Council Meeting Saturday January 20 2018
The next regular meeting of Council will be held on Saturday January 20 2018 1:00 pm at the Days Inn in Stephenville. To register please contact Mabel MacDonald at 634-5111 or email mmacdonald@qalipu.ca
Management Team, Qalipu First Nation (back L-R) Natural Resources Director Jonathan Strickland, Chief Brendan Mitchell, Band Manager Keith Goulding, Director of Operations Rob Dicks, (front L-R) Manager of Health Services Jenna Osmond, Comptroller Jodie Wells, Director of Education and Training Monique Carroll and Office Manager Janet McAuley. Missing from photo is Director of Community Development Ralph Eldridge.
Message from the Chief December 22 2017
Kwe’
As we prepare for the Christmas season, I pray that each of you are happy and in good health. For those among us who are in need, let us all take a moment to send warm prayers of encouragement and hope for better days ahead.
Reflecting on all that has happened during 2017, I recognize that it has been a bittersweet year. While there are many positive accomplishments to be proud of, we have also had moments that were challenging for our people and communities. I would like to take a moment to highlight some of the positive moments of 2017.
We’ve been helpful to our young people with respect to the North American Indigenous Games. Our Council donated $15,000 to support the young Mi’kmaq athletes who participated in this competitive sporting event. We are currently planning for our continued engagement and support of our young athletes over the years to come.
We have also supported significant community events including the annual Bay St. George Powwow in Flat Bay, and the first ever Exploits Mawio’mi in Grand Falls-Windsor. The work of our grassroots organizations and people are what keeps our culture and communities alive and thriving and, I am so proud of the many initiatives being led by the people. Likewise, through our annual donation to the Qalipu Cultural Foundation, many workshops, teachings and events receive financial support through their grants.
In terms of the Qalipu administration and management, we have had a very good year indeed. Every year INAC goes through a risk evaluation process of all First Nation Bands in Canada. This involves looking at our protocol, our documentation, our reporting, transparency and accounting systems. This year, we are proud to report a score of 1.51, likely the best score among all First Nations in Canada.
In 2017, we are also celebrating ISO certification. This international certification is based on guidelines that, once met, demonstrate excellence and reliability in business operations, policy and procedures. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff here who have been working toward this achievement of this goal for the last two years.
I would be remiss not to acknowledge the Enrolment process and the hurt that it has caused among our people and communities. I have been trying my best to bring a greater sense of fairness to this process but, the Government of Canada is standing firm on the agreement as signed. I would go so far as to say the government has been unyielding to practical solutions that have been presented. If you would like to hear more about what I have been up against in this situation, I encourage you to take a listen to my end of year interview on Mi’kmaq Matters
On behalf of Council and staff, I would like to extend a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and fulfilling New Year to each of you. I pray that this Christmas your homes are filled with the true spirit of the season, and that you enjoy the company of family, friends and community.
Wela’lin
Chief Brendan Mitchell
Aboriginal Youth Athletes, Apply by January 12, 2018 to Participate in the NL Winter Games!
Would you like to join a team of aboriginal youth on Team Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2018 NL Provincial Winter Games? Now is your chance!
The Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Circle Newfoundland and Labrador is now accepting applications.
Please note the Sports Circle requires applications be received at their offices by January 12, 2018.
For more information, please contact:
Mike Alexander
Regional Coordinator
Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle NL
Ph: 709-643-3130
Please click here to complete the Application
John Davis new General Manager of Qalipu Development Corporation
December 08, 2017, Corner Brook—The Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce the hiring of John Davis for the position of General Manager of the Qalipu Development Corporation (QDC). In this role, John will be responsible for the portfolio of businesses that make up the QDC, among them the Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries, Qalipu Management Services, commercial properties, and Eastern Door Logistics. John will also manage new business development, partnerships and activities focused on the economic future of the Band.
John Davis is from Corner Brook and he proudly embraces his Mi’kmaq heritage and connection to the indigenous community. John brings a variety of experience to the table including thirteen years experience supporting industry, business, and entrepreneurs as the Director of Regional Operations with the provincial department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.
John also spent six years working as a senior Regional Planner with the Enterprise Newfoundland and Labrador Corporation, a provincial crown corporation responsible for business development and financing, and served as Director of the Marble Mountain Development Corporation from 1991-2017. He has worked with several other government agencies at the federal level.
John holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Memorial University and has completed professional practitioner programs in Project Management, Memorial University, and Economic Development, University of Waterloo.
As General Manager for the QDC, John will report to a Board of Directors appointed by the Chief and Council, and align priorities and goals with the five-year strategic plan that was developed in consultation with membership, staff and Council.
John began in his new role at Qalipu First Nation on December 4 and is looking forward to the work ahead. He said, “The QDC is a very exciting organization. It is already engaged in numerous business development activities which will benefit the Qalipu membership tremendously. I am extremely pleased to be a part of this team.”
Media:
Alison White
Communications Officer
Tel. 709.634.5163
awhite@qalipu.ca
You are Invited: Presentation on Jordan’s Principle at Appleton Town Hall on December 11 at 7:00 PM
There will be a presentation on the Jordan’s Principle at the Appleton Town Hall in Glenwood this Monday, December 11. The presentation will begin at 7:00 PM. The presentation will be led by Rocky John of Conne River.
The Jordan’s Principle is in place to support indigenous children living on or off reserve. The intention is to fill the gaps in service from the local care provider(s) and what INAC is willing to fund. For example common types of services approved are: Respite Speech Therapy, Nutritional supplements, Special needs assistants (for pre-school aged children), Intensive behavioral interventions, Specialized diagnostic assessments (psychological Education is the most common), Medical equipment/supplies not covered under NIHB.
This is an important opportunity to for us to gain a greater understand of programs and resources that are available to the indigenous community. I hope to see you there.
Frank Skeard,
Glenwood Ward Councilor
Qalipu First Nation
For more information on the Jordan’s Principle, please click here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/first-nations-inuit-health/jordans-principle.html
State of the Environment: Open Talk
Please join us for presentations, and an open discussion regarding the state of the environment in our communities. Through talking and break-out sessions we will work toward solutions together.
Saturday, December 9 2017
9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Qalipu Community Room
1 Church Street, Corner Brook
Please RSVP to Mabel MacDonald at 634-5111 or email mmacdonald@qalipu.ca
Emera NL-Safety Update
- Emera Newfoundland & Labrador is in the final stages of completing the Maritime Link. Energizing and testing of infrastructure is underway.
- Members of the public should approach Maritime Link sites with the same caution as you would with any existing substation or power lines in your community.
- Components should be considered energized with high voltage electricity and should only be accessed by Emera NL authorized workers.
- Emera NL is committed to the health and safety of workers and the public. For more information call 1-855-722-3373 or visit EmeraNL.com.
Council Meeting Report – November 18, 2017
Qalipu Bachelor of Education Program
Qalipu is on a working group with Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, to establish a Qalipu Bachelor of Education (Intermediate/Secondary) Program to be offered at the Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook. This new QBED program will integrate Indigenous Knowledge, culture and beliefs into the program. During the initial stages we are looking to generate interest from members through the attached “Expression of Interest” form.
If you would be interested in this program, please take the time to complete the Expression of Interest attached here.