Youth at the inaugural Mawita’jik Maljewe’jk youth gathering, held September 13-15 at West Haven in Pasadena, held an election to choose their youth representative seat at the Qalipu Council table.  Jessica Saunders of Bishop’s Falls was elected and on November 16 attended her first meeting of Council.

At the meeting, Jessica made her oath of office and took part in a Swearing-in Ceremony.

Following the day, Jessica noted, “it was really awesome to hear from the Grand Council.  They spoke a lot about the unity of our people which really resonated with me. I felt very accepted and I know that any ideas or input I have in the future will be openly received by the Council. I’m very excited to be this voice for the youth and the council seemed very happy to have me there, and everyone made a point to speak to me and shake my hand and welcome me which was awesome. I’m really looking forward to the future and the opportunities that will come with this!”

Welcome aboard, Jessica!

Representatives of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, the traditional governing body of the Mi’kmaq people, recently visited Newfoundland to meet with the Qalipu Chief and Council, and community members.  Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy, Grand Keptin Antle Denny,  Keptin Stephen Augustine spent the weekend on the west coast including a meet and greet in Corner Brook, attendance at a Council meeting, a visit to the community of Flat Bay and a potluck feast and community gathering at the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre in St. Georges, the oldest recorded Mi’kmaq settlement on the island. Grand Council Keptin Mi’sel Joe, Chief of Miawpukek First Nation was also on hand during the visit.

Grand Keptin Antle Denny, spokesperson for the Grand Council, noted that the visit to Newfoundland was an acknowledgement of the extended Mi’kmaq family in Newfoundland, the eastern edge of the traditional Mi’kmaq territory, Mi’kma’ki.  He said, “We were happy to visit and meet some of our relations, visit communities and acknowledge our extended Mi’kmaq family.  Unity is the Mi’kmaq way.”

Building relationships with Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia and throughout the broader Indigenous community has been an important priority for Chief Mitchell and Council.  In 2018, the Band was formally recognized and accepted as a member of the Assembly of First Nations and in April of 2019, Qalipu was brought into the group known as the Atlantic Policy Congress.  Relationship building with the Mi’kmaq Grand Council is another important step for the Band and the communities it represents.

Qalipu Chief Brendan Mitchell was pleased to welcome the Grand Council delegation, the first visit of its kind in the province.  He said, “I’m extremely honoured and pleased that the Grand Council made this inaugural visit to Newfoundland to meet our Council and membership and visit our communities.  It was an opportunity for us to share with them who we are and hear about the history of the Grand Council.”

Many community members came out to meet the special guests including Michelle Bennett who presented a special gift for Chief Stephen Augustine.  She said, “I loved watching his creation story on YouTube, so I decided to paint what I was hearing.  It doesn’t matter how many times I hear him tell the story, it’s powerful every single time.”

Chief Mitchell added that the Qalipu First Nation looks forward to a long-lasting and positive relationship going forward with the Grand Council.

Link 1: International Aboriginal Youth Internship Application
Link 2: Indigenous Forestry Workforce Intake Form

The Outdoor Education came to an end On October 18th after welcoming 362 students from 11 schools from the Bay of Islands, Deer Lake, Corner Brook, Central and the Northern Peninsula.

This Program is the only curriculum-based, immersive outdoor education experience offered to grade five students in Newfoundland and Labrador. Thousands of students have gone through this outdoor classroom since the program’s inception, shaping the educational landscape and the hearts and minds of children, teachers and chaperones alike.

Qalipu First Nation is a proud partner in the delivery of this program which has grown to represent a successful model for experiential education rooted in the natural and cultural history that shapes this land and its people.

We wish to express our gratitude and well wishes to Indigenous Interpreter Kevin Barnes who played a key role in the delivery of the camp. Kevin retired from Parks Canada this year and his presence in the program will be missed.

November 7, 2019 Corner Brook—The Qalipu First Nation wishes to advise its membership and the broader Indigenous community of a special visit coming up next weekend, November 15-17, from several members of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, the traditional governing body of the Mi’kmaq people. Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy, Grand Keptin Antle Denny and Elder Stephen Augustine will be welcomed by Qalipu Chief Brendan Mitchell in Corner Brook.

“We are so pleased to have a delegation from the Grand Council visit Qalipu territory for the first time,” Chief Brendan Mitchell remarked.   “Grand Chief Sylliboy and Grand Keptin Denny invited me to attend Treaty Day in Nova Scotia, and I was received with the warmest hospitality.  I look forward to offering the same kindness as they prepare to visit us in Newfoundland.”

The group will spend the weekend in the area with plans to include spending the day with the Qalipu Council for a meet and greet; and on the following day, plan on attending a Council meeting, taking a scenic drive into Flat Bay, and enjoying a community potluck feast at the Friendship Centre in St. George’s where everyone is welcome to come out and spend time with our special guests.

Building relationships with Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia and throughout the broader Mi’kmaq community in Atlantic Canada, has been an important priority for Chief Mitchell and Council.  In 2018, Qalipu First Nation was formally recognized and accepted as a member of the Assembly of First Nations and in April of 2019, Qalipu was brought into the group known as the Atlantic Policy Congress.  Relationship building with the Mi’kmaq Grand Council is another important step for the Band and the communities it represents.

Chief Mitchell added, “Our inclusion into the AFN, APC and acknowledgement by the Mi’kmaq Grand Council are important to us; it is part of our reconciliation as Mi’kmaq people.  Friendships are being formed, and relationships are being established.  It is a good time for the Qalipu First Nation.”

We asked, and you answered! Local Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse prepared four sample logos, and 41% of those who participated in the poll chose “Cultural Quest” making it the top choice for the new official logo of the Comprehensive Community Plan!

The Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) is a process that will allow our community to build a roadmap towards sustainability, self-sufficiency, and improved government capacity. It will allow the community to establish a vision for its future and implement projects to achieve this vision. This process is intended to be inclusive, representing the perspective of all members, from youths to Elders, within or outside the community.

The key planning areas are governance, land and resources, health, infrastructure development, culture, social issues, and the economy. The CCP will be sustainable, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive.

Qalipu First Nation looks forward to working with the community to develop the CCP via meetings, presentations, surveys and a variety of community engagement.

Like and Follow our Facbeook page to participate in polls like this one, and to get all the latest news and events from our Indigenous community.

The Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador (ASRCNL) is requesting expressions of interest from any Indigenous athlete in Newfoundland and Labrador interested in competing with Team Indigenous at the 2020 NL Summer Games. Please share the attached information with any contacts you may have including friends, parents, and youth. ASRCNL will move forward with the 2020 Team Indigenous plans and preparation based on the response we receive.

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