ISO

Qalipu First Nation Celebrates Recertification Under ISO 9001:2015

ISO 9001 is the international standard for Quality Management.  The standards look at a company’s level of excellence in leadership, attention to process, evidence-based decision making, engagement, relationship management, customer focus and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Band recently renewed its commitment to this standard following an extensive three-day external audit.  Originally achieved in 2015, maintenance of ISO certification requires an annual audit and a certification renewal every three years.

Band Manager Charles Pender celebrated the accomplishment in an email to the Qalipu team.

“This is a great achievement for QFN and was made possible by the work of our dedicated ISO Internal Audit Team and all staff who regularly work to ensure that we maintain the highest standards.”

Rod Bennett, Director of Operations, leads the team of internal auditors.  The team conducts scheduled audits to ensure performance and compliance and together, they help the Band prepare for the annual microscope on how well it’s meeting the standards.

“This accomplishment has been a team effort, and I would like to say thank you to our internal audit team for all the hard work that they have done this past year.  These folks have taken on these duties outside their regular scope of work and that is commendable.”

Paula Colombe, Administrative Assistant for the Education and Training Department is one of Rod’s key people.  She shared some details on what it means to be part of the team.

“Our main objective is to gather information by asking employees to demonstrate, with records and other documentation, that they are following set processes.  After we conduct our audit, we prepare a report that outlines non-conformance or opportunities for improvement.  It’s demanding for everyone involved, but it’s rewarding when we see ourselves get to the other side achieving what we set out to do.”

 

2023 Internal Audit Team

Rod Bennett (Operations Dept.), Paula Colombe (Education and Training Dept.), Annette George (Health and Wellness Dept.), Allyson Robbins (Culture, Tourism and Community Development Dept.), Travis Hulan, (Housing division); Karen Tiller (Finance Dept.) and Ryan Matthews (Operations Department).

Scholarship Application on a table and dollars.

Apply Now: Marathon Gold – Qalipu First Nation Scholarships

Applications are now being accepted for the Marathon Gold—Qalipu First Nation Scholarship. There are five (5) scholarships available, and each is valued at $1,000.00

The Marathon Gold – Qalipu First Nation Scholarship is designed to encourage and support Qalipu band members with their career development and growth as they attend post-secondary education institutions.

Please click here for further details and to complete the application

Applications are due by January 31, 2024.

Message from the Chief November 2024

Message from the Chief – November 24, 2023

Update on Veterans and Service Members Agreement

Kwe’

By now most of you have heard that I am saying my goodbyes at Qalipu First Nation as I prepare to begin a new journey as Regional Chief for Newfoundland with the Assembly of First Nations.  While I will no longer be serving you as Chief of Qalipu, I will not be going far.  I will continue to work on behalf of Qalipu as it is one of the four AFN affiliates in this province.

It has been my privilege and my honour to serve you as Chief and I thank you for affording me that opportunity.

Before I go, I am pleased to provide an update on the Service Members Agreement, an initiative that has been very near and dear to my heart and an accomplishment of which I am very proud.

This is an update to members following the positive support for the Agreement that the Government of Canada, Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians reached last year on December 22, 2022. The Agreement establishes criteria for accepting former and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as Qalipu Founding Members. Acceptance is based on the special place of honour these new members hold in the Mi’kmaq culture due to their service as protectors of Canada and their communities.

 

Applications Process

  • The Enrollment Committee has completed its initial review of all applications for Founding Membership with Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.
  • An appeals process will follow for those who wish to exercise this option.

 

Founding Membership List

  • The review of applications under this exercise will result in over 580 additions to the Founding Membership list.
  • Decision letters to all applicants and requests for additional information in some instances will follow.
  • It is anticipated that this phase of enrolment will be completed in 2024 following the regulatory process by Canada to officially add new members to the Founding Members list of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. For more information on the Order in Council process, please visit Orders in Council – Canada.ca.
  • Individuals who are recognized as Founding Members will immediately be registered as Status Indians under the Indian Act, thus becoming eligible to receive benefits such as those from the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.

 

If you have any questions, please call the Government of Canada’s Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation toll-free line (1-800-561-2266; TTY: 1-800-465-7735).

 

Wela’lioq, thank you all.

Chief Brendan Mitchell

 

Community Conversations Badger

Community Conversations – Badger

Come out for a chat and a cup of tea!

Qalipu First Nation invites band members in the Badger area to meet them at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre on December 6th at 6:30 PM.  Staff members from all departments will be on hand to share information about programs and services, talk about upcoming opportunities, and gather feedback for the Band’s future direction.

Staff will be on hand to take free passport-style photos and assist with SCIS renewals.

This is the third in a series of community gatherings that will move across the territory, visiting areas where the Band has not yet hosted a meeting.

Details regarding additional dates and locations for the Community Conversations will be shared on the Band’s website www.qalipu.ca.

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Save the Date! Virtual Mi’kmaw Art & Craft Auction: December 7-10

Experience Qalipu will host an online auction of Mi’kmaw Art & Craft, on December 7-10, 2023, on Facebook.  Just in time for your holiday shopping!

Details on how to sell your art & craft at the auction will be shared in the coming days, along with details for shoppers like how to bid and win the item of your dreams!

Join the group now and stay tuned for more details:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2837911609771089/

The word NEWS written in vintage wooden letterpress type in a wooden type drawer.

First Annual Mi’kmaw Leadership and Learning Gathering

Gander November 6-7, 2023

Speak from the heart, learn from the heart and see others as doing the best that they can.  These were the guiding principles presented to guests at the opening of the First Annual Mi’kmaw Leadership and Learning Gathering that took place in Gander November 6-7, 2023.   The event, a collaboration between the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation and the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation, brought together some 170 students from the central region.  The students, together with Elders, Chiefs, educators, and knowledge sharers, had the opportunity to experience and learn more about Mi’kmaw culture, history, music, dancing, leadership and so much more.

Take a look at some pictures from this fantastic event:

The Miawpukek Student Drumming and Dance Group shared their talents at the event opening and throughout the two-day gathering.
The Miawpukek Student Drumming and Dance Group shared their talents at the event opening and throughout the two-day gathering.

 

The students gathered outside for a Smudging Ceremony Pictured here, a group of young women huddle around the smudge bowl to help light the medicines on a windy morning.
The students gathered outside for a Smudging Ceremony. Pictured here, a group of young women huddle around the smudge bowl to help light the medicines on a windy morning.

 

Chief Mi'sel Joe was the keynote speaker on the first day of the gathering and shared stories and teachings throughout the event. During the student breakout sessions, Chief Joe and Sheila O'Neil gave a book talk on their new book "Suliwey", the sequel to "My Indian". The pair also led a session called Speaking & Listening from the Heart.
Chief Mi’sel Joe was the keynote speaker on the first day of the gathering and shared stories and teachings throughout the event. During the student breakout sessions, Chief Joe and Sheila O’Neil gave a book talk on their new book “Suliwey”, the sequel to “My Indian”. The pair also led a session called Speaking & Listening from the Heart.

 

Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Officer with Qalipu First Nation, got the youth involved in trying out the potato dance. This is a fun icebreaker game often seen at powwows where partners try to hold a potato between them without using their hands all the while following instructions like standing on one foot or going low to the floor.
Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Officer with Qalipu First Nation, got the youth involved in trying out the potato dance. This is a fun icebreaker game often seen at powwows where partners try to hold a potato between them without using their hands all the while following instructions like standing on one foot or going low to the floor. Paul also supported this event by offering student breakout sessions on Mi’kmaw Identity and Mi’kmaw Music and providing the keynote address, focusing on Mi’kmaw History in Newfoundland, on day 2.

PD 1

PD 2

 

Qalipu staff helped with the planning and delivery of the event.
Qalipu staff helped with the planning and delivery of the event. (L-R) Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Officer, Alicia Whiffen, Education Outreach Officer, Candice Benoit Bowers, Education Partnership Outreach Officer and Terri Humphries, Manager of Culture and Community Outreach

 

Western Vice-Chief Jenny Brake was at the event with her daughter, Mya, who was invited to co-faciliate a student-led session. Here's what she had to say about the event.
Western Vice-Chief Jenny Brake was at the event with her daughter, Mya, who was invited to co-faciliate a student-led session.

“My daughter Mya was asked to speak about her involvement in a film created by Mira Buckle, Building Connections Through Indigenous Youth Stories. Mya was also welcome to participate in the wonderful sessions that we facilitated by local Mi’kmaq Knowledge Keepers and her experience was so valuable. These types of opportunities foster the positive growth and knowledge of our Indigenous youth to become confident leaders of tomorrow.  I look forward to the annual event and the continued impact it will have on the next seven generations.”

 

(L-R) Chase Caravan, Mya Strickland, Madison Bartlett and Windell Smith were invited to attend the conference as co-facilitators of a student-led session. These four students were part of a video project, Building Connections Through Indigenous Youth Stories, with filmmaker Mira Buckle who joined the conference virtually to talk about her project alongside the students.
(L-R) Chase Caravan, Mya Strickland, Madison Bartlett and Windell Smith were invited to attend the conference as co-facilitators of a student-led session.

These four students were part of a video project, Building Connections Through Indigenous Youth Stories, with filmmaker Mira Buckle who joined the conference virtually to talk about her project alongside the students.

 

 

CTCD call for member-at-large

Expression of Interest Member-at-Large Culture, Tourism and Community Development Standing Committee

Qalipu First Nation is currently seeking a Member-at-Large to join their Culture, Tourism, and  Community Development Standing Committee.  This committee provides a unique opportunity for Band Members to contribute their knowledge and expertise and have hands-on access and input into the operational plans of the Department.  Your contribution to this Committee can help our Nation reach success in building stronger communities through cultural and language initiatives, tourism, craft development, and entrepreneurial support.

The ideal candidate is a Band member living in the province with a background in Culture, Tourism, and Community Development or related fields of experience. If you are committed and want to contribute your knowledge as a volunteer on this committee, please see below for details and submit your application by Friday, December 15, 2023, at 12:00 pm NST.

Overview

The Committee consists of a minimum of two (2) Ward Councilors, two (2) departmental staff support and one (1) Member-at-Large.

The Committee meets a minimum of six (6) times per year, either in person or by video conference (Microsoft Teams).

When travel is required, the Band will cover the cost.

Per diems are provided for meeting participation.

Our Mandate

“To reach great successes in building stronger communities through cultural initiatives, tourism and craft development, and our entrepreneurial support program.”

Roles and Responsibilities of a Member-at-Large Committee Member

  • Participate in Committee Meetings in person or by video conference.
  • Maintain engagement and involvement by responding to Committee emails between meetings to weigh in on decisions, programs, and activities.
  • Work collaboratively with the Committee to ensure team-based and positive outcomes of the Annual Operating Plan and strategic objectives of the Band.
  • Establish and identify priorities of programs and projects, evaluate effectiveness, and relevance to the department’s current policies and procedures as applicable.
  • Monitor the provincial landscape concerning the department, and report concerns or opportunities to the committee.
  • Represent a membership perspective while demonstrating respect for Mi’kmaw and community values.
  • Contribute skills, knowledge, and experience toward accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Committee.
  • Adhere to a Commitment of Confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Has a background in an education-related field and five years of experience
  • Is a member of the Band
  • Is a resident of Newfoundland
  • Must be able to travel within Newfoundland
  • Must be willing to sign a Commitment of Confidentiality
  • Must have an understanding of Indigenous culture and ceremony
  • Must undergo a code of conduct check

If you are interested in this unique opportunity to work with the Band, please send your resume and cover letter to Suzanne Park at spark@qalipu.ca by Friday, December 15, 2023, at 12:00pm NST.

If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Charles Pender, Band Manager at 709-634-8059

Regional Chief

First Newfoundland Regional Chief Selected to Lead at Assembly of First Nations

Congratulations to our Chief Brendan Mitchell who was selected to become the first Newfoundland Regional Chief for Newfoundland with the Assembly of First Nations!

In the near future, a new Interim Chief of Qalipu First Nation will be selected from among the two existing Vice-Chiefs in accordance with our Election Code. Concurrent with this process Regional Chief Mitchell will be transitioning out of his role as Chief of Qalipu and establishing a new office here in Corner Brook in his role as Regional Chief.

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