DFO), helped craft.
The fire picture was taken from inside the emergency shelter that the youth, along with Brent Watkins (DFO), helped craft.

Earlier this month ten youths from across Qalipu territory gathered at Max Simms Camp along with Elders and knowledge sharers for three days of learning about life on the land.

The weekend’s activities included learning about trapping, snowshoeing, survival training, storytelling and even a waltes tournament.  Terri Humphries, Manager of Culture and Community Outreach, reported that the youth were attentive and ready to learn.

“The wifi going down was the best thing that could have happened.  Suddenly none of us were checking our phones.  We were together and engaged, seeing a glimpse of life on the land as our ancestors would have known.”

Terri was thankful for the community leaders who came forward to share their knowledge and skills.

Jeff Butler letting the kids take a whiff of some oils that he uses in his traps to lure animals in. He wouldn’t bring them inside as he said, “they may stink out the camp.”
Jeff Butler letting the kids take a whiff of some oils that he uses in his traps to lure animals in. He wouldn’t bring them inside as he said, “they may stink out the camp.”

“We had Jeff Butler and Brent Watkins who work for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, but came along to share their personal experience and knowledge in trapping and on the land survival. As well as Windell Watkins and Frank Skeard who demonstrated to the youth life saving skills and the uses for items growing in nature. Councillor Charlene Combdon came to say hello and deliver a treat to the youth who were gathered in her Ward.  She ended up staying on into the evening! It was the kind of feeling you didn’t want to leave.”

Terri shared that Elder Muchie Bennett was also on hand for the event and spent a lot of time storytelling during the evening to the attentive youth. We were also delighted when youth wanted to drum and sing a song. One youth even showed us some Fancy Shawl dance moves along with the music.

“This is the first land camp since covid and considering the positive impact this gathering had on both youth and adult alike, we will be doing it again in the future.”

Backpacks from the department were filled with gear that would prepare the kids if they got lost in the woods. Items such as matches and fire starter, fishing line, tarp, compass, extra mittens, first aid kits.
Backpacks from the department were filled with gear that would prepare the kids if they got lost in the woods. Items such as matches and fire starter, fishing line, tarp, compass, extra mittens, first aid kits.
Press Release

Clarification Regarding Rebrand of the Cultural Foundation

Posted by Qalipu on

Qalipu’s Cultural Foundation was launched in February 2014 to support Band members in connecting with and discovering their Mi’kmaw culture. To ensure success, the Band assigned staff to support the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, committed funds and other resources, and appointed a member of the Council to serve on the Board of Directors. Partnership and collaboration were essential for the operation of this arms-length Cultural Foundation.

In 2021, after years of working together on fundraising, hosting events, and supporting Mi’kmaw culture together, the Foundation dismissed Qalipu staff from their team. Although actively recruiting individuals to fill vacancies on their board, they failed to accept Qalipu Council’s proposed representative to their Board table. Council became further concerned when the Cultural Foundation changed their bylaws on three occasions to remove any governance or oversight by Qalipu First Nation related to the operation of the Cultural Foundation.

It became clear that the Foundation intended to move forward without the Qalipu Band when they sent a letter to Chief and Council outlining their desire to separate from the First Nation, and for the freedom to move forward with a pan-Indigenous approach not tied solely to supporting Band members.

The Chairperson of the Foundation wrote:

“As a result, we have decided to proceed with the original intent to follow through with QCF as the proponent organization and build our proposal in pursuit of the cross-cultural project. We will seek partnerships with QFN, and other potential funding sources including other Indigenous groups in the province.

 

We respect and are extremely thankful for all of the support that has been given to us from QFN over the past several years. However, I have been given clear direction that the current board wishes to remain a separate entity, and that in doing so, we need to take the actions stated above in order to grow a level whereby we can achieve the independence that QCF was intended for.”

Qalipu First Nation was saddened to see this once positive relationship change significantly but has supported the Cultural Foundation in moving forward in the direction it envisioned. However, in consideration of the fact that using the name “Qalipu” implied some affiliation or relationship, confusing Band members, funders, government, and other stakeholders, it became necessary that the Band direct the Cultural Foundation to cease using “Qalipu” in its name.

To that end, a motion from Qalipu First Nation Council was passed, and a letter sent directing the Foundation to remove the “Qalipu” from its name. The Foundation announced its rebrand on March 10th, 2023. It will now be known as the Mi’kmaq Cultural Foundation.

During this transition time, we would like Qalipu First Nation members to know that we maintain our commitment to the preservation and promotion of our Mi’kmaq history, language, culture, and heritage. We will continue to host cultural workshops, and find ways to move forward in support of groups and organizations who also share this vision.

Qalipu First Nation wishes the Mi’kmaq Cultural Foundation well with their endeavours and remain open to opportunities for collaboration.

TUS prize pack 2023
Complete the survey to be entered to win a set of camping and fishing equipment! The Prize pack (valued at $500) includes: 1x Woods 8-man tent, 1x Woods Queen-size air mattress with 2-in-1 pump, 2x Shakespeare fishing rods with tackle boxes

Traditional Knowledge Study – big prize pack to be won by someone who completes the survey!

Posted by Qalipu on

Qalipu First Nation is conducting a Traditional Knowledge study. Focused primarily on Newfoundland’s coastal and marine areas, we want to understand how Qalipu First Nation members use the local waters and abundant resources. This data will be used internally at Qalipu Environment and Natural Resources to help make informed decisions for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in our local waters. Individuals’ private and sensitive information will not be published or shared without consent.

To take the survey click here or copy and paste the URL into your browser: https://trailmarkapp.com/tm/?client=qalipu&survey=2f753bbfbc4fc4306b38ff82a7384cae

The survey is estimated to take 15-30 minutes to complete.

Coin awards
(L-R) DFO Brent Watkins, DFO Area Chief; Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Officer; Kellie Kerpan, Director of Culture Tourism and Community Development; Wayne Sullivan, DFO Conservation and Protection Supervisor and; Lloyd Slaney, DFO Director of Conservation and Protection

Members of the Qalipu Team Receive Awards, Recognition for their Work Advancing Reconciliation

Posted by Qalipu on

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans held their annual meeting in Deer Lake this week and concluded the event with an awards ceremony that featured the presentation of the Indigenous Engagement Programs Reconciliation Challenge Coin.  Several members of the DFO team received the award along with Qalipu staff Paul Pike and Kellie Kerpan.

The Reconciliation Challenge Coin was designed as a gift to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions towards the department’s Reconciliation efforts: to be used as an achievement award and to express appreciation.

Kellie and Paul received their award for their work developing The Day of Discovery event which is held annually in partnership between the Qalipu First Nation and Department of Fisheries and Oceans.   The development of the event was led by Kellie Kerpan, Director of Culture Tourism and Community Development and supported by Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Officer.  During the day-long event community members join DFO and Qalipu staff on the water for a day of learning and cultural sharing.

Congratulations to Kellie and Paul for receiving this award.

CLB

“Kiskajei wjit Espi-kina’muaqn” – I am Ready for Higher Studies

Posted by Qalipu on

Through the Education and Training Department, Qalipu First Nation will be launching a new
project: “Kiskajei wjit Espi-kina’muaqn – I am Ready for Higher Studies”. This project is aimed to increase awareness of the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) and Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to assist our members plan and financially prepare for Post-Secondary.

The Canadian Learning Bond (CLB) is available for children of low-income families up to and including their 15th birthday. Additionally, students transitioning to Post-Secondary between the ages of 18-20 can open an RESP and apply for the Canada Learning Project on their own.

There is no cost associated with opening an RESP, and regular contributions are not necessary to receive the Canada Learning Bond. However, financial limitations apply.

As part of the project, we are pleased to announce that we have a limited number of $500.00 participation bonuses.  The bonuses will be available to the first 1000 members of Qalipu First Nation who open an RESP within the program constraints and qualify for the CLB.  The participation bonus will be deposited directly into the RESP.

The Project Coordinator will be identifying opportunities for outreach within the 9 Electoral Wards of QFN and focus on supporting families through the process of opening an RESP.  Virtual outreach will be scheduled for members who live outside of the wards.

For more information regarding the eligibility requirements, visit:

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/learning-bond/eligibility

Or reach out to our CLB Project Coordinator:

Miranda Targett
mtargett@qalipu.ca
1-709-643-3191

 

Press Release

Qalipu First Nation Welcomes New Band Manager, Charles Pender

Posted by Qalipu on

CornerBrookCityCouncil20215-Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce the selection of its new Band Manager, Charles Pender, who will begin working with the Band on Monday, February 27th, 2023. Reporting to Chief and Council, Charles will be responsible for oversight and management of Band business and programs, including the management of Qalipu staff at six office locations.

Band Chief Brendan Mitchell was pleased to see the search for a Band Manager conclude with the selection of a strong candidate.

“We had an independent party complete the initial applicant screening process and preliminary interviews before making their recommendations to the Executive Council. Following this process, I’m pleased that Charles Pender was the chosen candidate. Charles is a lifelong resident of Corner Brook and a strong presence in the community. He has been a leader in the field of education, an active volunteer and twice served terms as the Mayor of the City of Corner Brook. I am confident in his ability to lead our Band in a positive direction.”

Charles graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education and from Laval University with a Master’s in Education. He taught at schools around the province before becoming a Director at Grenfell Campus, MUN. Charles has also been a public administrator since 1997. He was twice elected as Mayor of the City of Corner Brook and has served three additional terms on Council.

Charles’ education, work experience and volunteer service have led to strong skills in the areas of change management, project development, negotiation, budgeting, human resources, funding proposals, and social media. He is excited to share his skills working on behalf of band members.

“As a proud member of the Qalipu First Nation, I’m very pleased to accept the position of Band Manager. I am looking forward to working with the Chief, Council, and staff on behalf of all band members.”

ADDRESS-1

Do you Need to Update your Address with Indigenous Services Canada?

Posted by Qalipu on

Does Indigenous Services Canada have your correct mailing address? As a call-out to those impacted by the Service Members Agreement, some 18,000 letters will be mailed out to the address currently associated with your file. If you’ve moved or changed your address and did not receive your letter, contact Indigenous Services Canada at 1-800-561-2266 to provide your new address and request your letter be resent to the new address.

For more information about the Service Members Agreement please visit https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1319805325971/1572459825339