Qalipu First Nation is now looking to hire an Administrative Assistant for the Environment and Natural Resources Department. The location for this position will be in Corner Brook. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2021, at 4:00PM. APPLY NOW: https://qalipu.ca/employment/qalipu-careers/
Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band will hold its Annual General Assembly (AGA) to discuss the activities of the Band for the fiscal year of 2020-2021. The AGA will be held on September 26, 2021, at 1:00pm in Corner Brook, NL at the Greenwood Inn and Suites. The Central Region AGA being hosted in Grand Falls-Windsor will have its event space, date and time announced at a later date.
Members of the Band are invited to pre-register for the meeting if attending in person. Please be advised that attendance is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions that are currently in place. To pre-register, please call (709) 634-5163 or email communications@qalipu.ca.
Members are encouraged to tune in to a live stream of the meeting which is accessible through the ginu membership database. If you need help accessing your profile or have questions about how to view the live stream, please contact our Indian Registration Administrator at 709-634-4010 or toll free (Newfoundland only) at 1-855-263-6440.
The Annual Report will be published on our website including our 2020-2021 audited financial statements, copies will be available at the meeting and presented. Annual Reports will also be available at all Qalipu office locations at that time.
Kwe’
I look forward to meeting with our membership during our Annual General Assembly (AGA) scheduled for Sunday, September 26, 2021, to be held at the Greenwood Inn in Corner Brook, NL. This Assembly is an opportunity to provide to our members a review of the activities of the past year and present our year-end financials. The AGA also provides an opportunity for our Council to hear directly from our members. Again, our AGA is being live streamed to enable involvement by members who can’t attend the meeting in person. Separate AGA events are planned in Western and Central Regions.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank our Council members and staff for their support and commitment to Qalipu First Nation (QFN) and our members during the past year and particularly, for their efforts in dealing with the impacts Covid-19 on operations. During 2021, Covid-19 continued to interfere with carrying out normal activities, however, we managed to provide an acceptable service level to our people. We must continue to take the necessary precautions to protect our staff and our members. We will continue to take this Covid reality seriously by following prescribed measures. We must be vigilant given the new Covid variants that are appearing in our Province.
In addressing the impacts of Covid-19, QFN has been able to secure to date, Federal funding in excess of $4.3 Million to support our members. We will continue to lobby Government for additional funds to support current and future needs.
We now approach the end of Council’s three-year term and prepare for a Council election on October 22, 2021. For those Councillors leaving Council and not seeking re-election, I thank you for your service to our people during your term in office and wish you well in your future endeavours.
QFN continues to be an active member of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). The AFN election this summer established Roseanne Archibald as the new National Chief. I look forward to working with Chief Archibald and our ongoing positive relationship with the AFN both as an AFN member Chief and as the Newfoundland representative on the AFN Chief’s Committee on Emergency Management.
We continue to build on our relationship with the Atlantic Policy Congress Chiefs Secretariat and the Mi’kmaq Grand Council. In the Fall of 2020, Qalipu obtained a seat at the Atlantic Health Partnership for the first time. These are significant milestones in advancing our relationship with other First Nations and associated organizations.
Despite the impediments created by Covid-19, Qalipu has accomplished several new initiatives during the past year. These include the introduction of a Mi’kmaw Language program, construction and official opening of Mikwite’tm Garden to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and their families, the permanent flying of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council Flag at City Hall and Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, collaboration with AFN Regional Chief PJ Prosper and Chief Mi’sel Joe of Miawpukek First Nation to create a representative office of the AFN in Newfoundland and support for repatriating Beothuk remains to Newfoundland from the Museum of Scotland. Also, during the past year, Qalipu Council approved a 10-Year Strategic Plan based on input from our membership.
Further to new initiatives, as promised by Qalipu Council in 2018, Qalipu submitted an application to the Federal Fisheries Minister for fishing access for Qalipu members. This application is awaiting approval by the Minister. Additionally, QFN Housing Committee has been working diligently to develop a housing program which can benefit Qalipu Members.
In addition to these initiatives, ongoing Qalipu programs provide $12 million annually for needed health benefits to members and a further $8 million annually in education support for those pursuing post-secondary education and other types of training.
Enrolment in Qalipu continues to be an area of concern for Council. We’ve witnessed too many Founding members and their families impacted negatively with loss of status and former FNI members not having gained the recognition they deserve.
Our conversations with the Government of Canada have led to a potential Agreement which will be put forward and ratified by our membership, pertaining to military personnel, RCMP and veterans of both gaining Founding Membership. We continue to press Government to resume exploratory discussions related to former FNI members as identified in the November 2018 announcement by the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations.
The urban reserve file is still active and an alternative to establishing an arrangement under the Indian Act is being pursued.
On September 22, 2021, we will celebrate our 10th Anniversary as a First Nation. We’ve accomplished much during our short journey. I thank those who came before us and laid the groundwork and persevered to create the foundation of what QFN is today. We can look forward with optimism about our future.
The next three-year term for Council is expected to see the successful conclusion of outstanding initiatives and will be a period of solid growth. I encourage all of us to work in peace and harmony as we move Qalipu forward together on behalf of our Nation.
Wela’lioq
Chief Brendan Mitchell
The draft EA Report includes information that sets out proposed mitigation measures for potential effects on Indigenous communities. Your feedback is encouraged – contact our Manager of Environment and Natural Resources at ahunter@qalipu.ca or call (709) 634-1500 – the deadline for comments is September 8, 2021.
You can access the electronic copy of the draft EA Report and the potential conditions on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry web site. If you wish to leave your comments directly, they can also be submitted here:
The links to the relevant documents:
Draft EA Report
EN: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/138155?culture=en-CA
FR: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/138155?culture=fr-CA
Potential Conditions
EN: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/138156?culture=en-CA
FR: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/138156?culture=fr-CA
Public Notice
EN: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/140869?culture=en-CA
FR: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/140869?culture=fr-CA
Project Page
EN: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/80154?culture=en-CA
FR: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/80154?culture=fr-CA
Qalipu First Nation is seeking a Community Development Officer (Business Development Officer) and an Experience Development Officer (Tourism Development Officer)! Both job postings are for Full Time, Permanent work and office location will be determined based on the geographical region of the successful applicant. APPLY BEFORE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2021, AT 12:30 PM. at QALIPU CAREERS!
A virtual camp for students in grade 9 through 12 to begin exploring various health careers and learn more about indigenous cultures and medicines will begin September 14 to October 5, 2021. The deadline for applications will be 5:00PM on Friday, September 3, 2021 and a fee of $25.00 will apply.
It is encouraged to complete application forms via online – Click Here for Student Application Form
For more submission options please visit Healers of Tomorrow Gathering or if you have any questions about the application form or application process, please call Carolyn at (709) 864-4938.
Minister John Abbott requests to meet with Qalipu First Nation – April 16, 2021
It’s not an unfamiliar request from the Honourable John Abbott, a Minister of many responsibilities, to sit with Qalipu First Nation. Minister Abbott reached out to Qalipu First Nation to continue communications and what turned to be very productive discussions on Monday, August 16, 2021. Conversations around conquering hurdles for Indigenous Child Wellness and Family Services, Education and Childcare, and Housing were some of the main topics of focus during the meeting.
We look forward to future conversation and achieving greater outcomes for all our members!
![[Left to Right] Author Douglas Walbourne-Gough, Corner Brook Mayor Jim Parson, Artist Marcus Gosse, Artist Jordan Bennett, and Former Resident of Crow Gulch Margie Benoit Wheeler](https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/crowgultch-800x400.jpg)
It has taken a community coming together to present this beautiful honor in the memory of what can be said to be for some, the unknown or forgotten Indigenous settlement, Crow Gulch, Newfoundland.
On the morning of Friday, August 20, 2021, a collaborative art piece by Mi’kmaw Artists Marcus Gosse and Jordan Bennett was installed and unveiled. The incredibly outstanding art mural can be seen at the parking lot for the trail leading to Crow Gulch – adjacent to the intersection of Griffin Drive and Lewin Parkway near the Corner Brook pulp and paper mill. Both artists, along with former Crow Gulch resident Margie Benoit Wheeler worked together, as Margie was able to share pictures and stories of her time growing up in the small community while unknowingly becoming an inspiration for the mural.
Margie Benoit Wheeler spoke during the unveiling, “We were the forgotten people between Corner Brook and Curling.” She then reflected on her memories for her relocated community, some heart-warming, and others very heart-breaking. While Mayor of Corner Brook Jim Parsons restated his recognition of Crow Gulch, “This was a community – Margie is a fountain of wealth – its time to reconcile.”
Gosse reflected on Bennett’s and his final artwork, both colleagues who were thankful to have such an opportunity to work together – how the mural commemorates 100 years since Crow Gulch was settled, the significance of the Indigenous rest spot created for the installation, and how it will provide education to youth, families, and tourists to enjoy. Gosse described the strong presence of the crows in their mural as a symbol of our ancestors coming back with messages and to be with us. The double curves representing our life cycle – 1st curve is birth, the middle curve is middle age, and the last curve representing senior/elder life. While the house chimneys release spiritual energies – all together show community, connectedness, and spiritual connections. In the coming months, there will be plaque signs leading from the parking lots rest stop to Crow Gulch where 45 families called home – to keep their honor and spirit alive.
![[Left to Right] Glenda Buckle, Qalpiu First Nation Chief Brendan Mitchell, and Margie Benoit Wheeler](https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/234425404_421651079290053_4477692803205520971_n.jpg)
Opening August 30, 2021 8:30AM and Closing September 10, 2021 at 12:00PM
In accordance with the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections, nominations are invited for the positions of Chief, Central Vice Chief, Western Vice Chief, and Councilor for the following Electoral Wards: Flat Bay, St. George’s, Stephenville, Port au Port, Benoit’s Cove, Corner Brook, Exploits, Glenwood, Gander Bay.
Nomination forms are available for download at www.qalipu.ca or at the Corner Brook band office at 3 Church Street. Completed nomination forms must be returned to the Corner Brook office either by postage mail or hand delivered. A nonrefundable fee of $25.00 shall be submitted with the nomination papers in the form of money order, bank draft, certified cheque, or cash. Nominations are to be received no later than 12:00PM on September 10, 2021 and will be considered as filed with the Electoral Officer for the purpose of the Band Election to be held on October 22, 2021.
Members can view the Electoral Voters List at the Corner Brook Office or on the band webpage at www.qalipu.ca to confirm their eligibility to vote.
Carol Lahey
Electoral Officer
clahey@qalipu.ca
709-630-7678
Marathon Gold has advised that an Amendment to the Valentine Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been submitted to the NL Department of Environment and Climate Change.
Members of Qalipu First Nation are encouraged to provide comments to our Manager of Environment and Natural Resources Alyssa Hunter at ahunter@qalipu.ca or call 709-634-1500. Written comments regarding the Amendment must be received by September 25, 2021.
Comments may also be emailed to EAProjectcomments@gov.nl.ca or mailed to the following:
Mr. Eric Watton, M.Sc.
Project EAC Chair
Valentine Gold Project
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s NL A1B 4J6
The EIS including the Amendment can be viewed on the Department’s web site at https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2015/