AGA Western

Notice of Annual General Assembly – Western 2025

Posted by Qalipu on

The Western Annual General Assembly will take place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM at Greenwood Inn & Suites, 48 West Street, Corner Brook.

All registered members of Qalipu First Nation are invited to attend. Please register upon arrival and bring your status card.

Members who wish to attend virtually can log into their KINU profile. Please note that the meeting may start later than scheduled, and we kindly ask for your patience and understanding.

To register in advance or for more information, please contact Natasha White at nwhite@qalipu.ca or 709-634-6895.

ILMI

December ILMI Survey Contest

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Anyone who completes a survey during the month of December will be entered for a chance to win one of four $125 cash prizes.

Members will also receive a $25 Walmart gift card for their first survey. Every 10 months, you can submit an update and receive a $40 Walmart gift card.

If you haven’t received a gift card from a previous survey, please email ilmi@qalipu.ca for assistance.

The survey can be found here: Indigenous Labour Market Information Project – Qalipu

Message from Chief Jenny_Nov28

Message from Chief Jenny – November 28

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On November 22, Council held our most recent meeting, marking nearly a year since we were sworn in. From the start, we committed to accountability and serving our members with dedication. It was rewarding to see the many ways Council has engaged with members, often going beyond expectations. I am proud to serve alongside the representatives you elected and am hopeful for the years ahead.

As we reflected on our work, one common theme emerged, the frustrations and misconceptions we hear about programs and enrollment. I want to take a moment to clarify.

Like other Nations across Canada, we administer programs that support health, including Jordan’s Principle, housing repair, education and other supports. When funding is provided, it comes with contracts that include strict guidelines and parameters. We know this can feel limiting, particularly when members don’t meet the criteria. Still, we do our best to accommodate as many people as possible. Each program is reviewed by committees of staff, Council members, and community representatives, then passed to our finance committee and, if feasible, recommended to Council for approval. We also regularly review programs to improve their success.

It’s important to understand that program guidelines are not created by Council, they are set by funding agencies, and we are required to follow them. This includes enrollment.

As with all federally recognized bands, enrollment is determined by the federal government, with criteria set by Canada. Our role is to assist members with applications and provide guidance where we can.

We understand these processes can be difficult, and we share your frustrations as our families are also affected. That is why we continue to advocate strongly with all levels of government and pursue economic development opportunities to grow our own-source revenue. This will allow us to expand services beyond the limits set by the funders and reach more members.

Our Council remains committed to open communication and transparency. We have discussed future plans to host virtual and in-person engagement sessions with members to focus on topics that can best inform you. By clarifying program operations, we hope to reduce misunderstandings and make services easier to access. Thank you for your trust and engagement. Your feedback is vital to our growth as a Nation.

 

RCMP

RCMP-QFN Summer Student Program – Applications Open!

Posted by Qalipu on

👮‍♂️✨ RCMP–QFN Summer Student Program

Applications for the 2026 Summer Student Program are now open!

This 9-week paid placement offers Indigenous youth hands-on experience in RCMP detachments—delivering safety presentations, supporting community events, and assisting with day-to-day operations.

📄 Application Form: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/RCMP-QFN-Summer-Student-Program-Application-Updated-November-24-2025.pdf

🗓 Deadline to Apply: January 16, 2026

For more information or questions, email employmentprograms@qalipu.ca.

Press Release

Press Release – Indigenous Governments and NL Health Services Sign MOU

Posted by Qalipu on

November 27, 2025

 

Today, representatives from Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation, and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services participated in a signing event to formalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing health and well-being outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.

NL Health Services and the Indigenous Governments recognize the need to identify common priorities and mutually beneficial opportunities to help improve the delivery of health services for Indigenous populations.

In 2023, Miawpukek First Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, Mushuau Innu First Nation, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, and Qalipu First Nation commenced a project entitled: “A strategy and plan for distinction-based meaningful integration, inclusion and engagement of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Indigenous peoples in the newly forming Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Health Authority.”

One of the project objectives was to identify approaches to facilitate meaningful Indigenous participation in the Provincial Health Authority. Indigenous Services Canada’s Health Services Integration Fund and the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Advisory Committee supported the development of a Project Leadership Team whose work over the past two years resulted in the MOU.

 

Purpose and Goals of the MOU

This MOU will facilitate ongoing, inclusive, and effective communication and collaboration between Newfoundland and Labrador’s Indigenous peoples and NL Health Services. It will also serve as a mechanism for Indigenous Governments to meaningfully contribute to the design of health programming and policy in identified areas.

There are four goals identified within the MOU outlining how all parties will work together:

  1. Collaboration to achieve meaningful engagement
  2. Development of a formal communication process
  3. Consultation and collaboration to deliver culturally safe care
  4. Accountability for respective contributions to Indigenous health outcomes

 

Parties Signing on November 27, 2025

The MOU is structured to allow for phased participation. While Miawpukek First Nation and Qalipu First Nation are signatories at the November 27, 2025 event, other Indigenous project partners may sign at a future date, in alignment with their respective internal processes and timelines. This phased process respects distinctions-based approaches.

 

Quotes

NL Health Services 

“NL Health Services is committed to improving health outcomes and achieving health equity for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including Indigenous peoples. The signing of this MOU is in line with recommendations outlined in Health Accord NL and represents our continued commitment to enhance partnerships and increase collaboration with valued partners.  While signing this MOU is an important step, NL Health Services will continue to work with and strengthen our partnership with many other Indigenous groups and organizations as well.”
– Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO, NL Health Services

 

Miawpukek First Nation 

“We are quite pleased to be a party to this MOU as the health and well-being of our members is a priority for our First Nation. We look forward to working with NLHS in carrying out the goals and action items identified in the MOU. In particular, we welcome the opportunity to work with NL Health Services to enter a bilateral agreement that establishes our working relationship, protocols, and approach to cooperatively working toward better health outcomes for our membership.”
– Miawpukek First Nation, Chief Brad Benoit

 

Qalipu First Nation 

“This MOU demonstrates our unwavering commitment, collaborative spirit, and collective strength. Together, we will transform health outcomes for Indigenous people in our province, fostering a future of wellness and equity. All parties to this MOU will benefit from a distinctions-based approach respecting the culture and heritage of individuals and the unique needs of our Indigenous communities.”
– Qalipu First Nation, Chief Jenny Brake

 

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Today reflects our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. It is our commitment to build a health care system where every Indigenous person – regardless of where they live – can access care that honors their identity and supports their well-being. This MOU is just the beginning. There is much work left to do to address the health and social disparities that are faced by Indigenous peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
– The Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

 

Indigenous Services Canada 

“When communities are able to make their own decisions about the future of service delivery, we know it leads to better access to care and stronger, more vibrant communities. By working together to support culturally safe, high-quality health initiatives and projects, we’re building a system that will lead to greater outcomes for Indigenous Peoples across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
– The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services

 

Media Contact:
Jeanette O’Keefe
Director – Communications
t: 709-285-8303
e: jeanette.okeefe@nlhealthservices.ca

 

News Release (.pdf)

 

Front L-R –  Chief Jenny Brake, Qalipu First Nation; Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO, NL Health Services; and Chief Brad Benoit, Miawpukek First Nation. Back L-R – The Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Odelle Pike, Elder – Qalipu First Nation; and Mary Stride, Elder – Miawpukek First Nation.
Front L-R –  Chief Jenny Brake, Qalipu First Nation; Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO, NL Health Services; and Chief Brad Benoit, Miawpukek First Nation.
Back L-R – The Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Odelle Pike, Elder – Qalipu First Nation; and Mary Stride, Elder – Miawpukek First Nation.

 

 

pre-approvals 2025 (1)

NIHB Services During Christmas Holidays

Posted by Qalipu on

Members who use Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) are advised that our offices will be closed from Thursday, December 18, 2025, and will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.

New pre-approval requests for medical transportation will not be processed during this time. To ensure your medical travel is approved, submit your requests and all supporting documentation by Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Pre-approvals will be arranged for appointments scheduled up to Friday, January 9, 2026. To arrange this, please call 709-634-3386 or email mtpreapprovals@qalipu.ca with the required information and documentation.

The NIHB Medical Transportation Program is not an emergency service and cannot provide same-day or urgent travel arrangements.

Pre-approvals and reimbursements are for scheduled medical care only. Eligible expenses can be reimbursed by completing a reimbursement form: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Vendor-Request-for-EFT-Direct-Deposit.pdf

Completed forms can be emailed to mtreimbursement@qalipu.ca or dropped off at a Qalipu office upon reopening on January 5, 2026. Faxed forms are not accepted.

For questions, contact the Manager of Non-Insured Health Benefits at 709-634-3144 or mmuise@qalipu.ca.

Message from Chief Jenny - Nov 21

Message from Chief Jenny – November 21, 2025

Posted by Qalipu on

This past week, I had the honour of joining the Assembly of First Nations National Fisheries Committee during the International Indigenous Salmon Peoples’ Gathering. Over three days, Indigenous leaders from around the world came together to share both science and traditional knowledge, strengthening our collective voice in the stewardship of salmon.

Together, participants drafted and endorsed the Karasjohka Declaration, a powerful statement affirming the governance and rights that Indigenous Peoples hold with respect to salmon. This declaration reflects our shared responsibility to protect these vital resources for generations to come.

Within the Fisheries Committee, we advanced important work on draft resolutions for the upcoming Chiefs Assembly. These included, land fisheries management, the five-year review of the Fisheries Act, and a resolution I was proud to bring forward, addressing trade barriers faced by First Nations seal products due to the European Commission’s ban within the European Union.

As First Nations, we have never surrendered our inherent rights to hunt, fish, or gather. It is our duty to continue working collectively to safeguard these rights and the resources that sustain our people.

Our lands and waters remain under threat from climate change and poorly managed resource development. Closer to home, we are still awaiting answers and a safe resolution to the MSC Baltic III, the grounded container ship in Cedar Cove. We will continue pressing for action and working with all levels of government and the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure proper mitigation measures are taken to protect our waters and the ecosystems that depend on them.

I want to reassure you that protecting our environment, our food sources, and our communities remains at the heart of our work. Although we face many barriers along the way, together, we can protect what is sacred for the generations yet to come.

Food Drive FINAL

Community Care Drive Apoqnmatulti’kw

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Apoqnmatulti’kw!

This holiday season, our communities are coming together to support one another. From November 24 to December 16, you’re invited to drop off non-perishable food, toiletries, clothing, and cozy winter wear at our local Qalipu First Nation offices.

Every donation, big or small, helps brighten the season for families in need. This Community Care Drive is about kindness, connection, and communities lifting each other up in the spirit of the holidays.

Together, let’s ensure everyone feels a little extra warmth this holiday season!