The Qalipu Annual General Assembly (AGA) is held every year to share audited financial statements and information about Band business during the previous fiscal year.  The Assembly is attended by members of Council, the Band Manager, lead staff and is open to all Band members.

In the past, the AGA has been held in different locations across central and western Newfoundland to ensure the broadest possible inclusion for all communities within our traditional territory.

This year, thanks to a Council resolution to amend our General By-Laws that was passed at a meeting in January, two AGA’s will be held annually, one in western and one in central.

This change will come into effect this year with the first AGA being held in Corner Brook on September 15 at the Greenwood Inn and Suites from 1:30- 3:30 PM, and the second AGA will take place in Grand Falls-Windsor at the Mount Peyton Hotel on September 29 from 1:00-3:00 PM.

For those who cannot attend in person, a live stream option has been made available.  As the Assembly is intended for members only, access to the live stream will be through our members only portal, ginu.  All members, whether they have ever logged in before, have a profile in ginu.  Please access the portal here: https://qalipu.ca/login-options/

If you require assistance logging in, please contact Charmaine at (709) 679-2142, or 1-855-263-6440 (toll free available in Newfoundland only)

The Education and Training Department is now accepting applications for the Bernie Hanlon Memorial Scholarship.

Bernadette “Bernie” Hanlon dedicated her life to supporting and encouraging the aboriginal people of Newfoundland both culturally and in working with them to meet their educational dreams. Bernie always went above and beyond for her many students and tried to help in any way possible through her many years with the Federation of Newfoundland Indians and later with the Qalipu First Nation. Bernie worked tirelessly to help those around her develop personally as well by supporting and encouraging cultural and spiritual growth. The Bernie Hanlon Memorial Scholarship was created to help a client of The Education and Training Department attending college or completing an undergraduate degree to continue to pursue those dreams.

The scholarship is valued at $1,000.00 and will be awarded to the applicant that best embodies Bernie’s passion for our culture and a commitment to academics as well as to their community.

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

· Currently be in receipt of support under the PSSSP

· Currently enrolled a college diploma or undergraduate degree program and planning to return to school in the fall.

· Achieve a grade average of B or higher in their program of studies

And answer the following essay question in 500 words or less:

“Using the information provided above, demonstrate how you embody the spirit of Bernie Hanlon.”

Please submit applications to Yvonne MacDonald via email (ymacdonald@qalipu.ca) by August 30th. Note: all essays must be submitted in PDF format.

On July 26, 2019, a mass was held at the St. Joseph’s Parish in St. George’s to honour St. Anne, the patron Saint of the Mi’kmaq people.  There was a large turnout for the event, which included a community feast after the mass, with people in attendance from all around Bay St. George and Bay of Islands region.

The Mi’kmaq people are known for honouring their elders. The love, wisdom and teachings of our grandparents are important to us. Some say this is the reason why St. Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus, is so revered and celebrated in our culture.  It was a very special day for all to gather in celebration of St. Anne, and the role of our community elders and leaders in passing down knowledge, tradition and culture to the next generation.

Qalipu First Nation wishes to thank and acknowledge the following donations, volunteers and service providers:

Donations and Volunteers:

St. Joseph’s Parish Church and Father Maurice O’Quinn—partnered to deliver the St. Anne’s Day Mass

St. George’s Indian Band –provided funding for St. Anne’s medallion gift giveaway and loaned St. Anne statue.

Indian Cove Women’s Circle—provided funding to cover cost of church service

St. Joseph’s Parish Gentleman’s Group—Parish Hall rental given in kind

Community women who volunteered by making sandwiches for the feast

St. Joseph’s Parish Choir with Director Andy Tobin

Drummers from around the region who provided music for the procession

Western Region Vice Chief Keith Cormier who sang Amazing Grace in Mi’kmaq

Spruce Root Basket: Melvin White

White Roses: collected from community people from Stephenville, Stephenville Crossing and St. George’s

Smudge: Gail Hickey

St. Anne Bearer: Judy Falle

Greeters: Noelle Blanchard and Alex Brake-Hetherington

Readers: Alice Miles and Alison White

Mi’kmaq Reflection: St. George’s Indian Band Chief Marlene Farrell

Altar Servers: Elton White, Linda Pieroway, Bertie Garnier

Eucharistic Ministers: Alice Miles, Dina Sheppard and Florence Young

St. Joseph’s Parish Ladies Guild

Tilla Brake, Country Kitchen and Crafts

July 29, 2019 – Corner Brook, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Tourism is a key contributor to the Atlantic Canadian economy. It generates new economic activities, creates good paying jobs for the middle class and diversifies communities. The industry also offers tremendous opportunity for further growth in areas like Indigenous tourism.

Recognizing the opportunities that exist in Indigenous tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Qalipu First Nation is undertaking various activities as part of the implementation of its Experience Qalipu Tourism Strategy. The five-year strategy will help to further develop and promote Indigenous tourism in the province, enhance community capacity and build stronger Indigenous communities.

Phase I of the strategy included creating a database of member tourism businesses, enhancing on-line entrepreneurial skills training, developing a marketing plan, hosting a tourism forum, designing signage and displays and conducting facilitation training. Phase II involves further analysis and design of tourism assets, hosting an additional tourism forum, advanced facilitation training, infrastructure improvements and tourism product development.

The Government of Canada is providing a non-repayable contribution of $418,257 and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $157,892 towards phases I and II of the tourism strategy.

Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with Scott Reid, MHA for St. George’s-Humber, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of  Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII), made the announcement today.

These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the  Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs. This bold approach is in line with  Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.

Quotes

“Indigenous tourism is a key part of Canada’s growing tourism industry. It is outpacing the growth of this sector overall, as more and more travellers are coming here to experience Indigenous cultures and heritage. Our government is committed to making sure this growth continues by helping Indigenous communities across the country showcase their authentic products, traditions and histories, while generating new economic opportunities and creating good middle-class jobs.”

–     The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“Our investment in this initiative will better position the Qalipu First Nation to advance Indigenous tourism in our province, encourage entrepreneurship and foster economic development in Indigenous communities. We are proud of our partnership with the Qalipu First Nation and I commend their commitment to seizing new opportunities to promote Indigenous culture and history and build a strong and sustainable tourism industry that will draw more visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences.”

–     Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of        Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“This investment will allow the Qalipu First Nation to continue to enhance economic development opportunities in key areas such as tourism. One of the top recommendations from the Destination Development Plan for tourism operators is to focus more on building program-and people-based experiences and understanding visitor profiles that will drive visitation. Many of the elements of the Experience Qalipu Tourism Strategy are aligned with this recommendation. This project will help to ensure the stories, traditions and beliefs of the Mi’kmaq are captured as a vital part of this region’s growth and development.”

–     The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“Qalipu First Nation is appreciative of this funding and the ability to support our Indigenous tourism providers. We look forward to the next phase of our five-year Experience Qalipu Tourism Development Strategy and any opportunity to support Indigenous tourism on the provincial level, including our collaboration with the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Working Group.”

–     Brendan Mitchell, Chief, Qalipu First Nation

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is investing $398,338 in this project through ACOA’s  Business Development Program and $19,919 from the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $157,892 towards this project.

• The Experience Qalipu Tourism Strategy focuses on developing market-ready cultural experiences and other tourism products throughout Mi’kmaq communities, connecting the visitor to the vibrant culture of the Mi’kmaq people and forming strong partnerships within the industry to lead to a strengthened economy and culture.

• Officially formed in 2011, the Qalipu First Nation is the largest Indian Act Band in Atlantic Canada and represents over 20,000 members who live in nine Wards throughout Central and Western Newfoundland.

It has come to our attention that unauthorized persons have listed one or more fake employment opportunities using the Qalipu Band name and logo.

These false listings may be an attempt by malicious parties to collect private information.

To recognize an authentic job posting with Qalipu, look for the apply to address, jobopportunities@qalipu.ca which we use for all job postings. You can also check our website career page Here. If it’s not on our website, it isn’t our job posting.

The NL Indigenous Tourism Working Group has set out to create a 5-Year Indigenous Tourism Strategy in order to mobilize a Provincial Indigenous Tourism Association that will strengthen and support the development and growth of the Indigenous tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

On June 18, 2019, the Working Group met in Goose Bay, Labrador rolling up their sleeves to plan out the critical elements in establishing Newfoundland and Labrador’s Indigenous Tourism Association (NLITA). The team covered everything from governance and operational aspirations to people, process and budget. It was an intense day with outstanding results, all produced and powered by the group’s knowledge of their communities and passion for preserving culture through tourism.  One of the motivating factors for the team throughout the day was the commitment to champion grassroots tourism, where communities and people will be at the heart and forefront of tourism development in the province. The day concluded with a clear and concise plan on how to mobilize NLITA.

In support of establishing NLITA’s 5-Year Strategy, we want to hear the voices of all Indigenous tourism stakeholders throughout the province, including Indigenous community members, operators and partners. Be part of NLITA’s grassroots movement and have your voice heard by sharing your thoughts with a 15-minute phone interview and/or by taking our 10-minute survey, which could give you a chance to win a $250 prepaid Visa gift card!

Complete our 10-min online survey: Click Here

Sign up for a one-on-one phone interview: Click Here

The next meeting of Council will be held at 10 am on Thursday, July 18, 2019 in the Qalipu Community Room at 1 Church Street, Corner Brook.

To register, please contact Tina Diamond at 634-5111 or email council@qalipu.ca with your Full Name and Band Reg #.