On July 26, the Qalipu First Nation partnered with Sacred Heart Church and the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association (CBAWA) to celebrate St. Anne’s Day. St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus, is the patron Saint of the Mi’kmaq people.

The Eucharistic Celebration was presided by Father Jim Robertson, with the CBAWA providing a smudging and sharing songs. Following the service, the parishioners were invited to a feast provided by the Qalipu First Nation at St. Mary’s Anglican Church Hall where Father Leonard blessed the meal.

On June 20^th, Qalipu First Nation and the Norpen Aboriginal Women’s Circle joined Parks Canada to provide a historically and culturally rich Learn-to Camp experience at Port au Choix’s Historic Site. Here, families gathered on grounds steeped in 6000 years of history, to share in a camping experience anchored in the same barren land and rugged coastline, sculpted by the wild and bountiful ocean, that has called people to this space from time immemorial.

As a family of caribou grazed in the distance, people of all ages found themselves immersed in the richness of nature and togetherness, sharing in art, storytelling, food, songs and ceremony. With the setting of the sun, campers gathered in a circle to celebrate new experiences, new friends, and shared moments in this magical place and the sounds of an incredible Learn-to Camp experience could be heard in the singing and drumming carried by the wind.

Parks Canada’s Lean-to Camp program is a nation-wide initiative to provide opportunity for Canadians to engage in a camping experience that connects them to natural and cultural heritage.  This has been the first Indigenous focused Learn-to Camp event in the province.

On Saturday, July 7, the Qalipu First Nation partnered with the Norpen Aboriginal Women’s Circle to share Mi’kmaq culture at Parks Canada’s Family Day in Shallow Bay.

Tourism Development Officer Tara Saunders said that taking the opportunity to celebrate culture with others, and make positive connections, is very valuable to the Band.

She said, “The Band set up a wigwam, provided the kits for a drum making demonstration, and assisted in a rattle making craft with the children.  Hundreds of children were given the opportunity to learn about drum making and make their own rattles.  Norpen, as always, was an excellent partner.  They led a drumming circle and shared songs throughout the day.  We are always thankful for opportunities like these to get outside and make positive connections.”

Qalipu has been involved in several initiatives with their partner, Parks Canada, including development and delivery of the Taste of the Great Outdoors program, interpretation training for Qalipu member businesses, and knowledge sharing in tourism development.  The Band is also exploring ways of working with the Eastern Field Unit on future initiatives.

On July 21^st Qalipu, Norpen and Parks Canada will work together to deliver the Learn to Camp program at Port aux Choix National Historic Site.  The site has seen continual habitation for over 5000 years and has been home to several distinct indigenous populations including today’s Mi’kmaq.  Tara noted that elements of Mi’kmaq culture will be brought into the program including a sunrise ceremony and craft making.  She also noted that registration for this program has been very successful.

“All spots have now been filled! We can’t wait to meet with families and help provide a fun camping experience at this special location.”

For more information, please contact Tara at tsaunders@qalipu.ca

From August 6-10, 2018, the Qalipu First Nation and Miawpukek First Nation are partnering with the Operating Engineering College, UA Local 740 Training Center, Bricklayers College, Iron Workers Training Center and the Carpenter Millwright College. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a week-long camp in St. John’s that will expose them to a variety of industry driven trades such as Heavy Equipment, plumbing/pipefitting, bricklayers, ironworkers, carpentry, and millwright. The camp is for students attending Grades 10-12 in the Fall of 2018. For youth who attend the Camp, transportation, accommodations and meals will be provided.

Qalipu First Nations and the various partners are inviting interested Indigenous youth from all wards to submit application forms by Wednesday, July 18, 2018.

Applications to be submitted to and for additional detals:

Yvonne MacDonald, Administrative Assistant
Qalipu First Nation
183 Main Street, P.O. Box 460
St. George’s, NL
A0N 1Z0
Email: ymacdonald@qalipu.ca
Phone: (709) 647-3514
Fax: (709) 647-3068

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador has a rich history of mining and mineral exploration. What most people
do not realize is that historically, prospectors have been the first boots on the ground and have actually discovered
most mineral deposits. The Newfoundland and Labrador Prospectors Association in partnership with the College of
the North Atlantic is offering a series of one – day Career Awareness Workshops on Mineral Prospecting. Funding for
these workshops is provided by the Government of NL’s Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour.
Do you like working in the outdoors? Do you enjoy camping and hiking? Have you ever wanted to find a gold nugget,
or a gold mine? This one –day workshop will introduce you to the world of mineral prospecting, as a career choice.
High school students in Levels 1, 2 and 3, along with other adults are eligible to register and take part in the workshop
in their region.

Topics include:
• Introduction to Prospecting • Job of a Prospector • Self Employment
• Option Agreements • Working with Mineral Exploration Companies
• Other Resources and Supports • Further Education Opportunities!

Upcoming Dates & Locations

Workshops will be offered at College of the North Atlantic’s campuses at the following locations from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

St. Anthony, July 7, 2018
Baie Verte, July 14, 2018
Labrador City, Fall 2018
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Fall 2018

Registration cost is $20.00, payable at the start of the workshop. This fee will provide participants with a one-year
membership in the NL Prospectors Association.
Pre-registration is required 5 days in advance of the workshop.
For further information, or to register for the workshop, please contact:

Registration Deadline August 31, 2018

Facilitated by Dr. Bernie Francis and Mr. Curtis Michaels
The whole family is welcome, and encouraged, to learn the basics of our precious Mi’kmaq language.
Participants must pre-register and attend all course days. Cost of the camp is FREE

Camp Dates 2018
October 11th to 15th
6:00 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. (Thurs. & Fri.) * snack provided; pre-registrants only
9:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. (Sat. & Sun.) * lunch, snack and supper provided; pre-registrants only
7:30 P.M.-9:30 P.M. (Sat. & Sun.) *evenings of teachings, music and conversation; open to the general public
9:30 A.M – 3:30 P.M. (Mon.) * lunch, snack, and course certificate; pre-registrants only

Shining the light on French and Mi’kmaq Craftspeople

Are you a French or Mi’kmaq craftsperson?

If so, this symposium is for you!

This day will include craft demonstrations, networking opportunities & cultural presentations

Saturday August 11, 2018, 9:00AM- 4:00PM

Located at the French Centre in Cape St. George

Registration Deadline: July 23, 2018. To register, contact Wendy at 642-5155 or by email ouest@rdeetnl.ca  or Tara at 634-5972 or by email tsaunders@qalipu.ca

From August 7-10, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Qalipu First Nation are partnering to host the Junior Police Academy at Killdevil Camp.  This camp is designed to create stronger relationships with youth (ages 9-12 years old) and police as well as with other community partners.

Participants will have an opportunity to take part in this fun filled and educational camping experience, where the RNC and partner organizations will foster stronger and healthier relationships between the participants and the police by breaking down historical barriers.  The Junior Police Academy will enhance participant learning on a variety of topics by providing a healthy, active and unplugged environment where they will be educated on the benefits of healthy, responsible decision making. Youth at the camp will receive education on a variety of topics including (but not limited to) healthy eating, decision making and lifestyle choices, bicycle safety, fire safety, environmental sustainability and Mi’kmaq culture as well as police investigative techniques.

For youth who attend the camp, transportation will be provided from Corner Brook to Killdevil and return (transportation to Corner Brook is the participants responsibility).  While at the camp, all accommodations and meals will be provided. Participants will be asked to bring their own sleeping bag, or bedding, and their own clothing.

Qalipu First Nation and The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary are inviting interested youth members from all Wards to submit application forms by July 20, 2018 to:

Megan Newman
Administrative Assistant | Community Development
3 Church Street
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 2Z4
Email mnewman@qalipu.ca
Fax: 709-634-3997

Click here for the Camper Application Form and Waiver

Click here for the Volunteer Application Form

For additional details please contact Megan Newman at the email above or call (709) 634-5479