The subject of identity can be a very difficult one. As a result of colonization, many Indigenous people struggle with loss of language, ceremony and connection to their community.

We do our best to raise our youth with values rooted in respect; respect for ourselves and others. But as Indigenous people, many of have been victims of intergenerational trauma. Trauma caused by colonization, forced assimilation, and systemic discrimination has had a devastating effect on many Indigenous people, leading to extremely high rates of mental health issues, family violence and addictions.

The word resilient is used often in relation to Indigenous people. The Cambridge dictionary defines resilience as “the ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened”.  It is difficult to accept inherited trauma; to not become stuck in a state of frustration and hurt over things that we did not ask for or have no control over.

We can only control how we live our own lives. Time is so precious, we should do our best to make a positive impact, to leave behind something that we can be proud of.  If we decide to only look back, we will never go forward. There must be a healthy balance between the past and present. Learning from our history paves a way for a better future.

Social media continues to be a place of information sharing which is valuable, but it can also foster conversations that breed hate and disrespect. Ultimately, we have a choice: we can engage and tear one another down, or we can break the cycle by scrolling past things that seek to hurt others. There is so much power in rising above. We can exercise empathy, knowing that hurt people will often hurt other people and when we feed these negative conversations, we are holding each other back from healing, because quite often, hate has more to do with things we cannot see.  We can be strong knowing that we can control our reactions to the actions of others. The best way to silence hate is not to feed it.

We can be described using a variety of words: resilient is one, but there are so many other beautiful words to describe who we are. Indigenous people are more than our trauma, more than our biggest mistakes, more than the effects of colonialism. Being kind to ourselves and to others requires far less energy than hate and it results in progress.  There is room for hurt and pain as we are human, and life comes with struggles and hardship but if we support one another; we can break cycles of trauma and restore pride in who we are. There is no harm to be done by smiling, you may even make someone’s day brighter.

If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health issues, please remember there are resources available to you including:

If in Danger: Call 911
Emergency line 24/7 referral service: Call 211
Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Line 24/7: Call 811
Mental Health & Addictions Triage: Call 1-844-353-3330
Mental Heal & Addictions System Navigator: Call 1-877-999-7589
Doorways/Bridge The Gap ages 12 & up: Call 709-752-4903 or online @ bridgethegapp.ca
Provincial Lifewise Warmline 10am-12am 7 days/week: Call 1-855-753-2560
Crisis Text Line for Youth: Text “ Talk” or “wellness” to 686868
Crisis Text Line for Adults: Text “Talk” or Wellness” to 741741
Sexual Assault Crisis Line: Call 1-800-726-2743
Talk Suicide Canada 24/7: Call 1-833-456-4566
NNADP National Native Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program: Call 902-742-4337
First Nations & Inuit Hope For Wellness: Call 1-855-242-3310
2SLGBTQIA + Warmline Mon-Fri 1pm-6pm & 6pm-12am. Sat-Sun 6pm-12am: Call or text: 1-866-230-8041
Mental Wellness Navigator Qalipu First Nation: Call 709-679-2238

Today marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, now recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day. In 1996, Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, proclaimed June 21 as National Aboriginal Day. This designation was the result of extensive consultations and support from various Indigenous groups. On June 21, 2017, the Prime Minister announced the intention to rename this day to National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Designated days like NIPD serve to remind us of our history and to celebrate our present. For many, this day will be observed differently. Some may participate in ceremonies or community events, while others may take a moment to reflect on its significance. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people; the more we know about our past, the brighter our futures can be. By learning from each other’s diverse backgrounds and experiences, we become better neighbors and more compassionate individuals.

This month, members of council and staff have been engaged with community groups and youth to share and participate in learning opportunities.  It is wonderful to see how excited and eager our young people are to learn, and we are so grateful to our educators and knowledge keepers for supporting them.

We are surrounded with writers, artists and entrepreneurs, folks that are telling our stories and creating economic growth.  We have so much to celebrate and be proud of.

To celebrate NIPD, numerous events will take place all around us, starting with sunrise ceremonies and continuing with food, local crafts, and family gatherings throughout the day. May you be inspired and curious; take time to have conversations with each other.  When we respectfully listen and share, we grow stronger for brighter tomorrow.

June is National Indigenous History Month. It is a time for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to reflect on the significance of our history and celebrate the many contributions of Indigenous people to our communities.

We all have our own stories and levels of understanding of indigenous history. This month is a time to educate ourselves and offer a safe space to everyone to gain a deeper understanding of who we are and where we come from.

Our culture has so many valuable teachings that guide us to take care of one another and our lands. Our communities are rich with artists and storytellers. Our greatest gift is our knowledge and it’s meant to be shared. Take the time this month to get to know your neighbours, read a book by one of our many local Indigenous authors, support local Indigenous artists and connect with Mother Earth.

Indigenous Peoples Month is an opportunity to acknowledge our shared history and honour the resilience of our ancestors.  By embracing our identity and sharing our stories, we strengthen our community and inspire future generations.

We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this month, to learn more about our culture, and to support one another in our collective efforts to preserve and promote our heritage. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for all.

As we commemorate National Seal Products Day this month, we are reminded of the profound significance that seals hold within our communities and Indigenous populations. This occasion allows us to not only celebrate our cultural heritage but also to recognize the vital role that the seal fishery plays in sustaining our way of life.

Recently, as your Canadian Seal Ambassador, I had the privilege of representing our Nation in Ottawa for discussions surrounding the sealing industry. Participating in the National Seal Products Day festivities was an opportunity to showcase our commitment to the sustainable harvesting of seals and the promotion of Canadian seal products with the Seals and Sealing Network.

We are particularly proud to highlight the endeavors of Qalipu Holdings Limited, our business investment arm, and its subsidiary, Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries. Through their efforts, we have introduced our very own WASPU seal oil product to markets worldwide. WASPU Oil, derived from seals blubber through humane and sustainable practices, not only benefits human consumption but also serves the pet market. Please follow them on Instagram and Facebook @waspuoil and the website is www.waspu.ca for more information.

During our many discussions with Ministers, Senators, and MP’s we emphasized our commitment to environmental stewardship and our dedication to maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem, essential for the well-being of our communities, both environmentally and economically.

As many of you are aware, the overpopulation of seals has significantly impacted various sectors, including fish harvesting, processing, marketing, and support services. In response, Qalipu First Nation took proactive steps by conducting our inaugural seal harvesting training program in 2023 and more then doubled our attendance for 2024.With our members becoming certified in Humane Harvesting, this marks a milestone in our efforts towards sustainable resource management.

Looking ahead, I am pleased to announce that planning is underway for our 2025 training program, reaffirming our commitment to equipping our members with the necessary skills to engage in seal harvesting responsibly and ethically. We will continue to promote our Waspu brand of products in Canada and on the global stage.

As we celebrate National Seal Products Day, let us continue to champion the cultural and economic significance of seals within our communities. Together, we can ensure a prosperous future for generations to come, rooted in respect for our traditions and the environment.

Congratulations to all the high school and post-secondary graduates of 2024. Your dedication and hard work have not only paved the way for your future, but it also inspires those who will be following in your footsteps.

Access to quality education goes beyond boosting our local economy, it’s about empowering our future leaders with confidence and skills.

All information that you have learned will be valuable as you move forward in your life. There is no such thing as useless knowledge. All educational pathways allow us to find our place and value in society. Remember that knowledge is power and how you use that knowledge will shape the future.

Through the support of the education and training programs at Qalipu First Nation, there are 110 post-secondary graduates who will be receiving their diplomas this spring and there are an estimated 96 students due to graduate following completion of the Spring/Summer semesters. During the 2023-2024 academic year there have been approximately 954 students funded for post secondary studies. These students have experienced the transformative impacts of education and have had the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Your journey has not been without its challenges, but your perseverance and resilience have led you to this remarkable achievement. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, every mistake is a chance to learn something new and become a better version of ourselves. Our lived experiences are life’s greatest lessons.

To the graduates of 2024. We will wish you the best in your future endeavours, may it be filled with endless opportunities and the assurance that your community stands behind you as your move on to your next adventures.

We would like to offer special acknowledgement to Jerry Evans, who was honored with an Honorary degree at Memorial University’s spring convocation last week. Jerry’s incredible artwork and traditional knowledge continues to be an inspiration to us all. If you are not familiar with Jerry’s work, please visit: https://www.jerryevans.ca/