Black Bear program has been postponed – new date TBD. Please contact ymacdonald@qalipu.ca if you would like further program information or applications.
Registration for Mi’kmaw Language Classes Now Open, Ends on Sunday March 7
In January, Qalipu First Nation announced the launch of a new project focused on the revival of the Mi’kmaw language among our membership. Registration for classes is now open. Classes will take place via virtual workshops, are available to beginner, novice and intermediate levels and will aim to create opportunities for learners to speak with fluent speakers of the language.
Band Manager Keith Goulding noted, “This is an exciting project for the Band and a positive step forward in reviving our heritage. This language initiative gives us an opportunity to deepen our connection to culture and provide our members with meaningful learning opportunities.”
The language project will be coordinated by Project Coordinator Dean Simon who has just returned from a two-year Mi’kmaw immersion program in Eskasoni.
“The Mentor-Apprentice Mi’kmaw Program with Mi’kmaw Kinamatnewey has provided me with a solid understanding and comfort with the language and I’m so excited to share what I’ve learned. Right now, to get an understanding of where people are with their level of learning, I am asking everyone who is interested to complete the pre-registration”, Simon said.
To register for Mi’kmaw class, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V9B7CQP
Council Meeting Minutes – December 2020
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Proposed Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro Project
Please Provide your Feedback by March 4
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is proposing to construct and operate a new 40 km, 69 kV transmission line (TL271) in central Newfoundland, as well as complete upgrades to its Star Lake terminal station, to enable electricity supply to the proposed Valentine Gold Project.
Hydro is interested in hearing feedback from the Qalipu First Nation membership. Please submit your comments and questions to our Natural Resource Department for a consolidated response.
Feedback can be sent to ahunter@qalipu.ca
Please find below the Project Overview for TL271.
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Youth Election
Our youth network is holding an election for the Qalipu Mi’kmaq Youth Council starting February 28 – March 28th! If you are a self-identifying Mi’kmaq youth (14-30) and would like to run / register to vote in this election, please visit our elections website for more information: https://sites.google.com/view/qynelections/home
Update Regarding COVID-19 Support Benefits for Seniors and Essential Workers, Now Available to All Eligible Members Regardless of Location
On February 17, the Band announced funding of $275,000 to support seniors aged 60+ and essential workers who incurred childcare costs during the pandemic. The benefits, payable at $50 monthly to seniors to subsidize the cost of travel for essential supplies, and up to $200 monthly per child for essential workers with childcare costs, were made possible through a federal fund whose criterion held that the Band member had to be living in Newfoundland to avail of the funding.
Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce that following discussions with government, the criterion have been modified to make these benefits available to all eligible members, regardless of their location.
Mitch Blanchard is the Manager of Qalipu Health and heads up this benefit program. He noted that accessibility of the benefit for all eligible members was something he was pleased to be able to offer through working with partners.
“We knew there would be challenges with availability and that there were members living outside the region who needed this benefit just as much as those living on the island. We approached Indigenous Services Canada regarding our concerns around accessibility for all members and we are pleased to say our concerns were heard. The program has been changed to allow all eligible Qalipu Band members to apply, regardless of where they live.”
Band members living outside Newfoundland whose applications were previously rejected due to location will now be reassessed and will not have to apply again.
All eligible Band members are invited to apply for the Covid-19 support benefits which can be found here https://qalipu.ca/covid-19-support-programs
Qalipu First Nation Launches New COVID-19 Support Benefits for Seniors and Essential Workers
Seniors aged 60 + and essential workers who incurred childcare costs during the pandemic will be the recipients of a new benefit fund valued at $275,000 that will be administered by the Band effective today until all available funds have been fully allocated.
The Vulnerable Population Essential Travel benefit is geared toward seniors aged 60 +. These Band members are eligible to apply for a monthly subsidy valued at $50 (per household) to support travel for purchase of groceries and other essential items during the pandemic. Alternatively, seniors who require a taxi to travel may request travel arrangements be pre-paid in lieu of the $50 benefit.
The Essential Worker Childcare benefit is for Band members who were essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and incurred childcare costs. These individuals are eligible to apply for up to $200 in monthly benefits per child. This benefit can be paid retroactively starting in April 2020, will require a letter from the members’ employer verifying their status as an essential worker, along with childcare receipts.
Band Chief Brendan Mitchell noted, “In light of recent developments around the COVID-19 pandemic in our province, it is clear that our communities continue to need our support in whatever way we are able to give it. I’m happy to be able to assist seniors and essential workers at this time and the Band will continue to advocate for programs and benefits for Band members impacted by this difficult situation.”
Health Manager Mitch Blanchard heads up the new program and has several staff in place to help make administration of these benefits as smooth as possible.
“We know that there are a lot of members in our Band who will be eligible for these benefits which will likely mean a high volume of applications. Our staff are ready to help as many people as we can with the available funds.”
To access the online application form, please click the link below. For more information, please email covidsupport@qalipu.ca
Access information and online application:
Wilual Kniskamijinaq (Our Grandfather’s Food)
A quillwork workshop with Melissa Peter Paul will take place on March 5, 2021 @ 2pm. Register online for a chance to take part! There are twenty seats available, selected registrants will be notified after registration closes on February 19.
*DUE TO HIGH DEMAND PLEASE NOTE THAT TWENTY PEOPLE WILL BE RANDOMLY SELECTED. ONLY THOSE SELECTED WILL BE CONTACTED.
Interested parties should register here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XSB6DXH
Voters, Please Check In!
An election for Qalipu Chief and Council is coming up in October 2021.
Voting will take place over the course of a seven-day voting window and will be done over the phone or online using a PIN that will be sent to voters in the mail.
We need your mailing address to send your voter information package and PIN.
The first draft of the voters list is now online. This will be updated weekly as voters update their profiles.
If you see the words “contact us” next to your name it means we have incomplete information on your file, and you may have trouble voting in the upcoming election. If you see these words please, give us a call at (709) 647-3009 between the hours of 9:00 and 4:00, Monday to Friday, to discuss and make updates.
Every voter should verify that we have your correct mailing address, please review your membership profile in ginu here: https://qalipu.ca/login-options/