A newspaper on a wooden desk - Press Release

Qalipu Takes the Wheel on own Destiny, Signs Ten-Year Comprehensive Funding Agreement

April 2, 2019 Corner Brook—Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce a new development that
provides for more sustainable funding for its membership, and a stronger sense of self-determination  for the nation.  On March 14, 2019 Qalipu signed a ten-year grant funding agreement with Indigenous Services Canada. The agreement marks a significant departure from annually allocated funds that were often lacking in flexibility and autonomy for the Band and marks a new opportunity for creating a shared vision for the future with the members it represents. The Agreement is effective as of April 1, 2019.

Band Manger Keith Goulding leads a group of some fifty staff in five office locations across the province. He commented on his pride in the work the team has put in, including working closely with the Financial Management Board (FMB) to obtain the certification needed for grant funding approval with Indigenous Services Canada.

Goulding said, “Receiving this grant is a great opportunity for our Band. We have been working to meet the eligibility guidelines, developing policies and procedures that are up to industry best standards and maintaining a high level of accountability and transparency with our members. The signing of this ten- year agreement means that the way we conduct ourselves in business is top notch, it allows us to set our own course and move our First Nation forward in a positive way.”

The new comprehensive funding agreement will allow the Band to design its own programs, carry money forward from year to year, and focus on creating a vision for the future that is driven by the people and communities it represents.

Qalipu’s Comptroller, Jodie Wells, plays a lead role in the Bands financial management.   Wells explained that members will not see sudden changes but that they will have more say in how the Band spends money going forward.

She said, “For now, we have a five-year budget in place that has been reviewed and approved by Council. Our members will not notice a sudden shift in the way we do business.  Going forward, we still have to be accountable in how we spend but there will be more accountability to our people and communities rather than to government.”

To prepare for the future, Qalipu recently began a three-year project to consult with membership to build a Comprehensive Community Plan. This Plan will help guide the way the Band grows in terms of

programs, services and development initiatives.

Wells added, “Consultations for the Comprehensive Community Plan are likely to begin in the fall and
will feature a variety of outreach and engagement approaches.  We hope that everyone will take the opportunity to have their say and be a part of a shared vision for the future.”

For more information about the Comprehensive Community Plan please contact Joanne at 634-6384 or email jharris@qalipu.ca

Media:
Alison White
Communications Officer
Qalipu First Nation
709-634-5163
awhite@qalipu.ca

A newspaper on a wooden desk - Press Release

New Dates Scheduled: Membership Orientation

Everything you need to Know about your Benefits, Programs and Services

March 21, 2019 Corner Brook—All members of the Band are invited to attend an upcoming orientation session, particularly new members who may have a lot of questions about what it means to be a member of the Qalipu First Nation.

Orientation Sessions will feature a general overview of all programs, services and benefits, and we will have subject matter experts available to answer questions on Education, Health, Indian Registration, and to share plans on the upcoming Community Planning that will take place across all Wards.   Members of Council will also be on hand.

Members attending an orientation session will receive their copy of the new Membership Information Guide—a colorful and easy to read quick reference guide to every program, service and benefit that is available to you as a member of the Band.

We hope to see you there!

Location Date Time
St. George’s, Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum Monday, March 25 6:30-7:30 PM
Stephenville, College of the North Atlantic Lecture Theatre Wednesday, March 27 6:30-7:30 PM
Flat Bay, Peoples Complex Thursday, March 28 7:30-8:30 PM
Burgeo, 50 Plus Club

Sunday, March 31 2:00-3:00 PM

St. George's, Stephenville, Flat Bay, Burgeo Poster

Dramatic sunrise on August morning.  Summer sun breaks  over the Atlantic ocean in Lancaster and Cable John Cove, Newfoundland, Canada.

The Canadian Navigable Waters Act Engagement Opportunity

In 2012, Parliament approved changes to Navigable Waters Protection Act and changed its name to the Navigation Protection Act. The changes came into force in 2014. The Government of Canada promised to review these changes, as well as restore protections and introduce modern safeguards.

In February 2018, the Government of Canada introduced proposed legislation Bill C-69. The proposed changes to the Navigation Protection Act in Bill C-69 would create a new Canadian Navigable Waters Act (CNWA).

This new Act aims to better protect the public right to travel on all navigable waters in Canada by:

  • expanding the Act to regulate major works (for example, dams and bridges) and obstructions on all navigable waters
  • introducing a fuller definition of “navigable water”
  • creating a more inclusive process to add navigable waters to the list – known as the Schedule
  • considering cumulative effects on navigation of multiple projects in a navigable water
  • introducing a new public resolution process to address Canadians’ navigation concerns before a work is built

It will also allow Transport Canada to engage more closely with Indigenous peoples to:

  • create new agreements and arrangements for how we administer the Act (monitoring, enforcement)
  • ensure Indigenous knowledge is considered and protected
  • explicitly include transport or travel to exercise Indigenous rights in the definition of “navigable water”
  • ensure that potential adverse impacts on Indigenous rights are considered before making a decision under the Act

Lastly, the new Act aims to create more accessible and transparent processes, including:

  • a new online registry with information about projects and regulatory approvals
  • a requirement for owners to provide advance notification for works on any navigable water
  • a requirement that owners provide opportunities for early engagement for works on any navigable water

Qalipu First Nation is working with Transport Canada to engage Indigenous peoples in the consultation process to strengthen awareness and gather views related to the proposed changes to the Act.

For more information on the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, the handbook can be viewed at: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/themes/environment/conservation/environmental-reviews/nav-handbook-e.pdf

If you have any questions or comments, contact Alyssa Hunter at Qalipu’s Natural Resources Department. Email: ahunter@qalipu.ca Phone: 634-1500

Barry Announcement 2017
In 2017 our Band announced a Fisheries Cooperation and Development Agreement with Barry Group Inc. and Allen’s Fisheries Ltd. to prepare for a new commercial redfish fishery.

Landmark Agreement Misses the Mark

March 14, 2019 Corner Brook – Qalipu First Nation congratulates its sister nation, Miawpukek
First Nation (MFN), on being part of an artic surf clam agreement that will bring benefits to MFN
while protecting existing plant operations and workers in Grand Bank, NL.

While we recognize the merits of the recently announced agreement struck between Clearwater
Seafoods Inc. and fourteen Mi’kmaq First Nations, thirteen in Nova Scotia and MFN in NL, Qalipu
First Nation must also note that the agreement benefits all but one resource-adjacent Mi’kmaq First
Nation: Qalipu. This was disappointing given that in the first round of the Department of Fisheries
and Oceans’ process for allocating Surf Clam quota, Qalipu partnered with all First Nations in
Newfoundland and Labrador, including Miawpukek First Nation, in a bid to access the allocation for
all provincial Indigenous peoples.

“Qalipu First Nation is the largest Indian Act Band in Canada, representing some twenty thousand
people,” noted Chief Brendan Mitchell. “We are pursuing ambitious economic development goals to
ensure our Band’s well-being, which includes the pursuit of fisheries opportunities. In 2017 our
Band announced a Fisheries Cooperation and Development Agreement with Barry Group Inc. and Allen’s
Fisheries Ltd. to prepare for a new commercial redfish fishery. This announcement was publicly
endorsed by then Minister of Fisheries Dominic LeBlanc. If the Clearwater agreement on surf clams
is acceptable to DFO, then surely, we can expect DFO to continue delivering on its reconciliation
agenda by honoring former Minister LeBLanc’s public statements regarding our access to redfish, and
we look forward to details in the near future.”

Brian Dicks, Corner Brook Ward Councilor and fisheries portfolio holder noted, “We will continue to
work with DFO, the Province and the industry to build our fisheries portfolio. We count the surf
clam announcement as a win for our sister nation, and when DFO delivers a significant allocation of
redfish to Qalipu when the quota is announced, we will see that as a win for us, a win for the
provincial fishing industry, and the fulfillment of a commitment made by a Federal Minister to our
Band.”

Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries Inc. manages all aspects of the Bands commercial fishing enterprises
throughout its 67 traditional Mi’kmaq communities and will continue to advocate for
access to this important traditional and cultural activity.

Register

Qalipu Business Forum2019: Crafting Culinary Experiences

March 13, 2019 Corner Brook—The Qalipu Business Network will host its seventh annual business forum on Tuesday, March 26 in Stephenville.

The Forum will focus on culinary experience development and highlight offerings created by Experience Qalipu and its partners. The one-day event will include a blend of presentations from traditional knowledge keepers, local entrepreneurs and Indigenous chefs.

College of the North Atlantic (CNA) joins as a major event partner this year by offering its Bay St. George campus facilities and expertise. Students in the college’s Cook program will work alongside Master Chef Joseph Shawana and food foraging expert Lori McCarthy to engage delegates in an interactive culinary experience. An evening reception will see participants gather at Secret Cove Brewery in Port au Port for a meal featuring traditional Indigenous ingredients that is prepared by chefs.

Experience Qalipu’s Tara Saunders said, “We are thrilled to be partners in this year’s forum, and know that the delegates will walk away with a better understanding of how to create an authentic experience for their visitors. We have had so much interest in this culinary forum that we are confident it will become an annual event.”

“This significant event will combine two themes near and dear to everyone’s heart – food and culture,” said Wayne Quilty, CNA’s Director of Partnerships, Entrepreneurships and Community Engagement. “Our relationship with the Qalipu First Nation enables a blending of these themes into a culinary cultural event with a focus on indigenous heritage, culture and opportunities for the future, be it in the culinary trades, tourism or a combination of the two. We are also excited about the fact our students are gaining hands-on experience in a real-life situation. CNA is honoured to partner with the Qalipu First Nation on the development and delivery of this one-of-a-kind event, and we look forward to many more opportunities for the college and First Nations to partner on innovative community initiatives.”

The Business Forum is one of two events featuring culinary innovation and entrepreneurial skills planned for CNA’s Bay St. George campus. During the two days following the Forum, the Navigate Entrepreneurship Program – a joint venture between Grenfell Campus and CNA – will facilitate a two-day business start-up exercise Wednesday and Thursday, March 27-28.

Interested attendees can pre-register for the event by clicking here, or by calling Megan at (709) 634-5479.
Media contacts:

Alison White
Communications Officer
Qalipu First Nation
709-634-5163
awhite@qalipu.ca

Michelle Barry
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7721
Michelle.barry@cna.nl.ca

Forum Agenda

A newspaper with the headline Important announcement

Membership Orientation Sessions: Everything you need to know about your Benefits, Programs and Services!

All members of the Band are invited to attend an upcoming Orientation Session, particularly new members who may have a lot of questions about what it means to be a member of the Qalipu First Nation.

Orientation Sessions will feature a general overview of all programs, services and benefits, and we will have subject matter experts available to answer questions on Education, Health, Indian Registration, and to share plans on the upcoming Community Planning that will take place across all Wards. Ward Councilors and the Central Vice Chief will be on hand to meet with you as well.

Members in Central Newfoundland attending this session will be the first to receive their copy of the new Membership Information Guide—a colorful and easy to read quick reference guide to every program, service and benefit that is available to you as a member of the Band.

We hope to see you there!

Sunday March 17

Grand Falls, Mount Peyton Hotel, 2:00:-4:00 PM
Gander, Lions Club, 6:30-8:30 PM

Monday March 18

Gander Bay Community Centre 6:00-8:00 PM

Western Newfoundland members please keep an eye out for an announcement regarding the western leg of the tour! Coming soon.

Central Poster

Enrolment Support Team Photo_edited

Self-Identification Reassessment Support Available at Locations across the Province

Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce that we now have support in place to assist applicants with understanding, and responding to, the self-identification reassessment letters that were recently sent out to applicants previously denied on the self-identification criterion.

This reassessment is the outcome of a court case, Wells et al. v. Canada, the result of which was a change to the timeframe within which self-identification documents had to be dated, and addition of the right to an appeal for applicants denied on the self-identification criterion.   Recipients of these letters which were mailed on January 31, 2019 now have the opportunity to submit additional self-identification documents or indicate the documents on their file that fit within the new timeframe.

The deadline to respond to the reassessment letters is May 13, 2019.

Did you receive a letter? Are you wondering if you should have? Are you confused about what the letter means and how to respond?

Our support team is now in place to help.  Please reach a member of the team to set an appointment in an office near you, or to talk through your questions over the phone.  Please see below for team contact information:

Office Location Support Team Member Telephone Number Email Address
Corner Brook (Band office, 3 Church Street) Nancy O’Connell 709-634-4010 noconnell@qalipu.ca
Flat Bay (Band office, 10 Band Rd.) Kim Long 709-647-1370 klong@qalipu.ca
Grand Falls-Windsor (Band office, 29 Hardy Avenue) Nellie Power 709-489-2898 npower@qalipu.ca
Port au Port (Mi’kmaq Centre, 811 Oceanview Drive, Cape St. George) Myra Benoit

Barbra Benoit McAlinden

709-757-9444 mbenoit@qalipu.ca

bbmcalinden@qalipu.ca

Stephenville (90 Main Street) Helena Reardon 709-643-4593 hreardon@qalipu.ca
man having presentation at seminar

Council Meeting – March 9 2019

The next meeting of Council will be held at 9 am on Saturday, March 9, 2019 in the Qalipu Community Room at 1 Church Street, Corner Brook.

To register, please contact Tina Diamond at 634-5111 or email council@qalipu.ca with your Full Name and Band Reg #.

Job recruit concept with coffee cups and text "Join our team". Business background

Communications Committee Seeking Member-at-Large

Qalipu First Nation is pleased to affirm its commitment to community values, openness, transparency and ensuring engagement of all our members regardless of their geographic location by way of establishing a Communications Committee.

The Committee was established following the recent election and consists of Ward Councilors Odelle Pike (Chair) and Ivan J. White along with staff support from the Communications Officer, Alison White and the Communications and Computing Specialist, Ryan Matthews.  Together, this team will work toward the development and implementation of communication policies and strategies that enhance community inclusion and engagement, ensure a continued focus on the importance of strong internal and external communications among our staff, Council and communities, and explore new ways of both reaching out and listening to our people.

The Committee is currently seeking a Member-at-Large to join the team. This unique opportunity will give hands-on access and input into the way the Band handles communications now and into the future and will help guide the work of the Communications Committee.

The ideal candidate is a Band member living in the province with a background in marketing and communications and five years’ experience.  If you are passionate about communications and want to contribute your knowledge as a volunteer on this committee, please see below for an Expression of Interest and apply by noon on March 15, 2019.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Qalipu_rgb-01

Communications Committee
Member-at-Large
Expression of Interest

Overview

A Communications Committee was established by Qalipu in November 2018 in order to provide enhanced focus on community values, openness, transparency and ensuring engagement of all our members regardless of their geographic location.

The Committee consists of two Ward Councilors and two staff resource people and is seeking to bring one Member-at-Large to the team.

The Committee meets monthly either in person or by video conference.

 

Our Mandate

Help to ensure Band communications reflect the values of our communities and promote our mission and vision.

Provide support, advice and guidance for Band internal and external communications.

Develop policies that help to ensure consistent, reliable, respectful and inclusive communications.

Propose strategic priorities for communications and work to ensure communications are timely, consistent, well co-ordinated and responsive to the diverse needs of our members.

Promote openness and transparency in governance and operations, ensuring that all audiences are well informed of Band activities, programs and services.

 

 Roles and Responsibilities of a Member-at Large Committee Member

  • Participate in Committee Meetings in person or by video conference.
  • Maintain engagement and involvement by responding to Committee emails between meetings to weigh in on decisions, communications products and activities.
  • Work collaboratively with Committee to ensure team-based and positive outcomes.
  • Represent a membership perspective.
  • Contribute skills, knowledge and experience toward accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Communications Committee.
  • Demonstrate respect for Mi’kmaq community values.
    Adhere to a Commitment of Confidentiality.
  • Work on a volunteer basis with travel and per diems provided.

 

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Has marketing and/or communication background with five years’ experience
  • Is a member of the Band
  • Is a resident of Newfoundland
  • Must be able to travel within Newfoundland
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Must be willing to sign a Commitment of Confidentiality
  • Must have an understanding of Indigenous culture and ceremony
  • Must undergo a code of conduct check

If you are interested in this unique opportunity to work with the Qalipu Band, please send your resume and cover letter to communications@qalipu.ca by noon on March 15, 2019.

If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Alison White at 709-634-5163
Qalipu First Nation reserves the right to refuse any and all applications.