Roles and Responsibilities - Businessman holding chalkboard with text.

Qalipu Chief and Council: Roles and Responsibilities

Nominations are now being accepted for the positions of Chief, Central Vice Chief, Western Vice Chief and Councilor for each of Qalipu’s nine electoral Wards (Flat Bay, St. George’s, Stephenville, Port au Port, Benoit’s Cove, Corner Brook, Exploits, Glenwood and Gander Bay)

Have you thought about representing your community, region or maybe the entire nation as Chief? Working on the Qalipu Council is an important job and we hope that many good candidates will present themselves before the nomination period ends at 4:00 PM on Wednesday September 12.

If you’re thinking about it, and wondering what’s involved, take a look at the roles and responsibilities associated with each of the Council positions:

Information for Chief

Information for Vice-Chief

Information for Councilor

For information on nominations, including a link to the required form, please go to:
https://qalipu.ca/notice-of-call-for-nominations-qalipu-first-nation-band-election/

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ANNOUNCEMENT: QALIPU UPDATED MEMBERSHIP

New Membership List

We wish to advise our membership that the updated Membership List has now been provided to us by INAC.  There are 22,251 members on this list which reflects the current membership in the Qalipu First Nation.

Removals from Indian Register

On August 31, 2018 individuals who did not meet the criteria for founding membership had their names deleted from the Indian Register.

Of the 10,400 individuals who were removed from the Founding Members list:

  • 7,658 individuals have been removed from the Indian Register

If you were removed, a letter from the Indian Register dated August 31, 2018 was sent to you advising of the deletion of your name from the Indian Register, which means:

  • You have lost your Indian Status
  • You are no longer eligible for services and benefits available to registered Indians
  • Your Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card is no longer valid

Category Amendments in the Indian Register

2,742 individuals who were notified they were not eligible for Founding Membership have maintained registration via an automatic category amendment if they were card holders with a parent on the updated Founding Members list.   The letter dated August 31, 2018 confirms:

  • You have retained your registered Indian Status under a different provision of the Indian Act
  • You remain eligible for services and benefits available to registered Indians
  • Your Secure Certificate of Indian Status card remains valid

Letters Mailed on August 31, 2018

Letters regarding removals from the register and category amendments were mailed on August 31, 2018.  Individuals who remained on the updated Founding Members List will not receive confirmation in writing of such.

If you do not receive your letter by September 14, please contact the INAC Qalipu line at 1-800-561-2266 and let them know.

Protesting the Decision

If you do not agree with the decision rendered in your letter, you can submit a protest.  Protests must be submitted within three (3) years of the date of your decision letter.  The notice of protest must be submitted in writing to the Indian Registrar:

Protest Unit
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
10, rue Wellington
Gatineau, QC
K1A 0H4

It is the responsibility of the protester to firmly establish the grounds on which their protest is based and must clearly indicate how they believe the Indian Act was misinterpreted, or what evidence they believe the Registrar overlooked in reaching the decision.

The Registrar will not consider protests if there is no clear indication that the registration provisions of the Indian Act were incorrectly applied or interpreted.

Please see the protest page on the department website for more information.

Address Change-Instructions

If your address has changed, please call the INAC Qalipu Line at 1-800-561-2266.  You can also send a signed letter by fax to 1-204-984-3032.  Make sure to include:

  • Your full name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your registration number or file number from INAC, if available (found at the upper-right corner of a letter from the Enrolment Committee)
  • Your previous and new mailing address
  • The effective date of your address change
  • Phone number
  • Any other information you would like to update (e.g., name, gender, marital status, typos etc.)

New Members-Additions to the Indian Register

5,096 new Founding Members were added to the Indian Registry.  Letters regarding new membership were mailed on July 31, 2018.

All new members will be added to the ginu membership database in the near future. We will notify you when this has been completed.

Please see below for information on applying for you Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

Children of Founding Members

Children of Founding Members are eligible to apply for Indian Status under the Indian Act.

Please note, if you were registered previously and your parent remains a Founding Member, you will not have to reapply.  You will automatically receive a category amendment and maintain your active Indian Status under a different provision of the Indian Act.  Letters regarding category amendments were mailed on August 31, 2018.

Applying for your Card (Secure Certificate of Indian Status, or SCIS)

The application forms can be found on the INAC website here: https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1462806841047/1462806896945

You may also seek assistance at any of our office locations by calling the Indian Registration Administrator Charmaine Bath (appointments in Glenwood and Grand Falls-Windsor offices), or SCIS Clerk Jody Davis (Corner Brook, St. George’s and Stephenville Offices).

Charmaine Bath: cbath@qalipu.ca or call (709) 679-2142, toll free (NL only) 1-855-263-6440

Jody Davis: jdavis@qalipu.ca or call (709) 634-4010

Please Note: We are experiencing a high demand for the application of SCIS cards.  For instance, appointment times in Corner Brook, Stephenville and St. George’s are booked up through September, and we are making appointments for October.

We kindly ask that callers not leave more than one voicemail and be patient as Charmaine and Jody make their way through hundreds of voicemails and return your call.

Remember, you do not need your card to access services and benefits.  Your letter confirming registration can be used for up to 12 months from the date that it was issued.

Electors List

We have used the updated membership list to generate our electors list for the upcoming Qalipu election.  If you are or will be 18 on the date of the election (October 23, 2018), you are a new member, a member who received a category amendment or a continuing Founding Member, you are eligible to vote in the election.

It is possible that some errors could have occurred with a large membership list, and with category amendments.  Please let us know if you feel your name should be on the voters list but isn’t.

We are working on adding Wards to the Electors List so that members can confirm they are listed in the correct Electoral Ward.  If you are not listed in the correct Electoral Ward, we can update that before the election.  We will post the Electors List with Wards added in the near future.

Email the Electoral Officer at election@qalipu.ca

Find the Elector’s List here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Voters-List.pdf

orthodontic model and dentist tool - demonstration teeth model of varities of orthodontic bracket or brace

Non-Insured Health Benefits Program update: Orthodontic Policy

Important Notice to All Qalipu members, there has been a Non-Insured Health Benefits Program update relating to: Orthodontic Policy!

If you’re a client who did not receive approval for orthodontic coverage between March 24, 2016 and July 31, 2018 you can have your claim reviewed.

Step 1: Provide a signed letter from the client, parent or legal guardian requesting a reconsideration base on the updated orthodontic policy,

Step 2: Provide the original request for coverage,

Step 3: Provide pre-treatment orthodontic diagnostic records (i.e., models, radiographs and photographs) which can be obtained through your orthodontist.

If you have questions or concerns about your specific case or request for coverage (including appeals) we encourage you to call the NIHB Dental Predetermination Centre – Orthodontic Services line at 1-866-227-0943.

For additional information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/services/first-nations-inuit-health/reports-publications/non-insured-health-benefits/dental-benefits-guide-non-insured-health-benefits-program.html (Section 8.8)

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2017-2018 Annual Report

The Qalipu First Nation is pleased to share its Annual Report for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. This report contains the audited financial statements, gives an overview of all activities of Qalipu’s service areas including Education and Training, Culture and Heritage, Tourism, Member Services, Health, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development. The report provides insight into our Strategic Plan, and the 2018 Election and includes messages from the Chief and Band Manager.

The content of this report, and more, will be presented at the upcoming Annual General Assembly. This meeting, open to all members of the Band, will take place on September 15 at 1:30-4:00 at the Parish Hall in St. George’s. Copies of the report will be available at the meeting. Members are reminded to bring their Secure Card of Indian Status to register upon arrival.

Click here to view the 2017-2018 Annual Report

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Notice of Call for Nominations: Qalipu First Nation Band Election

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 each of 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 below, and are available at the Band office at 3 Church Street, Corner Brook. A nonrefundable fee of $25.00 shall be submitted with the nomination papers in the form of cash, money order, bank draft or certified cheque. The deadline for nominations is September 12, 2018. Nominations received by that date at the Band office will be considered as filed with the Electoral Officer for purposes of the Band Election to be held on October 23, 2018.

Members can view the Electoral Voters List at the Corner Brook Office, at the office of the Electoral Officer or linked below, to confirm their eligibility to vote.

Carol Lahey
Chief Electoral Officer
Suite 313
93 West Street
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 2Y6

Click here to view the electors’ list

See below for links to view the Nomination Forms

Chief
Central Region Vice-Chief
Western Region Vice-Chief
Benoit’s Cove
Corner Brook
Exploits
Flat Bay
Gander Bay
Glenwood
Port au Port
St. George’s
Stephenville

The word NEWS written in vintage wooden letterpress type in a wooden type drawer.

Announcement: Appointment of Electoral Officer for Qalipu Election 2018

We wish to advise our members that the Qalipu Chief and Council have appointed Carol Lahey to the position of Electoral Officer.  In this role, Carol will  administer the upcoming Band Election in accordance with the Custom Rules Governing the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections.

Carol Lahey was a Deputy Electoral Officer in both the 2012 and 2015 Qalipu elections, and as such has become proficient in her understanding of our election process, rules and procedure.  She also brings with her experience working in both provincial and federal elections.

We look forward to another successful election in 2018.

To reach Carol, please email election@qalipu.ca

or call 709-634-7823

The Election Office is located at:
Suite 313
93 West Street
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 2Y6

Junior Police Accademy Featured Image

Junior Police Academy – 2018

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Qalipu First Nation partnered to host the Junior Police Academy program held at Killdevil Camp and Conference Centre from August 7th to August 10th.  This program provides youth with opportunities to learn from community leaders, connect with nature and be immersed in culture. It is intended to foster social growth, promote healthy lifestyle choices and build positive relationships.

This year’s Junior Police Academy welcomed 52 children to camp where they participated in a range of activities and learning sessions including singing, drumming, rattle-making and ceremony. A cultural campfire, with roasted bannock and freshly steeped Labrador tea, was a welcomed treat for all!

Culture Gems Group Activity Officer

Cultural Session at Grenfell Campus

Cultural Session at Grenfell Campus

Grenfell Campus hosted 24 students and their chaperones from Sugiyama Jogakuen University (Nagoya, Japan) from August 6th to August 24th.  As part of their immersion learning, Qalipu First Nation offered a Mi’kmaq cultural session to share songs, stories and cultural traditions with the students, providing a deeper understanding of place.

Nature Conservancy Canada

Qalipu Celebrates New Nature Reserve

On Friday, August 17th, the newly established 79-hectare Barachois Brook Nature Reserve was announced by Nature Conservancy of Canada staff and Goudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains. In acknowledgement of the historical and cultural significance of this land, traditional knowledge and music was shared.

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Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k August 2018 Newsletter

Kwe’

Welcome to the latest edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k, our Indigenous community newsletter.

On Page 7, find important details on our upcoming election which will take place this fall.   We’ve included information on the Amendment Vote that will be held at the same time as the general election.  If membership votes ‘yes’ to accept the proposed changes, we will see positive changes to the way we deliver elections, including increased voter participation and accessibility, accurate and timely results, and a substantial cost savings that can be put back into our communities.  Please take a few minutes to read the Question and Answers which summarize what this Amendment Vote is all about.  Along with this information, we’ve also provided a link to apply for a mail-in ballot, and a reminder how to update your address if you’ve moved.

Have you ever heard a community in Newfoundland being called by it’s Mi’kmaq name? In the past, places were often named to describe landscape features, to aid in navigation, and to locate specific resources like, Pilmuipke’katik (where mint grows along the brook).  We’re pleased to share with you a new interactive map that includes more than 80 place names along with Mi’kmaq translations and details on their meanings.  We hope to make this map project even more interactive by adding photos, videos and audio.  Maybe you have something special to add and we hope you will.  Find a link to this map, and an invitation to participate in this project on page 3.

On Page 8 find a summary of some of Experience Qalipu’s summer events, and on Page 9 get important updates from the Health division including a notice of rate increase, and information on how to sign up for Electronic Funds Transfer.  On Page 10 and 11 we share submissions from the Exploit’s Mawio’mi and The Bay St. George Mi’kmaq Powwow.

Find all this and lots more.  If you would like to comment on what you’ve read, or have news to share, please get in touch with me at awhite@qalipu.ca

Wela’lin

Alison