Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, a day to recognize the terrible legacy of Canada’s residential school system, commemorate residential school Survivors, and remember the thousands of Indigenous children lost to this system.

This year, as part of its commemoration of this day, Qalipu hosted a logo contest for our youth across K’taqamkuk.  Youth from grades K-12 were invited to reflect on what this day means to them, and how that could be represented in artwork.

We are excited to share that the winner of our first annual logo contest is Kali Gill, a grade nine student from Corner Brook Intermediate.  Kali’s touching and heartfelt logo is making waves across social media today, and her logo will be featured on orange shirts that will be made available for sale at QFN offices.

Of her artwork Kali says, “My artwork can be interpreted in different ways. It could show a mother remembering when her child was taken from her, or it could be a memory of herself as a survivor of the residential school. It represents the sadness and loss of so many innocent lives, like this little girl walking into the school with false hope. I drew the lady as an elder because even though time passes and we age, our teardrops hold memories that will never be forgotten.”

Kali takes home the top prize of $250 along with a $500 donation to her school’s breakfast program which will be presented by Chief Mitchell soon.  Other prizes including books and cultural supplies will be shared with runners up.

Mitch Blanchard who co-hosts the contest with his Department of Health and Wellness along with the Department of Education and Training, notes, “There were 156 submissions in total this year.  Looking through the artwork was moving.  It was powerful to see how our children connect with the meaning of this special day, and the heart that comes through in their artwork.”

Congratulations to Kali and all the other students who took the time to reflect on what this day means to them and represented it with their artwork.

September 29, 2022, Corner Brook — Qalipu First Nation would like to advise its members, partners, and community that on September 22, Keith Goulding tendered notice of resignation from his position as Band Manager with Qalipu to pursue another career opportunity.  Goulding has worked with the Band since its formation in 2011; he was previously the Director of Education and Training and in 2017 was successful in the competition to become Band Manager. 

Rod Bennett, Director of Operations noted that business will proceed as usual and there will be no impact to member programs and services. 

“From the point of view of Band administration, all systems and processes are in place to ensure there is no impact to our day-to-day operations.  We have a strong senior management team and I expect that business will continue until a hiring process to fill the position are put in place.” 

Brendan Mitchell, Band Chief, noted that he is disappointed to see Goulding go, and reflected on the many positive accomplishments of the Band that took place under his leadership. 

“There have been many positive gains during Keith’s time as Band Manager.  Keith started out leading a team of around fifty employees and today, this number has nearly doubled.   He oversaw major changes to our election process and was also at the helm for big milestones such as the Bands receipt of Certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as certification from the First Nations Financial Management Board, both markers of organizational and financial excellence.  He also was in the lead on the achievement of a 10-year block funding arrangement that has been key to our path to self-governance.  We wish him well in his new endeavours, but he will be missed.”