February 28, 2020, Corner Brook—Yesterday, members of the newly established Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Association (NLITA) shared their story of coming together to form an association that will support Indigenous tourism development in this province.  What began as a conversation two years ago during the first province-wide Indigenous Tourism Gathering in Happy Valley-Goose Bay became a reality as the group announced their new Association and 5-year development strategy.

On hand to share in the announcement were Tara Saunders of Qalipu First Nation, Roxanne Notley of NunatuKavut and Jilliam Larkham of Nunatsiavut. Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) representatives President and CEO Keith Henry and Atlantic Coordinator Robert Bernard were also on hand to show their support. The Indigenous-led team will pursue grassroots tourism support, cultural preservation, inclusion, leadership, marketing, product development, education, training and capacity building.

Tara Saunders, who also holds the provincial seat on the ITAC Board of Directors and serves on the Board with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, noted that the five-year strategy was developed with input from many voices heard through an engagement process that included industry, partners and Indigenous communities.

Saunders noted that 91% of those reached during the engagement process agreed that an Indigenous tourism association would be an asset for their communities. They also felt it could help businesses to prosper and reconcile with the past. She added, “this is the first step in laying a solid foundation for the Indigenous peoples of this province to positively impact their communities through the fastest growing tourism sector in Canada. Indigenous tourism is about so much more than economic benefit, it is about giving the community a platform through which they can share their own stories and values.”

Community pre-launch events were held in Goose Bay and in Corner Brook so that community people would have the opportunity to be the first to hear about the new plan. In Corner Brook Chief Brendan Mitchell was on hand to pledge his support to the development of Indigenous Tourism.

To learn more about NLITA, the new Provincial Indigenous Tourism Strategy, and how Mi’kmaq and Qalipu member owned businesses can be part of the good work being done, please visit nlita.net or connect with Tara Saunders at tsaunders@qalipu.ca

March 17, 2020, Corner Brook—Qalipu First Nation wishes to advise that effective 4:00 PM today, all Qalipu office locations will be closed. Services will continue to be delivered by our dedicated body of staff from their home office locations. This decision has been made to support efforts being made to reduce contact and spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

Qalipu Band Chief Brendan Mitchell noted that, for Council, the decision to send staff home was a good one. He said, “We are experiencing an unprecedented moment in our shared history. In our province and around the world businesses and individuals are demonstrating that we are willing to put the wellness of our communities ahead of business as usual. At Qalipu First Nation, we are willing to do what is needed.”

Chief Mitchell noted that the Band will maintain a high level of communication with community members via social media, the Qalipu.ca website, by email and phone.

He said, “We are each finding our way day by day as this health crisis unfolds. It’s important that we find ways to stay connected and know that we are getting through this together. I encourage you to sign up for our Community Mailing List if you haven’t already done so. We plan on staying in touch.”

While the Band transitions to work from home, we ask community members to be patient. At this time, contact by email would be most direct and staff will be available to respond during regular business hours. We will check voicemails daily for those who may not be able to avail of online communication. It is important to note that there will be no break in our services. Health claims will be processed, education benefit intake and management as well as other services will continue.

We are all in this together. M’sit No’kmaq.

February 21, 2020 Corner Brook—The Qalipu Business Network hosted its annual business forum on February 18-19 at the Greenwood Inn in Corner Brook.  This was the eighth annual forum which is designed to facilitate connections between Indigenous entrepreneurs, member-owned businesses, industry partners and service providers.  More than 80 business owners and other delegates turned out for the event.

The forum opened with an evening networking social featuring a musical performance by the talented Lorna Lovell who is set to launch her new album, Whenever I Sing, later this month.  Day two of the forum opened with a welcome from Qalipu Chief Brendan Mitchell and cultural sharing by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association and included a full day of networking, engaging presentations and panel discussions.

Tara Saunders, Acting Director of the Community Development Department at Qalipu noted, “Our theme this year, ‘Building Success Together’, was really portrayed by the mix of business owners, service providers and government representatives in the room.  It was great to explore how all these groups can continue to work together to build strong and prosperous communities and it was inspiring to hear from some of our many entrepreneurs whose passion, dedication and great community partners have helped them achieve success in their business.  A big thank you goes out to the staff at Qalipu First Nation who helped put this event together, and to our partners and allies for their unwavering support.  Wela’lioq”

Business owners who would like to connect with the Qalipu Business Network are invited to contact Economic Development Officer Kellie Kerpan at kkerpan@qalipu.ca