The Act is a comprehensive reform of child and family services affirming the right of First Nations to exercise jurisdiction in relation to child and family services, including legislative authority and the right to administer and enforce these laws. The purpose of the Act is to affirm the rights of Indigenous governments and organizations to exercise jurisdiction over First Nation, Inuit and Métis child and family services.

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Learn More Here: https://qalipu.ca/child-youth-family/

The meal allowance rate has been updated for NIHB eligible clients. Clients must have been approved for NIHB medical transportation benefits to access medically necessary health services that cannot be obtained in their community of residence. NIHB Clients are still required to submit the NIHB Medical Transportation Reimbursement Form.

The rates are in effect for the 2021 – 2022 fiscal year (April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022) for clients served by all NIHB Regions are:

	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Regular Rate (ages 4 to adult)	S15.00	$15.00	$30.00
Infant/Toddler Rate (0-3, inclusive)	$7.50	$7.50	15.00

 

There have been no changes made to the weekly meal allowance, it remains at $168 for a single traveller and $252 for a client and escort.   Private vehicle rates will remain the same at 0.215 cents a kilometer.

For the complete update on NIHB please visit:  ISC – NIHB Program Updates

Please be advised, priority registration for the Covid-19 vaccination is now available to Indigenous peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Qalipu Band members are invited to register through the provincial government websites fillable form linked here, or by calling 1-833-668-3930.

Locations for vaccination clinics will be determined as individuals register and health authorities gain a better understanding of demographics has been achieved.  The Band has advocated for mobile clinics to reach our more remote communities so that Band members will not have to travel long distances to receive the vaccination.

All Band members have access to priority registration however, appointments will be booked first for those aged 60+.

All are encouraged to receive this vaccination and take this important step toward reducing the spread and impact of the Covid-19 virus.

1. What is the difference in protection between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines?

Currently the vaccine effectiveness is based on the clinical studies done for each vaccine before it was approved for use in Canada.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine had 44 000 participants in their studies and was found to be 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 beginning 1 week after the second dose.

Moderna vaccine had 30 000 participant in their studies and was found to be 94.1% effective in preventing COVID-19 beginning 2 weeks after the second dose.

It is important to know that the vaccines are continuing to be studied as more doses are administered data is continued to be collected on adverse events and effectiveness.

 

2. Can you spread the virus after being vaccinated?

This is not yet known. What is known is that the vaccine prevents people from getting sick. It’s a possibility that someone may not get sick but could still pass it on to others. It is important to continue to practice wearing a mask, safe distancing and hand hygiene even after being vaccinated.

 

3. What are the side effects of the COVID vaccine?

The side effects to the COVID-19 Vaccine are similar to that of other vaccinations. Mostly these are mild side effects such as pain at the site of injection, body chills, feeling tired and feeling feverish.  These sides effects are signs that the vaccine is working and firing up your immune system.

As with any vaccine, there is a chance of serious side effects, such as an anaphylactic reaction. Serious side effects are rare.

Any reactions following vaccination are reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada. This is part of the ongoing safety monitoring process to ensure the vaccine continues to meet high safety standards.

 

4. If people have already been infected, can they still be vaccinated?

Yes, even if someone has recovered from COVID-19, they should still be vaccinated. As more variants of the virus continue to develop, there is risk of being re-infected with COVID-19.

 

5. What are the long term effects of the vaccine?

 Scientist continue to gather the data on the long term effects of the vaccine. The vaccine has not been in use for a long time, therefor this information is not yet known. What we do know is that the disease itself has long term effects. COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada continue to be monitored. Any adverse events following immunizations are reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

 

6. How safe is the vaccine?

Any vaccine used in Canada must first go through approvals. Canada is known world-wide for its high standards and rigorous reviews. All clinical studies are done prior to approval for use in Canada. Even after approval, these vaccines continue to be closely monitored as long as they are used in Canada.

Health Canada has put in place a fast-tracked review process to assess COVID-19 vaccines. Canada has dedicated more scientific resources to complete these reviews so that they’re done quickly but without cutting corners. This is made possible due to the global priority and collaboration to find effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines.

Below is an infographic and short video that illustrate this process.

Infographic:

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines/development-approval-infographic.html

Short video:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/video/covid-19-how-vaccines-developed.html

Description
In a recent meeting of Council, $75,000 were set aside for the providing support to community based Indigenous groups to better support members of the Qalipu First Nation during this difficult time.

The Qalipu COVID Relief Funds will provide Indigenous groups on the island of Newfoundland with a means to help Qalipu members with COVID-19 initiatives. The fund will allocate a maximum of $7,500 per organization for initiatives that will directly benefit the health and well being of vulnerable populations within our membership in this difficult time.

These funds provide a mechanism for grassroots Indigenous organizations on the ground in their communities to target and support vulnerable populations by aiding:

1. mental health and wellness programs,
2. personal protective equipment,
3. personal hygiene products,
4. food and
5. vulnerable population essential transportation.

Qalipu First Nation is currently accepting proposals, from organizations interested in receiving up to $7,500 per funding year in grant funding from the Qalipu COVID Relief Fund for projects that are up to 6 months in duration. Funding is limited so interested groups are encouraged to apply early.

Eligibility
The proposal must be submitted by an eligible organization. To qualify your organization must be an established Indigenous organization on the island of Newfoundland, in good standing with the provincial Registry of Companies, and servicing the needs of the members of the Qalipu First Nation in their area.

Proposal Assessment
Proposals will be assessed on the following criteria to determine overall quality and merit.

1. Objectives
What is the purpose of the project? Organizations will need to clearly identify the goal of the project and provide a rationale as to how it will address the identified need highlighted above.

2. Vulnerable Populations
How will projects benefit seniors, youth, or other vulnerable populations in our communities?

3. Cost effectiveness
A budget outlining the project costs must accompany the proposal which supports the project activities and does not exceed the maximum allowed.

Deadline
The proposal for funding must be received no later than Friday, August 21st, at 12:00 pm NST via mail or email.

Apply by email
council@qalipu.ca

Apply by Mail
Qalipu COVID Relief Fund
3 Church Street
Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4

Contact us
If you require any further information please feel free to contact Keith Goulding, Band Manager at kgoulding@qalipu.ca or via telephone (709) 634-1147.

QFN’s Education and Training department, alongside facilitators from Physical Health Education Canada, hosted a two day workshop on October 28 and 29 for students and educators. The workshop focused on school health from an Indigenous perspective, and was intended to provide information and create feedback toward the development of a social and emotional toolkit for school age youth. This toolkit is a project that QFN continues to work on through the WellAhead Initiative, with a grant provided by the McConnell Foundation.

With newly formed friendships, a better understanding of the community resources available to Western District schools, and a renewed commitment to inclusiveness and continued partnerships, the workshop was a great success. This success was a further testament to the fantastic partnership that has been built between QFN and the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, whose ongoing support is instrumental in our ability to reach youth.

Many thanks are extended to our facilitators Tricia Zakaria and Ryan Fahey from PHE Canada, our wonderful partners Dr. Antony Card, Dean of Education Mount Saint Vincent University, the Newfoundland and Labradors Teachers Association Special Health Council, Western Health, and our friends at The People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Center in Stephenville. Special thanks to Chief Brendan Mitchell and Stephenville Ward Councillor Odelle Pike for sharing your wisdom and welcoming everyone with open arms.