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Pictured here are researchers Mary Elsa Young and Madonna Louvelle at work in Qalipu’s Stephenville office along with interviewee Rodney Bennett. Rodney is one of many members of the Band who are contributing their knowledge of woodland caribou species. Rodney is also one of Qalipu’s River Guardians.

Two Weeks Left to Participate: Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Research on Woodland Caribou in Newfoundland

The purpose of the Woodland Caribou Study according to Melissa Brake, Project Manager,  is to “formally collect and document Traditional Knowledge on the woodland caribou species including such topics as historical population trends, distribution and behavior in the Bay St. George area.”

Jonathan Strickland, Manager of the Qalipu Natural Resource Division added, “Sometimes researchers might overlook the value of our elders’ traditional knowledge and oral history.  As an indigenous organization we understand the value.  Through this project we hope not only to collect and preserve this valuable knowledge, but also build on it by following up with collecting scientific data in the field that supports what our elders have told us.”

If you haven’t scheduled your interview yet, please do so.  This project will end on November 25th.  Please contact Madonna or Mary Elsa at 649-0593.

Sport coach training a young attractive woman on a stadium

Wanted: Chaperones and Coaches for the 2017 North American Indigenous Games

Purpose: To provide, in a volunteer capacity, support to Team Indigenous Newfoundland Labrador Athletes in preparation, training and participation in the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto, Ontario – July 16-23, 2017. All Coaches will assist and support the Chef de Mission and Assistant Chef de Mission in a variety of aspects affecting Team NL prior to and during the Games, and are accountable on these matters to the Chef de Mission.

Major Duties of Coaches/Chaperones

  • Being responsible for the athletes of their sport throughout the full duration of the Games and prior training from July 12th, 2017 till athletes return home from the games on July 24st , 2017
  • Promote a safe, harassment-free environment where team members are treated with respect so that their experience can be a positive and memorable one
  • Ensuring that all of their athletes are aware of and understand the Team NL code of conduct and disciplinary code
  • Residing in the assigned accommodation with their Athletes throughout the games
  • Agreeing to and signing the Team NL Code of Conduct
  • Abiding by and enforcing Team NL’s Dress Code
  • Coaching in a fair and respectful manner
  • Administering discipline for minor infractions
  • Reporting all incidents of harassment to Mission Staff
  • Being responsible for competitor’s preparation, performance and conduct prior to, during and after the Games
  • Assisting with administrative tasks for the team, including registration, uniform allocation, and transportation
  • Assisting Mission Staff and the Host Society with accreditation and accommodation procedures
  • Being familiar with the roles and responsibilities of Mission staff
  • Attending all required Team NL official functions and ceremonies when requested by the Mission Staff
  • Providing input and feedback to your respective Mission Staff or Assistant Chef de Mission regarding the Games

Mandatory Qualifications for Coaches/ Chaperones

– At least 21 years of age
– A resident of Newfoundland Labrador for at least two years prior to the actual Games
– Able to take time off from work to properly prepare for and attend the Games
– Possess very strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, ability to work well with others
– Must demonstrate good moral character
– Must submit Police Criminal Record Check not dated earlier than February 2016

Preferred Qualifications for Coaches/ Chaperones

– Past/current involvement and experience in the Newfoundland Labrador sporting/cultural community
– Acquisition of basic certification from the National Coaching Certification Program in your sport if available, coaching experience will also be considered

 

If you are interested in this opportunity please check out the application which can be found here.
Instructions on how to apply and deadline are found within the application.

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Vice Chief Erica Samms Hurley appointed to Canadian Institutes of Health Research Advisory Committee

October 31, 2016 (Ottawa, ON) – The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is pleased with the recent appointment of Erica Samms-Hurley, a Mi’kmaq woman from Newfoundland and a member of the Qalipu First Nation, to the Institute Advisory Board (IAB) on Chronic Conditions at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).” –nwac.ca

If you wish to read more on this article please click here

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Benoit 1st Nation Annual Assembly and Mi’kmaw Centre Grand Opening

Band Members, general public and invited guests attended the Benoit 1st nation Annual Assembly and Mi’kmaw Centre Grand opening which was a cultural gathering and celebration that took place on Sunday, Oct 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Mi’kmaw Centre in Degrau, NL

The event began with a Smudging/ Blessing of the building and the attendees with sage and sweet grass by our Spiritual Advisor Terry Muise.

This was followed by the blessing of the Spirit Wind Community Drum and then the Welcoming song and the Gathering Song.

Rev Patry of the RC Parish of Our Lady of the Cape said read a statement and blessed for the Centre and this was followed by the cutting of the red ribbon signifying the Official opening of the Centre along with the carrying of the Community flag and the Mi’kmaq Nation Flag by Elders Godfrey Benoit and Jerome Benoit.

This event marks the 1st Mi’kmaw Cultural Centre for this region and was very much needed to help the local Mi’kmaq population immerse themselves in traditions, heritage, cultural activities, drumming and language.

Then drumming of the Feast Song followed by a feast, cake cutting and more feasting with snacks, treats and finger foods.

The Benoit 1st Nation Annual Financial Report was handed out to all band members.

The event closed off with the Travellers song followed by a group photo.

The event was hosted by the Benoit 1st Nation Women’s Council who did a beautiful job with the celebrations.

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Office and Retail Space for Rent in Stephenville

Office and Retail Space for Rent in Stephenville

Location: 90 Main Street

You won’t find another place like this!  Centrally located near all local amenities on Stephenville’s bustling Main Street, our fairly-priced rental space is full of possibilities for the setup of your office or small business.   A total of 3,700-square feet is available which can be subdivided to meet your space requirements and there are also move-in ready spaces available.

Features:

  • 22 offices
  • Common area
  • Kitchen
  • Flexible lease options
  • Lessor can renovate to suit your needs
  • On-site facility manager

For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Rob Dicks at 643-6895 (9:00 AM-4:00 PM) or 660-4691 (after business hours).

Magnifying glass over a newspaper classified section with Job Market text

Qalipu Linkages Employment Program

Program Description

The Qalipu Linkages Program is a youth employment program funded by the Department of Advanced Education and Skills.  The program provides participating youth with a 26-week career-related local job placement combined with regular workshops on employment skill-building topics.  After a week of orientation, participants will conduct their own job search to find a placement that suits their skills and interests.  Upon completion of the program, participants will earn a “completion bonus” to support their future career and education goals.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Linkages program, participants must:

  • Be a registered member of the QMFNB between the ages of 18 to 30;
  • Be able to provide own transportation for employment and workshops in the Corner Brook area;
  • Be non-EI eligible and have limited work experience (currently not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and have not received EI benefits within the last 3 years; or have not received EI maternity/parental benefits within the last five years);
  • Have completed a minimum of level II high school, and have NOT completed post-secondary training. If an applicant has not completed high school or equivalent, they must be out of school for a minimum of six months prior to applying to the program.

How to apply

To apply to the Qalipu Linkages Program, please submit a resume or cover letter by mail, in person, or via e-mail to:

Work Force Qalipu
Attention: Vickie MacDonald
3 Church St
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 2Z4
vmacdonald@qalipu.ca

Deadline to apply:  November 10th, 2016

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Regular Meeting of Council

A regular meeting of the Qalipu Chief and Council will take place on December 3, 2016 starting at 10:00 am in the Qalipu Community Room at 1 Church Street, Corner Brook.  This meeting is open to all members of the Qalipu First Nation.  We request that members preregister if possible to allow us to plan for seating and refreshments.  Please note that you will be asked to sign in at the meeting and present your registration card or letter.

To preregister please contact Mabel MacDonald at 634-5111 or email mmacdonald@qalipu.ca by November 30.

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Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k October Newsletter

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In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k you will want to pay attention to an important announcement regarding the Medical Transportation Benefit.  There are changes to how members living in Atlantic Canada will access this benefit, and we want to make sure you are aware of all the details.  Find this on page 1.

You also won’t want to miss out on the Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge project featured on page 4, right next to Natural Resource Manager Jonathan Strickland’s guidance for a safe and sustainable harvest this fall.

Also in this issue, a throwback to the warm days of July with a beautiful excerpt from the sermon from Father Donald Leonard of Sacred Heart Parish, the site of this years’ St. Anne’s Day Celebration.  Special thanks to Service Qalipu Director Ralph Eldridge for organizing the event and all the volunteers who worked together to make it possible.

Do you remember hearing about the end of the grade 5 Outdoor Education Program last spring? Well, its back on and we’re proud to share that we played a hand in making it happen.  Get the scoop on page 6.

Over the past month or so I was lucky enough to get around to meet a lot of fantastic people and see some special places including the Mi’kmaq Language and Culture Camp in De Grau, The Drop-in Addiction Recovery Centre in Stephenville, and a Sweat Lodge in Stephenville Crossing.  I’ve shared some recollections, interviews and photos of these special places and people.

I hope you enjoy the newsletter, and I encourage you to get in touch with your thoughts or contributions to the next edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k.

Thanks,
Alison

Click here to view this month’s newsletter

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Happy 5th Anniversary Qalipu First Nation

Happy 5th Anniversary Qalipu First Nation!

Today we celebrate the anniversary of our Band, established five years ago on September 22, 2011.  In the years since our inception we have grown and journeyed together as a community.  We have worked toward common goals of rediscovering and sharing our culture, and building a bright future for our Nation.

Looking back over these past five years we have much to be proud of:

  • Our new Council has been working hard to be actively engaged with our membership—all our regular meetings of Council are now open to membership and include an opportunity for them to ask questions. We have also worked to increase the number of Ward meetings that are held each year. Town Hall meetings are now being organized in all of our Wards for this Fall.
  • Our new Council has purchased buildings in Grand Falls-Windsor and in Stephenville. In addition to the recent establishment of the Qalipu Community Room in our existing building at 3 Church Street, Corner Brook, we are also working toward establishing community rooms at each of the new buildings to better serve our members in Central and Bay St-George.
  • We lobbied and secured funding for the hiring of a much needed new position to administer the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy. Through matching the funding provided by DFO, Qalipu has recently hired two new River Guardians.
  • We have recently established an Urban Reserve Planning Committee and have been working hard toward realization of this shared vision for the future.
  • We currently provide employment for 33 full time employees, 10 term employees and 12 seasonal employees.
  • We have provided assistance to more than 600 members with wage subsidies, self-employment assistance and youth employment programs.
  • $39.4 million dollars has been paid out in education funding to thousands of members for post-secondary diploma, degree and masters programs.
  • The Qalipu Cultural Foundation was developed to support cultural documentation, and promote the involvement of youth and elders in cultural activities including educational outreach, celebration of special days and the support of other organizations who are working to bring cultural offerings to the people.
  • Nearly $52 million dollars in health benefits have been paid out to our membership. We continue to pursue continued growth in this area.  We are currently set to launch administration of the Medical Transportation Benefit for all Wards and for members living in Atlantic Canada.  This initiative will improve the services and speed up reimbursement processing time for our members.
  • We have begun to move forward on the first year of our five-year Tourism Strategy with the hiring of a Tourism Development Officer. Implementation of the strategy will lead to sustainable aboriginal tourism in our nine Wards.
  • We administer 13 inshore fishing licenses and one 65-foot enterprise, manage real estate, and have developed a number of companies. Each of these endeavors are earning own-source revenue to help the Band build for its future.
  • We have developed many beneficial partnerships in terms of business development and community involvement.

Chief, Council and Qalipu Staff are committed to ensuring the growth, effectiveness and prosperity of Qalipu on behalf of our People, our Communities, and our Nation.