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Council Meeting Minutes – November 16 2019
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Message From the Chief – March 27 2020
Kwe’
While it has been a long week, perhaps the heavy snowfall this morning will provide some of you with a healthy way to get some fresh air while practicing the concepts of physical distancing. I hope that all of you are finding ways to be peaceful and happy in our time at home in self-isolation.
Each day, we learn of the increasing number of COVID cases in Newfoundland. I want to remind you all that we must be careful. There are some important tips that we should all be following, and I hope that we are each doing our best. Remember, the best way to prevent the spread of infections is to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your face; when coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your arm or tissues; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; and if you can, stay home.
Many of you have heard about a funding allocation for First Nation communities. We have been at the table for many discussions regarding this funding however, it has largely been allocated for reserve communities. We continue to work with our partners in Indigenous Services Canada to find ways to access funds and resources to support our membership.
We are as well looking at existing programs and services to see if we can find any ways to provide some assistance to members at this time of need, but we do not anticipate government support at this time.
I would like to remind you all that our staff and Council continue to work from home, to maintain the service and programs on which we rely. I would like to thank our staff for their professionalism and adaptability during this difficult time, and I look forward to seeing what they’ve been working on with new video programs to help us all feel more connected while learning new things. Programming begins on our Facebook page next week.
Take care, everyone.
Wela’lin
Chief Brendan Mitchell
L-R Robert Bernard, Roxanne Notley, Jillian Larkham, Tara Saunders and Keith Henry
Qalipu First Nation a part of first Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association, announced at HNL Conference 2020
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
Message From The Chief – March 20, 2020
Kwe’
Greetings from my living room to yours!
It has been quite a week at Qalipu First Nation, and around the world. As details came to us about the COVID-19 pandemic, we responded accordingly. First, we postponed all scheduled public events and restricted staff travel. Then we took the additional step of closing our offices to outside traffic, we shut down the community rooms and closed our Council meeting. Finally, before the week was out, we found ourselves equipping staff to work from home, and making plans to continue the delivery of programs and services upon which our members rely.
We are still reeling from these changes, the stripping down of many of our relied upon routines, activities and social living.
The truth is, we are experiencing an unprecedented moment in our shared history and change can be difficult. However, the decisions we are making today demonstrate that we are willing to put the health of our communities above all else, and that is something of which we can all be proud.
I hope that we can stay connected in the weeks ahead before things return to normal. I encourage you to send in pictures and news of how you are finding ways of enjoying this time off the beaten path. We will share them in our weekly newsletter to help us all feel a little more connected and perhaps even inspired.
Wela’lioq
Chief Brendan Mitchell
Qalipu First Nation to Close all Office Locations
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.
That’s a Wrap! Qalipu Business Forum: Building Success Together
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
Council Meeting Minutes – November 16 2019
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INDIGENOUS PRE-CADET TRAINING PROGRAM June 1st-9th, 2020
Are you an Indigenous person, aged 19 to 29, and interested in learning more about a career in policing with the RCMP? You may be eligible to take part in this year’s Indigenous Pre-Cadet Training Program.
Indigenous pre-cadet training at the RCMP Training Academy
The program includes a three-week training session at the RCMP Training Academy (Depot) in Regina, Saskatchewan.
You’ll learn:
- How to work as part of a policing team
- An introduction to the Criminal Code and RCMP policy
- Physical fitness and drill
- Skills to help prepare you to apply to be a police officer
Open to Indigenous Peoples in Canada
To apply you must be:
- of Indigenous descent (First Nation, Métis or Inuit)
- aged 19 to 29
- a Canadian citizen
- a graduate of a Canadian secondary school (or equivalent)
- able to pass an enhanced reliability security check
DEADLINE: February 25th, 2020
Please Contact:
Cst. April Janes
Indigenous & Community Policing B Division
april.janes@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
CALL FOR CANDIDATES THE ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS SECRETARIAT for REGIONAL CHIEF OF NOVA SCOTIA AND NEWFOUNDLAND
Candidate Submission Deadline:
February 26, 2020
4:00 P.M. Atlantic Standard time
On January 16, 2020 the Chiefs of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (“Chiefs”) made the decision to commence the process to select a new Regional Chief for the Nova Scotia (NS) and Newfoundland (NL) region.
The Chiefs are seeking submissions from qualified and dedicated candidates who would like to be considered to become the NS and NL Regional Chief.
The role of the Regional Chief (RC)to advocate and act as an Ambassador on behalf of the NS and NL Chiefs and the Assembly of First Nations National forum. The RC holds a political office, that is accountable to the Chiefs and AFN.As the Ambassador for our region, our Mi’kmaq Communities expect the highest standards of professional and personal conduct from the Regional Chief and their office.
The term of office the RC will be a three (3) year term. The RC may be re-elected for further terms.
Mission of the Office of the Regional Chief
To restore and enhance the relationship among Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Canada.
- Ensure strong representation of the Chiefs whom he/she represents in concert with the AFN Charter and the Regional Chief’s Rules and Procedures, as developed by the Chiefs of the region;
- Balance First Nations’ regional and national interests in a manner that supports the NS and NL Chiefs, the AFN Charter and Regional Chief’s Rules and Procedures;
- To communicate on an ongoing basis with the Chiefs to keep them informed and to seek instruction and guidance; and
- Work in a manner that is consistent with the NS and NL Regional Chief’s Constitution (including Schedules) as developed by the Chiefs of the region, AFN Charter and the vision, mandate and directives of the
The Submission Package must include the following:
- Letter of interest – this would outline:
- Why you are interested in becoming the RC;
- Why you would be the best person to represent the Chiefs
- How you meet the eligibility criteria and qualifications, skills and abilities (as outlined below); and
- What experience you have that has prepared you to become the
- An up-to-date Resume
- Child Abuse Registry Check
- Criminal Record Check
- Two References
Eligibility Criteria
Any person submitting for the position of Regional Chief must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A Band Member of one of the Nova Scotia or Newfoundland Mi’kmaq communities;
- Ability to travel, including internationally;
- Satisfactorily complete a Criminal Record Check;
- Pass a Child Abuse Registry Check;
- Demonstrated Leadership skills;
- Minimum of High school education or equivalent (or higher);
- Demonstrated connection to and involvement within the member community and/or overall Mi’kmaq Nation;
- Knowledge of Mi’kmaq communities, governance and government relations (First Nation, Federal, Provincial and Municipal).
Qualifications and Skills and abilities:
- Experience with Project Management;
- Financial experience;
- Strong analytical, public speaking and facilitation skills;
- Strong organizational and time management skills;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to work both independently within a deadline and in a complex multi-issue team environment with competing demands and priorities;
- Computer competency, including in Microsoft Office Suite;
- Experience working with Mi’kmaq communities and organizations;
- Knowledge of Mi’kmaq language is not a requirement but would be considered an
The Process
- Submissions from Candidates will be accepted until February 26, 2020 at 4pm After which, no further submissions will be accepted or considered.
- The Interview Committee will review each candidate’s submission Only those candidates meeting the required criteria will be interviewed.
- We appreciate everyone who takes the time and opportunity to send in a submission package; however, only those candidates selected to be interviewed, will be
If you have any questions, please email Crystal Dorey at crystaldorey@mikmaqrights.com
Please forward your completed submission package in confidence to Crystal Dorey, via email at: crystaldorey@mikmaqrights.com or by fax: (902) 843-3882.
Qalipu First Nation to Begin Engagement on Development of Comprehensive Community Plan
January 23, 2020 Corner Brook—The Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce the first of many engagement sessions that will take place across the nine Wards. The purpose of the engagement is to seek community input on the development of a Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP)
The CCP is a process that will allow communities to build a roadmap towards sustainability, self- sufficiency, and improved government capacity. It will allow the community to establish a vision for its future and implement projects to achieve this vision. This process is intended to be inclusive, representing the perspective of all members, from youths to Elders, within or outside the community.
The key planning areas are governance, land and resources, health, infrastructure development, culture, social issues, and the economy. The CCP will be sustainable, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive.
Sessions are scheduled in the following locations:
Swift Current
February 3, 2020
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Kilmory Lodge
Glenwood
February 5, 2020
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Glenwood Town Hall
Please, come on out to have your say, and for a chance to win some beautiful swag featuring the CCP logo artwork created by local Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse. For more information please contact CCP Coordinator Samantha Gardiner at sgardiner@qalipu.ca.
To take the CCP Survey, please click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K8DCNWV