A notice has been put forward to the Qalipu Electoral Officer, Reisha Knott on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at approximately 3:30PM that Candidate Brian Dicks who was in the running for Western Vice Chief has withdrawn his candidacy. As required under Section 22 of the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections the Candidate’s Letter of Withdrawal has been received by the Electoral Officer.
October 4th is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People: MMIWG2S. This day is intended to raise awareness to the violence that Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals face. This is a day to remember the lives lost, support the families who seek justice, and to demand action to end gender-based violence in Indigenous communities.
The significance of this day extends beyond remembrance; it is a call for justice. Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals experience violence at rates that are significantly statistically higher than non-Indigenous people. The ongoing impacts of residential schools forced assimilation, and discriminatory policies have created conditions where Indigenous people are more vulnerable to violence, trafficking, and exploitation, as well as addictions, mental health struggles, and increased rates of suicide. Tragedies are far too common, and we must fight for justice. We need to advocate for people who are unsafe, and we need to fix the root problems that create these conditions. Each time a life is lost to a tragedy, the whole community suffers. Just recently, Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick lost Leona Newkinga Simon, a talented artist, beloved soul, and advocate for Indigenous-led mental health services and facilities. We extend our sympathies to her Nation, and we must lean together to offer protection and strength to prevent tragedies such as this that stem from systemic issues left unsolved.
There was a National Inquiry into MMIWG2S, which saw its final report released in 2019. This report issued 231 Calls for Justice aimed at addressing the root causes of violence, including calls for improved policing, justice reform, and the implementation of culturally relevant support services. Lack of adequate response from law enforcement and government systems exacerbate the problems that threaten those that are vulnerable, and many cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls remain unsolved or poorly investigated, leaving families without closure. We must add our voices to those who aim to apply pressure for change. On October 4th, communities across the country hold vigils, ceremonies, and marches. As well as honouring and remembering, these events help spread the awareness that is needed to bring about action.
The fight for justice is ongoing. Our province has responded by forming the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee, and successfully implemented their proposal for The Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council. The work of this collective of Indigenous women from all over Newfoundland and Labrador is a response to the Calls to Action. Along with the Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council, whose mandate ensures that women’s perspectives inform the work of the AFN, we see that steps are being taken in the right direction. We still have a great deal of work to do, but by listening to the voices of Indigenous survivors, families, and communities, we can seek solutions that are rooted in respect, healing, and empowerment.
We must protect each other and provide a safe path forward for our youth. Together we can ensure there are no more stolen sisters.
Relevant Links:
GoFundMe “In Love of Leona NewKinga Simon”: https://www.gofundme.com/f/leonanewkinga-simon
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People: Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People – News Releases (gov.nl.ca)
Government of Canada, Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1590523702000/1590523850562
Nominations have opened for the 2024 Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band (QMFNB) Election of Chief and Council as of Monday, September 23, 2024, at 8:30am. Nominations close on Tuesday, October 2 at 12:00pm.
For anyone considering running for a position on the Qalipu First Nation Band Council, here is information on some frequently asked questions from membership regarding roles and responsibilities on the various positions of the QMFNB Chief & Council.
All members of the Band Council are expected to:
The Chief:
A Vice-Chief:
Ward Councilors are expected to:
Reach Electoral Officer:
Reisha Knott
709-486-2427
rknott@qalipu.ca
To recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Qalipu First Nation will once again host a logo contest. This contest is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in Grades K-12 within Canada.
The logo contest winner will receive a cheque for $250 and items including swag, books and cultural supplies. In addition, the winner’s school will be presented with a donation of $500 towards their school breakfast program.
Contest entries and the accompanying media release form signed by a parent/guardian, must be received by October 9th, 2024 at 4:00pm NST. All entries and media release forms must be scanned and emailed to communications@qalipu.ca or mailed to:
Attn: Kellie Clark
Qalipu First Nation
3 Church Street
Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4
Click on the link for full contest details:
Media Release Form (PDF)
Full Contest Details (PDF)
A copy can be picked up at the Corner Brook office at 3 Church Street or it can be viewed electronically here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Annual-Report-2023-24.pdf
Qalipu Holdings Limited Partnership (QHLP) is seeking proposals for snow clearing services from November 15, 2024, to April 15, 2024, at the following locations:
1 & 3 Church Street, Corner Brook
28 Hardy Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL
90 Main Street, Stephenville, NL
Proposals are to be submitted by 4:00PM on Friday, October 25th, 2024. Please submit them electronically to cedmunds@qalipudevelopment.com with subject line: RFP for Snow Clearing Services.
In accordance with the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections, nominations are invited for the positions of Chief, Central Vice Chief, Western Vice Chief, and Councilor for the Electoral Wards of: Exploits, Glenwood, Gander Bay, St. George’s, Stephenville, Port au Port, Benoit’s Cove, Flat Bay, Corner Brook.
Nomination forms are available for printable download below, at Qalipu Election 2024 – Qalipu, or at any of the Qalipu First Nation Offices located in Stephenville, St George’s, Gander, Glenwood, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Corner Brook.
Nomination papers are to be submitted with a nonrefundable fee of $25.00 in the form of money order, bank draft, cheque, or cash.
Completed nomination forms and fee must be returned and in the possession of:
Qalipu First Nation, 3 Church Street, Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4
No later than 12:00PM on the 2nd day of October 2024
and will be considered as filed with the Electoral Officer for the purpose of the Band Election to be held during the voting window, opening October 18th, 2024 at 12:00PM through to October 25th, 2024 ending 8:00PM.
Members can view the Electoral Voters List at any Qalipu First Nation Office or on the Election Hub to confirm their eligibility of candidacy. All information pertaining to the Qalipu First Nation Election 2024 can be found here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu-election-hub/
Reisha Knott
Electoral Officer
E: rknott@qalipu.ca
T: 709-486-2427
Nomination Forms
Qalipu First Nation offers a logo contest for school-aged children across Canada in commemoration of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The children were asked to design a logo that demonstrates their thoughts and feelings about the history of residential schools and what this day means to them.
Naoise White, a Grade 7 student from Corner Brook Intermediate was the 2023 contest winner.
Naoise shared some details about her design:
“My drawing is about all Canadians being united and being committed to freedom, trust and healing. The circle represents all Canadians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, living in harmony together. They are strong and united. Their orange shirts show that every child matters whatever their background is. They care and respect the people who went to residential schools.
In the middle of the circle, there is an eagle feather. It is a powerful symbol of connection, freedom, trust and wisdom. Freedom for all Canadians, trust that their lives are equal and wisdom not to allow it to happen again. This is what the feather means for my drawing.
The background is a medicine wheel. It is about health and healing for everyone no matter what. The four parts of the wheel are, physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. This is what my truth and reconciliation drawing is about.”
A limited number of shirts featuring this winning logo are available for purchase by visiting the Corner Brook office. Payments are cash only. The cost of a T-shirt will be $15 for youth sizes and $20 for adult sizes and youth sizes are available. All profit from t-shirt sales will be donated to an organization or charity that supports Truth and Reconciliation.
Keep an eye out for the 2024 logo contest which will be launched soon!
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