Season Opener

Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries 2026 Season Opener

Posted by Qalipu on

As the 2026 crab season officially gets underway, Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries (MCF) would like to extend our very best wishes to all harvesters and crew members heading to sea. This time of year, marks one of the most important periods in our fishery, and we recognize the hard work, dedication, and resilience it takes to make each season a success.

We encourage everyone to prioritize safety above all else and wish you a safe, productive, and prosperous season on the water!

This season also marks an exciting milestone for MCF with the return of our primary vessel, the F/V Newfoundland Navigator, to the water. Following a period of maintenance and upgrades, the vessel has been relaunched and is ready to support upcoming operations.

A key enhancement completed during this refit was the installation of engineered stabilizing fins. These upgrades are designed to improve vessel stability in varying sea conditions, contributing to safer operations for crew and improved overall performance at sea. Investments like these reflect MCF’s ongoing commitment to safety, modernization, and operational excellence within our fleet.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Pete Windsor and the team at Mid Island Marine for their continued professionalism and the outstanding work completed on the Newfoundland Navigator. Their expertise and attention to detail played an important role in ensuring the vessel was returned to service safely and efficiently.

“The start of crab season is always an important time for our harvesters and communities. Seeing the Newfoundland Navigator back in the water, with key safety upgrades completed, is something we’re very proud of. Our focus continues to be on supporting our harvesters while ensuring we operate safely, responsibly, and sustainably.”

The relaunch of the Newfoundland Navigator represents more than just the return of a vessel—it reflects our continued focus on strengthening our fisheries, supporting our harvesters, and ensuring we are well-positioned for the seasons ahead. As activity ramps up across the region, MCF remains committed to working alongside our partners, harvesters, and community members to support a sustainable and thriving fishery.

We look forward to sharing more updates throughout the season.

Learn more about Qalipu Development Corporation and Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries here: https://qalipu.ca/corporate/qalipu-development-corporation/

Qalipu First Nation Announces By-Election for Benoit’s Cove Ward Councillor Position

Qalipu First Nation Announces By-Election for Benoit’s Cove Ward Councillor Position

Posted by Qalipu on

Qalipu First Nation (QFN) will hold a by-election to fill the vacant position of Benoit’s Cove Ward Councillor following a resignation.

We extend our sincere thanks to former Councillor Terri Greene for her time, dedication, and contributions to Council and to the Nation. Wela’lin, Terri, for your service. We look forward to continuing this important work with the newly elected Councillor.

The by-election process will be conducted in accordance with the CUSTOM RULES GOVERNING QALIPU MI’KMAQ FIRST NATION BAND ELECTIONS  that are established governance procedures to ensure fairness, transparency, and accessibility for all eligible voting members.

Voting Period: June 12, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. to June 19, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.
Nomination Period: To be announced

To be eligible to vote, an individual must be a member of the QFN Benoit’s Cove Electoral War and 18 years of age by/on June 19, 2026. Members do not need to currently reside in the ward to be eligible to vote. Individuals who live outside the region or province may still vote if they are registered in the Benoit’s Cove Ward as their last place of residence.

Communities within the QFN Benoit’s Cove Ward include Cormack, Reidville, Deer Lake, Nicholsville, Humber Arm South (Benoit’s Cove, Frenchman’s Cove, Halfway Point, John’s Beach), Lark Harbour, York Harbour, Jackson’s Arm, Pollard’s Point, Sop’s Arm, Cook’s Brook, Little Harbour West, Little Port, Pollard’s Point, Pynns Brook, St. Judes, Virgin Point and Wiltondale.

Members who are unsure of their ward are encouraged to check their membership profile in KINU or contact the Band Office to confirm their information.

Members are encouraged to ensure their mailing and email addresses are up to date with the Band office to ensure the can be reached for important notices of information.

Members can update their contact information through one of the following options before May 27, 2026

An Electoral Officer will be appointed, and further information, including election administration details, will be shared as they become available.

All by-election information will be posted on the Qalipu Election Hub: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu-election-hub/

Message from CW

Message from Western Vice-Chief Charlie White – April 17, 2026

Posted by Qalipu on

I want to share some of the work I’ve been involved in recently and the shifting conditions I am witnessing on the land. At this time of year, the landscape is transforming rapidly. With the snow melting and brooks opening up, travel is becoming unpredictable. I urge everyone out on the land to be cautious, the snow is deteriorating and no longer holding, and conditions can shift without warning. Please ensure someone knows your route and your expected return time.

Recently, I have been involved in wildfire resilience planning with the City of Corner Brook to help communities prepare for these changing conditions. Alongside this work, I have also been working through the Environment and Natural Resources department and engaging in early discussions with partners such as Kruger. Kruger currently has a five-year operational plan in place, and while a “Two-Eyed Seeing” approach is not part of that existing plan, conversations are beginning to explore how we can move in that direction in the future. This represents an initial step toward building stronger relationships and improving how forest resources are managed and waterways are protected over time.

This work reinforces the importance of ensuring the Nation is at the table from the very beginning of any project or environmental assessment. When our knowledge is included from the outset, it helps ensure that lived experience shapes decisions before they are finalized, rather than being sought as an afterthought. True partnership means being involved at the design stage to help protect sensitive habitats and culturally significant areas before work begins. This is essential to ensuring development respects the land we all rely on.

We are already seeing the effects of a changing climate. Lower water levels and altered fish habitats are clear signs of how sensitive these ecosystems have become. My work with Fisheries and Oceans Canada on brook trout populations is personal for me. I grew up fishing these waters when they had clean rock beds and steady flows. Today, warmer temperatures and reduced forest cover are changing that reality. When we lose the canopy along riverbanks, the water loses its protection.

All of these changes are connected. When landscapes are disturbed, water moves faster and erodes more easily, contributing to the flooding we are now seeing. Healthy natural areas along our rivers and streams are our strongest defense, acting as a buffer that protects water quality and builds flood resilience. The land is changing, but it continues to teach us. Our responsibility is to listen, adapt, and ensure we are protecting these resources for the generations to come.

 

Notice of Annual General Assembly - Wide

Notice of Central Annual General Assembly

Posted by Qalipu on

Important Notice:

The Central Annual General Assembly of Qalipu First Nation will take place on Sunday, 3 May  2026, starting at 1:00 PM at Exploits Nordic Ski Club, 35 Scott Ave, Grand Falls-Windsor.

Central AGA Agenda
Link to Agenda		 Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Financial Statements as of March 31, 2024
Link to Financial Statements and Annex A | Link to Annex B

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 (Link to KINU).

Please note that the meeting may start later than scheduled or run longer than planned, and, in either instance, 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.

Notice of Annual General Assembly - Wide (1)

Notice of Western Annual General Assembly

Posted by Qalipu on

Important Notice:

The Rescheduled Western Annual General Assembly of Qalipu First Nation will take place on Sunday, 26 April 2026, starting at 9:00 AM at Greenwood Inn & Suites, 48 West Street, Corner Brook.

Western AGA Agenda
Link to Agenda		 Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Financial Statements as of March 31, 2024
Link to Financial Statements and Annex A | Link to Annex B

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 (Link to KINU).

Please note that the meeting may start later than scheduled or run longer than planned, and, in either instance, 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.

Home Energy 2

Qalipu First Nation Home Energy Efficiency Initiative Reopens

Posted by Qalipu on

Qalipu First Nation (QFN) Housing Division is excited to announce the reopening of the “Home Energy Efficiency Initiative” starting on April 6, 2026.

This program provides financial assistance to existing homeowners for the purchase and installation of heat pumps, aiming to lower home heating costs and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. While funding is limited, data collected throughout this initiative will be carefully analyzed to evaluate the need for similar programs in the future.

Engagement Sessions:
Community engagement sessions will begin April 7, 2026, providing an opportunity to learn more about the program and get help with your application.

Applicants MUST submit all required documentation by May 15, 2026.

It is strongly recommended that applicants and/or co-applicants review the application thoroughly to ensure that all necessary documents are included. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed or processed.

To be eligible for funding, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicant must be a registered member of Qalipu First Nation
  • Applicant and/or Co-Applicant must be a current resident of Newfoundland and Labrador and live in the home requesting assistance.
  • Applicant MUST not have previously received support under NRCan, Greener Homes Grant, or TakeChargeNL for heat pump installation.
  • Combined household income must not exceed:

 

Number of Persons in the household Combined Income Eligibility
1 person $53,550 or less
2 persons $93,107 or less
3 persons $127,014 or less
4 persons $155,897 or less
5+ persons $162,176 or less

 

Applications can be found on our website: See Home Energy Efficiency Initiative Form

If you have any questions or need help with your application, please email housingproject@qalipu.ca.

You can also contact:

  • Paul Brake, Housing Project Manager, at 709-634-5472
  • Corey LeCoure, Housing Program Officer, at 709-634-5042

Please note, due to the anticipated volume of applications, not all applicants will receive funding, and only those selected will be contacted.

Updated Heat Pump Program Engagement Session_March302026

March 27 2026

Message from Vice-Chief Collen Paul – March 27, 2026

Posted by Qalipu on

K’we relatives,

As we move through the changing season and mark the arrival of the Spring Equinox on March 21, a time of balance, renewal, and new beginnings, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work we’ve been doing together over the past month.

March has been a meaningful and full month, grounded in connection, advocacy, and forward movement for our people.

I had the honor of participating as a panelist on climate action alongside Chief Misel Joe and Stanley Oliver from the Labrador Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the College of the North Atlantic and ECO Canada in St. Johns. These conversations are so important. They ensure that Indigenous voices, knowledge, and stewardship are not only included, but centered, in discussions about climate change and adaptation. Our perspectives are rooted in generations of living in relationship with the land, and they must guide the path forward.

I also traveled to Goose Bay, Labrador to attend the 9th Annual Reconciliation Council Gathering. Being in that space, alongside Indigenous leaders, partners, and community voices, was a powerful reminder that reconciliation is not a single action, it is ongoing work. It is built through relationships, truth-telling, and a shared commitment to doing better for future generations.

One of the most important conversations I had this month was meeting with First Light and the Minister of Justice, to speak about Indigenous overincarceration in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a deeply personal and systemic issue that continues to impact our families and communities. I brought forward not only the realities we are seeing, but also the need for change, change that reflects healing, supports alternatives to incarceration, and addresses the root causes tied to intergenerational trauma.

As we step into spring, a time our ancestors recognized as a season of renewal, I carry forward a sense of hope. Hope that through these conversations, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, we are planting seeds for stronger, healthier futures for our people.

This work is not done alone. It is guided by our teachings, our Elders, our families, and each of you.

Wela’lin for your continued support, your voices, and your strength.

Colleen Paul
Vice Chief, Qalipu First Nation

L-R: Vice-Chief Colleen Paul, Stanley Oliver, Labrador Chamber of Commerce and Chief Misel Joe
L-R: Vice-Chief Colleen Paul, Stanley Oliver, Labrador Chamber of Commerce and Chief Misel Joe

 

Panel Discussions at the Eco Canada Workship in partnership with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA)
Panel Discussions at the Eco Canada Workship in partnership with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA)
board recruitment

Qalipu Development Corporation (QDC) Board Member Recruitment

Posted by Qalipu on

The Qalipu Development Corporation (QDC) is the business investment arm of Qalipu First Nation (QFN). As an independent, arms-length entity, QDC manages the Band’s investment portfolio, businesses, and properties while pursuing new opportunities that strengthen QFN’s economic presence.

QDC is governed by a Board of Directors dedicated to ensuring long-term prosperity and economic self-reliance for the Nation.

We are seeking qualified, dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. As a Board Member, you will provide high-level strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring our enterprises remain profitable and aligned with the community’s values.

Eligibility Requirements
Priority will be given to Qalipu First Nation members.
Non-members with specific, high-level expertise are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants must:
* Possess relevant skills or experience in sectors such as finance, law, business development or natural resources (fisheries, forestry, agriculture)
* Have previous experience serving on a board or committee for a non-profit or government organization (preferred, but not mandatory).
* Be available to attend monthly meeting (virtual or in-person) or as needed
* Maintain engagement and involvement between meetings by responding to emails and staying actively engaged in ongoing discussions.
* Undergo a Criminal Record Check and sign a Code of Confidentiality and Code of Conduct.
* Perform duties objectively and fairly, working with fellow board members to ensure positive outcomes that advance objectives of QFN.
* Serve on a volunteer basis. Travel expenses and per diems will be provided for required travel in accordance with QDC policies.

To Apply:
Please submit the following:
* A Cover Letter indicating your interest and highlighting your relevant skills, experience, or qualifications.
* A current resume.

Deadline for Applications: April 2, 2026 at 4:00pm
Submit Applications: Darren O’Keefe – darren.okeefe@qalipu.ca
Qalipu Development Corporation reserves the right to refuse any and all applications.

For more information, please contact Darren at darren.okeefe@qalipu.ca

We encourage qualified individuals to apply who are interested in contributing to the long-term economic success and prosperity of our nation.

Wela’lin