Nominations have opened for the 2024 Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band (QMFNB) Election of Chief and Council as of Monday, September 23, 2024, at 8:30am. Nominations close on Tuesday, October 2 at 12:00pm.

For anyone considering running for a position on the Qalipu First Nation Band Council, here is information on some frequently asked questions from membership regarding roles and responsibilities on the various positions of the QMFNB Chief & Council.

What does it mean to be an elected member of the QMFNB Council?

All members of the Band Council are expected to:

• always consider the best interests and needs of the membership.
• carry out the business of the nation in a fair, responsible and ethical manner
• show respect for the traditions and values of the nation
• act in good faith, putting the interests of the nation ahead of all other groups
• be accountable to the membership, acting in their role as leaders
• respect and support the final decisions resolved by the council
• be prepared to serve the 4 year term, 2024-2028
• participate in 6 regularly scheduled meetings per fiscal year
• attend special meetings as called on by the Chief
• adhere to the Council Code of Conduct
• abide by the Council Conflict of Interest By-Law and Policy
• respect the clear separation of the roles of Council and staff
• participate in ongoing Council orientation and annual governance training

What does it mean to be elected as Chief?

The Chief:

• represents all members of the Nation and is the spokesperson for Council
• oversees and protects the integrity and interests of the band and ensures those interests are protected
• acts on behalf of the council between regular council meetings
• works with the staff through the Band Manager to ensure that plans and policies are implemented as approved by the Council
• acts as the chairperson for all council meetings
• sets the agenda for all council meetings
• is a member of standing committees and Chairs the executive committee
• represents the Band on all matters of interest to the Band

What does it mean to be Vice- Chief? (Western or Central)

A Vice-Chief:

• in the Chief’s absence, is responsible for the Chief’s duties
• is a members of the Executive Committee
• has a cooperative relationship with the Chief and the Band Manager.
• attends public meetings on behalf of the band
  • attends Ward meetings in their respective region; Central Region: Exploits, Gander Bay, Glenwood and for Western Region: Port au Port, Flat Bay, Stephenville, St. George’s, Benoit’s Cove, Corner Brook
• works with the Chief to help ensure that the integrity and interests of the Band are protected.

What does it mean to be elected as a Ward Councilor?

Ward Councilors are expected to:

• hold at least 2 ward meetings per fiscal year for members in their respective ward
• be prepared to serve as Chair or council member of one of the QFN standing committees
• represent the interests of members from their respective wards
• help provide the vision, leadership, and direction for the overall governance of the Band
• help set the long-term goals and objectives for the Band
• review documents and be fully prepared for meetings of council

Suggested links related to QMFNB Chief & Council Roles and Responsibilities on Qalipu.ca

Governance Policy

By Laws

Do you have further questions on accessing, submitting, or sending your Nomination Papers?

Reach Electoral Officer:
Reisha Knott
709-486-2427
rknott@qalipu.ca

To recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Qalipu First Nation will once again host a logo contest. This contest is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in Grades K-12 within Canada.

The logo contest winner will receive a cheque for $250 and items including swag, books and cultural supplies. In addition, the winner’s school will be presented with a donation of $500 towards their school breakfast program.

Contest entries and the accompanying media release form signed by a parent/guardian, must be received by October 9th, 2024 at 4:00pm NST. All entries and media release forms must be scanned and emailed to communications@qalipu.ca or mailed to:

Attn: Kellie Clark
Qalipu First Nation
3 Church Street
Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4

Click on the link for full contest details:
Media Release Form (PDF)
Full Contest Details (PDF)

A copy can be picked up at the Corner Brook office at 3 Church Street or it can be viewed electronically here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Annual-Report-2023-24.pdf

Qalipu Holdings Limited Partnership (QHLP) is seeking proposals for snow clearing services from November 15, 2024, to April 15, 2024, at the following locations:

1 & 3 Church Street, Corner Brook

28 Hardy Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

90 Main Street, Stephenville, NL

Proposals are to be submitted by 4:00PM on Friday, October 25^th, 2024. Please submit them electronically to cedmunds@qalipudevelopment.com with subject line: RFP for Snow Clearing Services.

Click here for the RFP

Qalipu First Nation offers a logo contest for school-aged children across Canada in commemoration of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The children were asked to design a logo that demonstrates their thoughts and feelings about the history of residential schools and what this day means to them.

Naoise White, a Grade 7 student from Corner Brook Intermediate was the 2023 contest winner.

Naoise shared some details about her design:

“My drawing is about all Canadians being united and being committed to freedom, trust and healing.  The circle represents all Canadians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, living in harmony together. They are strong and united. Their orange shirts show that every child matters whatever their background is. They care and respect the people who went to residential schools.

In the middle of the circle, there is an eagle feather. It is a powerful symbol of connection, freedom, trust and wisdom. Freedom for all Canadians, trust that their lives are equal and wisdom not to allow it to happen again. This is what the feather means for my drawing.

The background is a medicine wheel. It is about health and healing for everyone no matter what. The four parts of the wheel are, physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. This is what my truth and reconciliation drawing is about.”

A limited number of shirts featuring this winning logo are available for purchase by visiting the Corner Brook office. Payments are cash only.  The cost of a T-shirt will be $15 for youth sizes and $20 for adult sizes and youth sizes are available. All profit from t-shirt sales will be donated to an organization or charity that supports Truth and Reconciliation.

Keep an eye out for the 2024 logo contest which will be launched soon!

Youth in grades K-12 are invited to submit their original poem commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 🪶

The author of the selected poem will win a prize for their school, as well as have their poem featured at the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event in Corner Brook on September 30^th, 2024.

The deadline for submissions is September 25^th @ 4PM

Please send submissions via email to awhiffen@qalipu.ca 🧡