Qalipu First Nation is pleased to share that starting tomorrow, we will be reaching out from our living room to yours with pre-recorded and Live video with our team and other knowledgeable members of the community.  It is important that we maintain connections during this difficult time of self-isolation, and we invite you all to join us.

For more information on the following events, please visit our Facebook Page.

Tuesday at 3:00-3:30 PM (Live) Beading with Alex and Nicole. 

Alex Antle and Nicole Travers work with the Band in the areas of tourism and culture.  In their own time, the talented duo are beaders and owners of their own small businesses, Bunchberry Beadwork and Blomidon Beadwork, respectively.  On Tuesday they’ll begin a two-part series to create a beaded medicine wheel.

Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 PM (Live) Bedtime Stories with Kristen

Hearing stories that demonstrate the Seven Grandfather Teachings is something that will speak to the kid in all of us.  Education and Training Team Lead Kristen Pittman will share children’s stories that demonstrate Respect, Honesty, Truth, Humility, Courage Wisdom and Love.

Thursday at 3:00 PM (Pre-recorded) Comprehensive Community Planning (CCP)

CCP Coordinator Samantha Gardiner was on tour in our communities before COVID-19 grounded life as we know it to a halt.  Now, she’s working from home with two toddlers to keep her company! Tune in to this interview to hear about the community plan, and to find out who wins the bag of swag (your name was entered if you completed the survey.)

Friday at 11:00 AM (Pre-recorded) Interview with Qalipu Health Team

Do you have questions that you would like answered? Send them to communications@qalipu.ca by 4:00 PM Wednesday to have them asked in an interview to be pre-recorded on Thursday.  The team will talk about NIHB Benefits, Your Claims, Prescriptions, Medical Travel and whatever you want to know!

Friday at 3:00 PM Medicine Walk with Scott and Kasondra (Pre-recorded)

Kasondra Perrier was hired as Education Outreach Officer just before COVID-19 shut down our offices.  Kasondra adapted quickly to be able to offer cultural outreach with our membership and others by creating this video, and her own video series that will broadcast every Friday at 3:00 PM.

In this video, take a Medicine Walk along Flat Bay Brook with Kasondra and her dad, local artist and cultural carrier Scott Butt.  Scott’s friendly dogs are along for the walk as well; entertainment and education at its best.

 

Programming to Continue:

Beading with Alex and Nicole, Bedtime Stories with Kristen and Culture with Kasondra will continue next week in their same time spots.  We’ll have new programs to share as well and, we hope you’ll join us.

Kikmanaq (our family; our friends) Indigenous Cultural Revival Association (KIRA) received a Cultural Support Grant from the Qalipu Cultural Foundation for a snowshoe building workshop.

Six pairs of the snowshoes that were built at the workshop were donated by the group to Mme. Laite’s Kindergarten classroom at Gander Academy. The snowshoes may also be used around the community as needed. Glenwood Ward Councilor Frank Skeard was on hand to provide some Mi’kmaq language/french/English resources and storybooks to Mme. Laite’s class as well!

Pictured above is Mme. Laite and her kindergarten classroom at Gander Academy along with KIRA representative Jordan Pottle and her daughter Norah.

The snowshoes were put to good use on March 1, 2020 (Indigenous Cultural Day) at Thomas Howe Demonstration forest. To deliver the event, which consisted of a craft demonstration and sale, a guided nature walk, and a campfire, KIRA partnered with the local Women’s Center and with WelcomeNL.

The Mi’kmaq Cultural Heritage Program is an annual grant intended to support Indigenous organizations and groups pass on traditional knowledge or host celebrations that promote Indigenous pride and identity. To learn more, please click here (http://qalipuculturalfoundation.ca/cultural-support-program/)

Apply for Your Summer Student Today!

Are you a small business owner that could benefit from a little extra help this summer? Qalipu is pleased to offer support by paying student wages in exchange for valuable work experiences for Indigenous students.

Over the years, the Youth Summer Employment Program has been successful in improving the employability skills of hundreds of Indigenous youth.  Skills gained on summer placements help students enter the workplace with the confidence that comes with experience.

Join the growing list of employers who are supporting Indigenous students on their journey.  Business owners and organizations are invited to apply for a summer student by noon on April 3, 2020.

Click here to apply for the Youth Student Employment Program

For more information please contact Employment Coordinator Yvonne MacDonald at ymacdonald@qalipu.ca or call 709-647-3514

Are you an Indigenous person, aged 19 to 29, and interested in learning more about a career in policing with the RCMP? You may be eligible to take part in this year’s Indigenous Pre-Cadet Training Program.

Indigenous pre-cadet training at the RCMP Training Academy

The program includes a three-week training session at the RCMP Training Academy (Depot) in Regina, Saskatchewan.

You’ll learn:

• How to work as part of a policing team
• An introduction to the Criminal Code and RCMP policy
• Physical fitness and drill
• Skills to help prepare you to apply to be a police officer

Open to Indigenous Peoples in Canada

To apply you must be:

• of Indigenous descent (First Nation, Métis or Inuit)
• aged 19 to 29
• a Canadian citizen
• a graduate of a Canadian secondary school (or equivalent)
• able to pass an enhanced reliability security check

DEADLINE: February 25th, 2020

Please Contact:

Cst. April Janes
Indigenous & Community Policing B Division
april.janes@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Candidate Submission Deadline:

February 26, 2020
4:00 P.M. Atlantic Standard time

On January 16, 2020 the Chiefs of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (“Chiefs”) made the decision to commence the process to select a new Regional Chief for the Nova Scotia (NS) and Newfoundland (NL) region.

The Chiefs are seeking submissions from qualified and dedicated candidates who would like to be considered to become the NS and NL Regional Chief.

The role of the Regional Chief (RC)to advocate and act as an Ambassador on behalf of the NS and NL Chiefs and the Assembly of First Nations National forum. The RC holds a political office, that is accountable to the Chiefs and AFN.As the Ambassador for our region, our Mi’kmaq Communities expect the highest standards of professional and personal conduct from the Regional Chief and their office.

The term of office the RC will be a three (3) year term. The RC may be re-elected for further terms.

Mission of the Office of the Regional Chief

To restore and enhance the relationship among Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Canada.

1. Ensure strong representation of the Chiefs whom he/she represents in concert with the AFN Charter and the Regional Chief’s Rules and Procedures, as developed by the Chiefs of the region;
2. Balance First Nations’ regional and national interests in a manner that supports the NS and NL Chiefs, the AFN Charter and Regional Chief’s Rules and Procedures;
3. To communicate on an ongoing basis with the Chiefs to keep them informed and to seek instruction and guidance; and
4. Work in a manner that is consistent with the NS and NL Regional Chief’s Constitution (including Schedules) as developed by the Chiefs of the region, AFN Charter and the vision, mandate and directives of the

The Submission Package must include the following:

• Letter of interest – this would outline:
  • Why you are interested in becoming the RC;
  • Why you would be the best person to represent the Chiefs
  • How you meet the eligibility criteria and qualifications, skills and abilities (as outlined below); and
  • What experience you have that has prepared you to become the
• An up-to-date Resume
• Child Abuse Registry Check
• Criminal Record Check
• Two References

Eligibility Criteria

Any person submitting for the position of Regional Chief must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• A Band Member of one of the Nova Scotia or Newfoundland Mi’kmaq communities;
• Ability to travel, including internationally;
• Satisfactorily complete a Criminal Record Check;
• Pass a Child Abuse Registry Check;
• Demonstrated Leadership skills;
• Minimum of High school education or equivalent (or higher);
• Demonstrated connection to and involvement within the member community and/or overall Mi’kmaq Nation;
• Knowledge of Mi’kmaq communities, governance and government relations (First Nation, Federal, Provincial and Municipal).

Qualifications and Skills and abilities:

• Experience with Project Management;
• Financial experience;
• Strong analytical, public speaking and facilitation skills;
• Strong organizational and time management skills;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to work both independently within a deadline and in a complex multi-issue team environment with competing demands and priorities;
• Computer competency, including in Microsoft Office Suite;
• Experience working with Mi’kmaq communities and organizations;
• Knowledge of Mi’kmaq language is not a requirement but would be considered an

The Process

• Submissions from Candidates will be accepted until February 26, 2020 at 4pm After which, no further submissions will be accepted or considered.
• The Interview Committee will review each candidate’s submission Only those candidates meeting the required criteria will be interviewed.
• We appreciate everyone who takes the time and opportunity to send in a submission package; however, only those candidates selected to be interviewed, will be

If you have any questions, please email Crystal Dorey at crystaldorey@mikmaqrights.com

Please forward your completed submission package in confidence to Crystal Dorey, via email at: crystaldorey@mikmaqrights.com or by fax: (902) 843-3882.

As work continues on our ten-year budget, to include input received during strategic and comprehensive community planning engagement sessions, we want to hear your thoughts about how to balance the budget while creating more opportunities to give back to our communities, and ensuring members continue to have access to the programs and services they need.

Please, take a few moments to complete this Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BJZN7GT

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.

Click here to take the Survey!

In October 2019 Jasmine Collis, Non-Insured Health Benefits Support Specialist with Qalipu, attended a three-week residency at Coady International Institute in Antigonish, NS, as a part of the Indigenous Women in Community Leadership (IWCL) program. Each year Indigenous women leaders from across the country are awarded a full scholarship to complete the IWCL program, which focuses on designing a community project that will have a positive impact on their communities. The program covers Indigenous Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), which filters the concept of ABCD through a cultural lens. Each morning began with a smudge, followed by teachings provided by an Elder.

The first group task demonstrated the ABCD concept quite clearly. The group of 19 women leaders were assigned the task of assembling a Tipi with no help from instructors or staff. The group had to work together to use each woman’s knowledge and/or skills to raise the tipi poles and wrap the canvas. Using innovative and creative techniques, the tipi was raised and stood tall. Each woman then had the opportunity to paint on the tipi, alongside many other women who had previously completed the program.

Jasmine noted, “Hearing about the projects that the other women are developing and getting to know them, and their backgrounds, was an amazing experience that I’ll never forget. The three weeks were full of inspiration and I felt very empowered as an Indigenous woman. I have come to realize how unique our Nation’s history is in Newfoundland, compared to other First Nations across Canada. Our story is one that we need to keep telling, as we reclaim our culture.”

This year was the first time Coady hosted an IWCL Gathering of the past cohorts. The three-day conference included over 100 Indigenous women leaders from across the country, with keynote speaker Dr. Ngahuia Te Awekotuku of New Zealand delivering an account of the struggles, barriers, and strengths of Indigenous people from her home country.

Jasmine said that the presentation on the Māori people was powerful.   She said, “Following her presentation, the auditorium sang the Strong Women’s Song to her while one woman drummed. It was an incredibly moving experience.”

Since her return home Jasmine has begun working on her community project, which will focus on supporting Indigenous youth in her community, by creating the opportunity for youth to speak for themselves and to conduct their own ABCD approach to the needs of the youth.

Acm
9am-5pm

sinbads hotel conference room 111
Gander, nl

No cost for this certification.

registration is required

all 3 aboriginal coaching modules will be completed

please call Valentina Nolan (709)643-3580

Members of the Band are invited to participate in the development of the Qalipu First Nation five-year strategic plan via consultation sessions scheduled to take place throughout the territory.

Band Chief Brendan Mitchell noted, “The Strategic Plan is the document that will help guide the ongoing development of programs and services the Band provides to its members. A collaborative approach in its development is essential in ensuring our members’ needs and vision are reflected in our work. I hope that members will participate in the process.”

The Strategic Plan will provide direction for Chief and Council, as well as staff, as they plan for future development in the areas of member services, brand and communications, culture and heritage, environmental stewardship, economic development and operational excellence.

Members who wish to contribute to the plan can choose to participate in-person at the sessions or by completing an on-line survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QFNStrategicPlan) . Written submissions will be accepted at our office in Corner Brook and individuals may also communicate directly with the consultant on the strategic plan by contacting Terry Hickey, Conach Consulting at 709-682-9026 or via email at terryhickey@conach.ca.

Consultations have bene scheduled in the following locations:

Port au Port January 14, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 50 Plus Leisure Centre in Port au Port West

Stephenville January 15, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM College of the North Atlantic Bay St. George Lecture Theatre

Corner Brook January 16, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Greennwood Inn