Meeting of Chief and Council

Meeting of Chief and Council

Posted by Qalipu on

The next meeting of Chief and Council is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m. in the Qalipu Community Room, 1 Church Street.

Registration is required to attend the meeting. The deadline to register is Friday, March 14, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.

Please note that delays in the meeting start time can be expected. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding.

Members wishing to attend can contact Natasha or Allyson by telephone or email:
• Natasha: 709-634-6895 | Email: nlavers@qalipu.ca
• Allyson: 709-634-5111 | Email: arobbins@qalipu.ca

Members can view the meeting’s livestream by logging in to their KINU membership profile: https://mala.qalipu.ca/ginu/login.aspx

Council Meeting Report March 2024-3-Expression of interest (1)

Qalipu First Nation Seeking Members-at-Large for Standing Committees

Posted by Qalipu on

Qalipu First Nation is seeking members-at-large to serve on the following Standing Committees, which consist of Qalipu First Nation staff, Ward Councilors, and members at large:

  1. Finance and Audit Committee
    The Finance and Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial health of Qalipu First Nation. This includes reviewing financial statements, ensuring proper financial controls are in place, and providing advice on budgetary planning and expenditure. The committee works to ensure accountability and transparency in financial operations and supports the development of sound fiscal policies and practices.
  2. Operations Committee
    The Operations Committee oversees the implementation of operational plans, ensuring that day-to-day activities and processes are effectively aligned with the needs of the community. The committee focuses on improving operational efficiency and the successful execution of the Nation’s programs and services.
  3. Health and Housing Committee
    The Health and Housing Committee is dedicated to improving the health, wellness, and housing needs of members, families, and the community. The committee advises on matters related to Non-Insured Health Benefits, Mental Wellness, Child, Youth, and Family Services, and Housing. By focusing on health and social wellness, the committee aims to address key issues affecting community members, enhance access to healthcare services, and advocate for affordable and safe housing solutions.
  4. Education and Training Committee
    The Education and Training Committee focuses on supporting educational opportunities and workforce development for Qalipu First Nation members. This includes providing guidance on funding programs, scholarships, skills training, and partnerships with educational institutions to enhance lifelong learning and employment outcomes.
  5. Environment and Natural Resources Committee
    The Environment and Natural Resources Committee is responsible for advising on matters related to the stewardship and sustainable management of natural resources. The committee works to protect traditional lands, waterways, and wildlife, ensuring that environmental practices align with Mi’kmaq values and community interests. A key focus is the preservation of the natural ecosystem for future generations, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Each committee meets at least four times per year to discuss and guide decisions that impact our community. This is a valuable opportunity to share your skills, knowledge, and perspectives to support the growth and success of our Nation.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a member of Qalipu First Nation.
  • Should possess relevant skills, experience, or interest related to the committee’s focus.
  • Must have previous experience serving on a board or committee for a non-profit or government organization (preferred, but not mandatory).
  • Must be available to attend quarterly meetings (virtual or in-person).
  • Must undergo a Criminal Record Check.
  • Must sign a Code of Confidentiality and Code of Conduct.
  • Must maintain engagement and involvement between meetings by responding to committee emails and staying actively engaged in ongoing committee discussions.
  • Must perform their role in an objective, fair, and impartial manner.
  • Must work collaboratively with Committee members to ensure team-based and positive outcomes to advance the objectives of the Band.
  • Must work on a volunteer basis, with travel and per diems provided within Qalipu Ward locations.

To Apply:
Please submit the following:

  • A cover letter indicating the committee you are interested in and highlighting your relevant skills, experience, or qualifications.
  • A current resume.

Deadline for Applications: March 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM
Submit Applications to: Allyson Robbins at arobbins@qalipu.ca

Please Note: Qalipu First Nation reserves the right to refuse any and all applications.

For more information, please contact Allyson Robbins at arobbins@qalipu.ca.

We encourage all interested members to apply and thank you for your willingness to support our community.

Wela’lin

Feb 28 (1)

Message from Chief Jenny – February 28, 2025

Posted by Qalipu on

As industry development in our province advances in various areas, we as a First Nation have opportunities to engage with the developers to best guide decisions that will affect our next seven generations.  While some see Indigenous participation as sign of approval of harmful environment process, it’s the opposite. We feel a responsibility to take seats at these decision-making tables that we have far too long been excluded from to ensure Indigenous knowledge and values shape innovation in ways that lead to responsible developments.

Economic Reconciliation is giving Indigenous people the opportunity to participate in employment and training to advance our communities. It allows us to be included and valued not just as employees but as employers and key stakeholders in our economy.

In a time when government is prioritizing diversity and inclusion in their procurement policies, we see a rise in something that is known as “Rent a Feather.”  This term is used when a non-indigenous company exploits an Indigenous person to make them a “partner” when procurement policies give priority to businesses that have a minimum 51% Indigenous ownership.

For generations, Indigenous people seeking employment were most often discriminated against. Now that governments have finally implemented mechanisms to balance the scales to allow those who have been victims of oppression the ability to participate, we see non-indigenous people finding ways to by-pass these strategies to take opportunities from those that for far too long, have had none.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can work together as business partners, but this must be meaningful, mutually respectful, and beneficial. To take advantage of someone in this way is shameful and we must educate our youth to safeguard them so they can avoid this type of harm.

As Indigenous people, we all have a responsibility to honour our heritage, and this means that we must stand up to injustices that continue to oppress and take advantage of vulnerable populations.

Qalipu First Nation understands the frustration of those that have been impacted by the effects of colonialism and the Indian Act. There are few that have not been affected, including my own family. We will work to advocate for our people and for their right to participate in meaningful Economic Reconciliation. We will continue to support our members through our education efforts and remind all levels of government and industry of the importance of setting strict guidelines for respectful inclusion and opportunities for the advancement of our future leaders.

Relevant Link: Qalipu Business Network,  http://qbn.qalipu.ca/

Election 2024-3-by election - Call for nominations

Notice of Call for Nominations- Band Council By-Election

Posted by Qalipu on

Opening Monday, February 24 at 9:00am and closing on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 2:00pm

In accordance with the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections, nominations are invited for the position of St. George’s Ward Councilor.

Nomination forms are available for printable download here or below at;

  • By contacting the Electoral Officer, Reisha Knott, at 709-486-2427 or by email at rknott@qalipu.ca
  • Pick up at any Qalipu First Nation Band Office (St. George’s, Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaw Museum, 183 Main Street)

Nomination papers are to be submitted with a non-refundable fee of $25.00 in the form of money order, band 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 2:00pm on the 4th day of March 2024.

and will be considered filed with the Electoral Officer for the purpose of the Band By-Election during the voting window, opening March 12 at 8:00am through to March 26 at 8:00pm.

Members of the St. George’s electoral ward can view the Electoral Voters List via the Qalipu.ca Election Hub to confirm their eligibility of candidacy or;

  • By contacting the Electoral Officer, Reisha Knott, at 709-486-2427 or by email at rknott@qalipu.ca
  • Walk-in at any Qalipu First Nation Band Office (St. George’s, Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaw Museum, 183 Main Street)

 

Reisha Knott

Electoral Officer
E: rknott@qalipu.ca
T: 709-486-2427

Election 2024-15-By Election

Announcement of By-Election for St. George’s Ward

Posted by Qalipu on

The Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band will hold a By-Election for the position of St. George’s Ward Councilor.

  • Call for Nominations: Opens Monday, February 24, 2025, at 9:00 AM and closes Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
  • Nomination Forms will be available February 24 at 9am
    • Contact the Electoral Officer, Reisha Knott, at 709-486-2427 or by email at rknott@qalipu.ca
    • Pick up at any Qalipu First Nation Band Office (St. George’s, Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaw Museum, 183 Main Street)
    • Available on Qalipu.ca

Voter Information & Contact Updates

Voting in this election will be conducted exclusively by electronic means, meaning members will cast their votes using either telephone or internet-based voting.

To ensure you receive your Voter Information Package, which includes the necessary details to access the electronic voting system, please verify that your mailing address and/or email address are up to date.

To update your contact information, please complete one of the following before March 7, 2025:

1️⃣ By Telephone: Call the Indian Registration Administrator, Nancy O’Connell, at 709-634-4010 for assistance.
2️⃣ In-Person: Visit any Qalipu First Nation Band Office to verify or update your contact details.
3️⃣ Online:

Electronic Voting Period & Voter Helpline

🗓 Voting will be open from Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 8:00 AM until Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 8:00 PM.

✔ Voting systems will be accessible 24 hours a day throughout the voting period, allowing members to cast their ballot electronically at any time via telephone or online.

📞 Voter Helpline: A dedicated Voter Helpline (1-833-579-5673) will be available to assist members who may not have received their Voter Information Package or need to retrieve their secure PIN to submit their electronic ballot.

🔹 Hours of operation for the Voter Helpline will be announced at a later date but will fall within the voting period of March 12 – March 26, 2025.

Where to Find More Information

For additional details about the St. George’s By-Election, you can:

📞 Call the Electoral Officer – Reisha Knott at 709-486-2427 or rknott@qalipu.ca
🏢 Visit a Qalipu First Nation Band Office
🌐 Visit the website – Qalipu.ca
📲 Follow updates on Facebook – facebook.com/qalipufirstnation

Members will receive a secure PIN in their Voter Information Package, which is required to access the electronic voting system and submit their ballot by telephone or internet. The voter’s helpline or the electoral officer alternatively can assist members in retrieving their secure pin.

Reisha Knott
Electoral Officer
E: rknott@qalipu.ca
T: 709-486-2427

Council Meeting Report March 2024-1-Feb15

Council Meeting Report – February 15, 2025

Posted by Qalipu on

Meeting of Chief and Council

The first official meeting of the newly elected Qalipu First Nation Chief and Council was held virtually on Saturday, February 15th, 2025.

Beothuk Repatriation Committee Appointment

During the last council term, Central Vice-Chief Andy Barker was the QFN representative on the Final Resting Place Committee with the Rooms NL. A motion was put forward to council to reappoint Andy Barker to this committee.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

Committee Appointments

The first meeting of the newly elected Chief and Council involves the appointment of the Chief and councilors to external committees.

Frank Skeard, Glenwood Ward Councilor will continue his work on the NMCA South Coast Fjords committee. Calvin Francis, Gander Bay Ward Councilor and Ivan White Sr, Flat Bay Ward Councilor were appointed to the MAMKA external committee while Miranda Osmond, Stephenville Ward Councilor was appointed to the Summer Games external committee. The external committee for Off-Shore Wind will be filled by the St. George’s Ward Councilor.

Chief Jenny Brake will sit on several committees within the Assembly of First Nations; the National Fisheries Committee, Economic Development Committee, Chief’s Committee on Charter Renewal and is proxy on the Women’s Committee. Chief Brake is also on the Atlantic Policy Congress Special Working Group, the RCMP Commanding Officers Advisory Committee, and the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee with Proxy Vice-Chief Colleen Paul. She is a Canadian Seals and Sealing Network Ambassador and sits on the Atlantic Seal Advisory Committee.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

Band Council Procedures

The Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Council Procedures has been updated for approval of council.

The updates to this document are to ensure that meetings are conducted in an efficient and respectful manner, ensuring that this new council understands their roles, responsibilities and expectations.

All were in favor and this motion was carried.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

The updated Code of Conduct and Ethics was reviewed by councilors prior to the meeting.

Councilors commented that as elected officials the Code of Conduct and Ethics is holding each other accountable, and they are being respectful of one another, our employees and our members when representing the Nation.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

By-Election Date for the St. George’s Ward Councilor

During the 2024 election of Chief and Council there was no candidate for position of St. George’s Ward Councilor. All were in favor of the motion to proceed with a by-election for this position.

The call for nominations will be on February 24 at 9:00am until March 4 at 2:00pm.

An election will be called if there is more then one candidate running for the position. Voting will be set to open on March 12 at 8:00am until March 26 at 8:00pm.

We strongly suggest members ensure their mailing and email addresses is correct on their KINU membership profile. If members have any issues or need assistance in updating their information, please contact a QFN office and staff will assist you.

Canada Pension Plan Application

A motion was put forward to council to approve the ‘Application to Cover the Employment of an Indian under the Canda Pension Plan whose Income is Exempt under the Income Tax Act’ which is to ensure that all employees within Qalipu First Nation have the option to take Canada Pension Plan upon retirement.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

Band Managers Report

The Band Manager provided an update on the 2023-2024 financial statements. The delay in these financials have been due to the implementation of a new accounting software that has caused several challenges, these issues are not uncommon during this process. The new software is now working correctly with additional monitoring tools in place going forward.

Next Meeting of Council

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held in Corner Brook on March 22nd, 2025.

Qalipu - Star - Pink T-Shirt Tag - Business Cards Size - Proof (v2)

Get Your Pink Shirt While Supplies Last

Posted by Qalipu on

A limited supply of T-shirts featuring this design will be available for sale at our Corner Brook office starting February 17.  The shirts cost $15 each and all proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Janeway Children’s Hospital.

 

Pink Shirt Day happens annually on the last Wednesday in February, this year on February 26. It began in 2007 when a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. It has since been recognized annually worldwide as a day to stand against bullying.
Pink Shirt Day happens annually on the last Wednesday in February, this year on February 26. It began in 2007 when a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. It has since been recognized annually worldwide as a day to stand against bullying.

 

Please feel free to download and print this colouring sheet for your kids (or kids at heart!)
Please feel free to download and print this colouring sheet for your kids (or kids at heart!)