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.

Upcoming Changes to NIHB Eyewear Coverage

Did you know that you may be eligible for NIHB coverage for corrective eyewear (glasses and contact lenses)?  NIHB has made changes to the program. You will now have more choices/coverage with the purchase of any type of prescription eyewear.  These rates will be in effect for eyewear ordered on or after June 29, 2019:

Standard Coverage Amount	$275	For prescriptions that are less than ±7.0 (minimum prescription strength will continue to apply). This is the most common rate.
High Index Coverage Amount	$415	For prescriptions that are ±7.00 or higher.

 

How often is prescription eyewear covered?

• How often you are covered for eyewear will not change.
  • Children 0-17 years are eligible once a year;
  • individuals 18 years and older are eligible once every two years;
• individuals whose prescription changes a lot may be eligible for early replacement of the lenses. However, frequency periods will be changed to a calendar year basis.
• no change to the policy on exceptions.

Individual in the Atlantic region can contact their regional office for information on applicable rates and about these changes.  Toll-free: 1-800-565-3294, or for more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/services/first-nations-inuit-health/non-insured-health-benefits/benefits-information/non-insured-health-benefits-program-update-first-nations-inuit-health-canada.html#s19-06-1

For full details on NIHB eye and vision care benefit please visit:

https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/services/first-nations-inuit-health/non-insured-health-benefits/benefits-information/vision-care-benefits-information.html