Skills Link BSG Flyer_edited

Skills Link “Ready to Work” program

College of the North Atlantic is offering a 13-week Skills Link “Ready to Work” program. This program
includes 6 weeks of paid classroom training and 7 weeks of paid on-the-job training. Students are
also eligible for a $150 Completion Bonus upon successful attendance and participation.

This program will provide students the opportunity to improve their employability skills with
Professional and Personal Development seminars, Job Search Skills, and Introduction to Computers.
This program will help students recognize and build personal management skills required to transition
to the workforce. Students will become certified in Emergency First Aid, WHMIS 2015, and Back Injury
Prevention. Students will have the opportunity to explore career choices, develop job search tools such
as a resume and cover letter, and participate in a supported job search. Students will then participate in
an on-the-job training session for at least 24 hours per week over a period of 7 weeks.

Entrance Requirements: Students must be:
• between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive) at the time of intake/selection;
• facing barriers to employment;
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons who have been granted refugee status in Canada;
• legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations; and
• not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
* Open to applicants who have or have not completed high school and meet the requirements
listed above.

Start Date: October 9, 2018**
Location: Bay St. George campus
Registration Deadline: September 10, 2018

**This program will be offered pending sufficient enrollment.

For further information, please contact:
Gail Dober at 709 643 7749, gail.dober@cna.nl.ca or
Deborah Jennings at 709 643 7825, deborah.jennings@cna.nl.ca

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Indigenous Stories Beyond Borders

Indigenous_Stories-Poster

The Canadian Museum of History is currently inviting members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to contribute their stories and oral histories to an upcoming exhibition about the international experiences of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Stories Beyond Borders (the exhibition’s working title) will highlight the perspectives of groups and individuals that have travelled the world as diplomats, warriors/soldiers, performers, artists, scholars and athletes, over many centuries.

Please check out their poster for more details

Nominations Close Tomorrow! Ulnooweg Awards

Ulnooweg is pleased to announce we will be hosting our Awards Show in Corner Brook, NL on September 20th, 2018.
Nominations are now open and will remain open until August 3rd.
We have successfully developed online nomination forms for our upcoming Award Show.
Please note the life time achievement award has it’s own link, and please nominate someone you think deserves this award.

Lifetime achievement:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018lifetimeawards (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018lifetimeawards)

Award nominations:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018ulnoowegawards (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018ulnoowegawards)

Sponsorship:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/awardssponsorship (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/awardssponsorship)

businessman working on Desk office business financial accounting calculate, Graph analysis

Audited Financial Statements for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year

The consolidated financial statements linked below represent all the Band activity during the last fiscal year including the Qalipu Development Corporation, Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries, Qalipu Project Support Services, Qalipu Marine Holdings and Qalipu Management Services. These statements will be presented in detail at the upcoming Annual General Assembly in St. George’s on September 15. Our auditor and comptroller will be on hand to present the statements and answer questions at that time.

Please click here to view the Audited Financial Statements for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year

St. Anne's 2018

St. Anne’s Day Celebration 2018

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.

Learn to Camp Program an Experience to Remember

Learn to Camp Program an Experience to Remember

On June 20th, 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.

The word NEWS written in vintage wooden letterpress type in a wooden type drawer.

Notice of Referendum Vote to Change the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections

Per Section 34 of the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections, we wish to advise our members that a referendum vote to amend the Custom Rules will be held on October 23, 2018 at polling locations in each of our nine Wards, and at an advance poll to be held on October 16.  Amendment voting ballots will also be included in mail-out voting packages provided in the 2018 Qalipu general election.

A summary of the proposed changes can be found below in the Q & A

NEW! A full copy of the Custom Rules with amendments is now available to membership please click here to view.

Referendum Vote Q & A

Is Qalipu having a referendum vote to change the way it runs elections?

Yes.  To change the Custom Rules that govern our elections, the Council may direct that a referendum (amendment vote) be held to obtain the consent of membership.

Council has indicated that a referendum will occur in harmony with the 2018 election.  Meaning, with mail-in ballots, at the advance poll, and on polling day, membership will have an additional question included in their ballot package to change the way we administer elections.

The referendum will take place by advance poll on October 16 and at polling stations throughout the nine Wards on October 23, 2018.

Why does Qalipu want to change the way we do elections?

Following the election in 2015, Qalipu realized several issues that need to be resolved to make our elections more effective in the future.

  • Some voters reported arriving at their polling station to find that they had been incorrectly listed in a different voting location.
  • Others found that the distance they had to travel to their designated poll was unreasonable, which is not surprising considering Qalipu is made up of 67 geographically spread out communities in nine different Wards.
  • In some areas where there is a high concentration of voters, some voters were stuck waiting in line for several hours just to cast their vote.
  • Most people agreed that the time frame on returning mail-in ballots was too short. The 2015 election also saw a low voter turnout (approximately 23%) and this is something else that we can do better.
  • The polling station election format is expensive, time consuming and inaccessible.

 So, what election change will voters be asked to decide on?

Membership will be asked whether they are in favour of moving to a mail, telephone and internet voting solution.

What does that mean?

It means that every eligible voter will receive voting details in the mail without having to request it.  Voters will be given a personal identification number to cast their vote using either the internet, wireless devices and mobile or landline telephones.  A helpline would be available for anyone who has trouble with the process, and Qalipu is looking at making several polling stations available regionally to provide in-person support should voters feel they need to vote in person.

Why would we change to this way of voting?

There are many benefits to this voting method:

  • Every eligible voter will be engaged in the election. They will receive a Personal Identification Number and Voter Instruction Letter in the mail via Canada Post.
  • Voters will be given a 5-10-day period to vote from the comfort of their home via the internet, wireless devices OR mobile or landline telephones. Voters may also choose to visit one of several regional polling stations to receive in person voting support.
  • Voters will be provided with the contact number for a Voter HelpLine so that they have someone to contact if they have any trouble casting their vote.
  • Inclusion: ability for everyone to vote regardless of their mobility or location.
  • Automatic: voters will not have to request their ballot. All voters will receive everything they need to vote in the mail through Canada Post.
  • Greater participation: Since every voter will receive their voting details in the mail, and they can vote from the comfort of their own home, we expect a much higher engagement from our membership during election time.
  • Voting is private, secure and anonymous. PIN security and event auditability are paramount in the design and delivery of this voting solution which is delivered by an experienced and trusted company.
  • Financial savings. E-voting will cost less than half of our current method of voting, money that can be put back into community development, and cultural initiatives.
  • Results will be clear and timely.

Can we trust a company to deliver our election?

Intelivote Systems Inc. (ISI), the company with whom we have been working, is a recognized leader in the successful implementation of this type of election.  The company has extensive subject matter expertise in Union voting events, Municipal elections, Aboriginal voting events, Leadership Elections and Association Elections.

All the election services are provided through Intelivote software are secured by encryption, digital certificates and login IDs and passwords.

Voter anonymity, PIN security and event auditability are paramount in the design and delivery of the eVoting solutions they provide.

ISI maintains a hosted data centre environment in Halifax through Bell Canada, which also hosts some of the most sensitive government and financial applications running in Atlantic Canada.

ISI delivers elections with a team of information systems professionals and electronic voting experts.

Who will be eligible to vote to change the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band elections?

Only those members 18 years of age or over on the date of the Qalipu election, whether Founding Members on the updated list, former Founding Members who have remained members through a category change or have become members through an application seeking registration under the Indian Act, will be eligible to vote.

An updated Founding Members list has been passed through Order in Council and came into effect on June 25, 2018.   Qalipu expects to have a copy of this list on August 31, 2018.

Won’t the recent court rulings change this?

With the recent court rulings, regarding the right to appeal for applicants denied on the self-identification criterion, for instance, we could see more people added to the Band.   At this time however, we can only work with what’s in front of us.  We expect to have an established Band list by August 31, and this will determine not only who our eligible voters are but also, who can run for Council.

If the membership accepts these proposed changes to the Custom Rules, when will the changes come into effect?

Changes to the Custom Rules would come into effect for the next general election in 2021.

family day fun

Family Day Fun

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 21st 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

High School Trades Camp Poster (003)

Trade Fair Camp for Grades 10-12

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

Prospector

Mineral Prospecting Career Awareness Workshops

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:

Darrin Fitzpatrick
College of the North Atlantic
Tel: 709 744 6845
darrin.fitzpatrick@cna.nl.ca
Norm Mercer
NL Prospectors Association
Tel: 709 740 6000 or 709 364 7029
normmercer@gmail.com