housing application support appointments

“I’tesnen: We Are Staying” Emergency Housing Support Program expanding to all Qalipu First Nation members who reside in Canada.

The Housing Division of the Department of Health & Wellness is expanding the Emergency Housing Support Program “I’tesnen: We Are Staying” program services through a partnership with The Atlantic Policy Congress (APC). The program is expanding to all members who reside in Canada and who require assistance with the following:

  • Emergency Housing Set-Up – Provide rental startup assistance such as first/last month’s rent and damage deposit.
  • Housing Placement – Time- Limited rental assistance to support individuals or families being placed into housing.
  • Prevention and Shelter Diversion – Assist with rental and/or utility arrears to prevent eviction.
  • Emergency Housing – Provide short term placement for a maximum of five (5) nights.

Emergency Housing Support Application

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Meeting of Chief and Council

The next meeting of Chief and Council is scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 9:00am in the Qalipu Community Room, 1 Church Street.

Registration is required to attend the meeting. Deadline to register is July 12, 2024, at 12:30pm.

Members wishing to attend can contact Natasha or Allyson by telephone or email:
Natasha – 709-634-6895, email: nlavers@qalipu.ca
Allyson – 709-634-5111, email: arobbins@qalipu.ca

Members can view the meeting’s livestream by logging on to their KINU membership profile: https://mala.qalipu.ca/ginu/login.aspx

Community Support

Community Support Fund Now Accepting Applications

The Community Support Fund is now open to receive applications. The community support fund provides financial support for Indigenous groups within Qalipu territory to support cultural gatherings such as Powwow’s and Mawio’mi’s.

The application form can be completed and submitted online or submitted to the address listed on the form.  The funding available is $1000 for a one-day event and $2,500 for a multi-day event.

Please click here to submit your application.

For questions about this fund or application process, please contact Terri Humphries, Manager of Culture and Community Outreach at thumphries@qalipu.ca.

Message from the Chief - June 28, 2024

Message from the Chief – June 28th 2024

The subject of identity can be a very difficult one. As a result of colonization, many Indigenous people struggle with loss of language, ceremony and connection to their community.

We do our best to raise our youth with values rooted in respect; respect for ourselves and others. But as Indigenous people, many of have been victims of intergenerational trauma. Trauma caused by colonization, forced assimilation, and systemic discrimination has had a devastating effect on many Indigenous people, leading to extremely high rates of mental health issues, family violence and addictions.

The word resilient is used often in relation to Indigenous people. The Cambridge dictionary defines resilience as “the ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened”.  It is difficult to accept inherited trauma; to not become stuck in a state of frustration and hurt over things that we did not ask for or have no control over.

We can only control how we live our own lives. Time is so precious, we should do our best to make a positive impact, to leave behind something that we can be proud of.  If we decide to only look back, we will never go forward. There must be a healthy balance between the past and present. Learning from our history paves a way for a better future.

Social media continues to be a place of information sharing which is valuable, but it can also foster conversations that breed hate and disrespect. Ultimately, we have a choice: we can engage and tear one another down, or we can break the cycle by scrolling past things that seek to hurt others. There is so much power in rising above. We can exercise empathy, knowing that hurt people will often hurt other people and when we feed these negative conversations, we are holding each other back from healing, because quite often, hate has more to do with things we cannot see.  We can be strong knowing that we can control our reactions to the actions of others. The best way to silence hate is not to feed it.

We can be described using a variety of words: resilient is one, but there are so many other beautiful words to describe who we are. Indigenous people are more than our trauma, more than our biggest mistakes, more than the effects of colonialism. Being kind to ourselves and to others requires far less energy than hate and it results in progress.  There is room for hurt and pain as we are human, and life comes with struggles and hardship but if we support one another; we can break cycles of trauma and restore pride in who we are. There is no harm to be done by smiling, you may even make someone’s day brighter.

If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health issues, please remember there are resources available to you including:

If in Danger: Call 911
Emergency line 24/7 referral service: Call 211
Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Line 24/7: Call 811
Mental Health & Addictions Triage: Call 1-844-353-3330
Mental Heal & Addictions System Navigator: Call 1-877-999-7589
Doorways/Bridge The Gap ages 12 & up: Call 709-752-4903 or online @ bridgethegapp.ca
Provincial Lifewise Warmline 10am-12am 7 days/week: Call 1-855-753-2560
Crisis Text Line for Youth: Text “ Talk” or “wellness” to 686868
Crisis Text Line for Adults: Text “Talk” or Wellness” to 741741
Sexual Assault Crisis Line: Call 1-800-726-2743
Talk Suicide Canada 24/7: Call 1-833-456-4566
NNADP National Native Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program: Call 902-742-4337
First Nations & Inuit Hope For Wellness: Call 1-855-242-3310
2SLGBTQIA + Warmline Mon-Fri 1pm-6pm & 6pm-12am. Sat-Sun 6pm-12am: Call or text: 1-866-230-8041
Mental Wellness Navigator Qalipu First Nation: Call 709-679-2238

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National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, 2024

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day where we recognize and celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of Indigenous communities across Canada. To celebrate, the Qalipu First Nation hosted events in several of our communities.

The office in Glenwood hosted a community breakfast which was catered by Allison’s Catering, a local Glenwood business. Staff from Glenwood and Gander were on hand to support the event and without their help, breakfast would not have been possible. During the event, Audrey Doyon performed a smudge ceremony while a prayer was provided by Delphine Richards, Glenwood First Nation council member. Also in attendance was Frank Skeard, QFN Glenwood ward councilor for Glenwood and Calvin Francis, QFN Gander Bay ward councilor. All of those in attendance provided positive feedback and everyone enjoyed a delicious breakfast.

Thank you to everyone who attended and celebrated NIPD day with us.
Thank you to everyone who attended and celebrated NIPD day with us.
Breakfast being served by staff from QFN offices in Glenwood and Gander including the River Guardians.
Breakfast being served by staff from QFN offices in Glenwood and Gander including the River Guardians.

The office in Grand Falls-Windsor also hosted a community breakfast at the QFN office.

In Stephenville Crossing (Meski’k Tui’tn), staff were present for a flag raising ceremony at the cenotaph. Hayward Young, Ward Councilor for Stephenville assisted Frank Russell in raising the Grand Council Flag while Mutchie Bennett provided an opening prayer. Mayor Lisa Lucas was in attendance to bring greetings on behalf of the town council. Troy Bennett did a community smudge ceremony, and the Spirit Bay Drummers performed the Honor song and social songs to end the gathering. There was also tea, coffee and muffins for everyone.

Hayward Young, Ward Councilor for Stephenville assisting Frank Russell in raising the Grand Council Flag. Picture courtesy of Paul Pike.
Hayward Young, Ward Councilor for Stephenville assisting Frank Russell in raising the Grand Council Flag. Picture courtesy of Paul Pike.
A beautiful ceremony for NIPD at the cenotaph in Stephenville Crossing. Picture courtesy of Paul Pike.
A beautiful ceremony for NIPD at the cenotaph in Stephenville Crossing. Picture courtesy of Paul Pike.

In Corner Brook, the day started with a sunrise ceremony at Margaret Bowater Park hosted by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association (CBAWA). The attendance for this event was fantastic with over 75 people who joined the CBAWA for a smudge, prayers and drumming. Around 9am, a crowd was starting to gather on the Majestic Lawn for the celebrations hosted by QFN. The morning started off with song sharing which was led by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association and followed by a grab-and-go breakfast in the community room which was provided by Qalipu First Nation. The tipi was set up on the lawn for photo opportunities which caught the attention of all ages. Chief Brake was in attendance participating in drumming and she brought greetings on behalf of staff & council.

“The goal is to raise awareness and encourage education for both indigenous and non-indigenous people; the more we know about our past, the brighter our futures can be. By learning from each other’s diverse backgrounds and experiences, we become better neighbors and more compassionate individuals”.

The morning continued with activities for children including face painting, rock painting and a scavenger hunt. Artisans were also set up on the lawn with their crafts for sale. The event concluded around 12pm.

It was a beautiful blue-sky day for the celebrations. Photo taken as the crowd was starting to gather on the Majestic Lawn.
It was a beautiful blue-sky day for the celebrations. Photo taken as the crowd was starting to gather on the Majestic Lawn.
The Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association is leading the group in song sharing.
The Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association is leading the group in song sharing.
Fantastic attendance for the song sharing lead by the CBAWA.
Fantastic attendance for the song sharing lead by the CBAWA.
Chief Brake brings greetings on behalf of staff and council.
Chief Brake brings greetings on behalf of staff and council.
Indigenous artisans were set up on the lawn with beaded earrings, dreamcatchers, seal skin jewelry and much more!
Indigenous artisans were set up on the lawn with beaded earrings, dreamcatchers, seal skin jewelry and much more!
Staff were on site to assist with face painting, which was popular amongst the children.
Staff were on site to assist with face painting, which was popular amongst the children.
Staff from the QFN offices in Corner Brook were on site for the event.
Staff from the QFN offices in Corner Brook were on site for the event.
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Message from the Chief – June 21st 2024

Today marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, now recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day. In 1996, Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, proclaimed June 21 as National Aboriginal Day. This designation was the result of extensive consultations and support from various Indigenous groups. On June 21, 2017, the Prime Minister announced the intention to rename this day to National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Designated days like NIPD serve to remind us of our history and to celebrate our present. For many, this day will be observed differently. Some may participate in ceremonies or community events, while others may take a moment to reflect on its significance. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people; the more we know about our past, the brighter our futures can be. By learning from each other’s diverse backgrounds and experiences, we become better neighbors and more compassionate individuals.

This month, members of council and staff have been engaged with community groups and youth to share and participate in learning opportunities.  It is wonderful to see how excited and eager our young people are to learn, and we are so grateful to our educators and knowledge keepers for supporting them.

We are surrounded with writers, artists and entrepreneurs, folks that are telling our stories and creating economic growth.  We have so much to celebrate and be proud of.

To celebrate NIPD, numerous events will take place all around us, starting with sunrise ceremonies and continuing with food, local crafts, and family gatherings throughout the day. May you be inspired and curious; take time to have conversations with each other.  When we respectfully listen and share, we grow stronger for brighter tomorrow.

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Message from the Chief – June 14th 2024

The month of June brings a lot of excitement as our teachers and students are counting down to the last day of school.  Bikes and scooters are tuned up and campers are ready to go!  As classroom learning comes to an end, this month offers opportunities to learn of the dual significance of both Indigenous History Month and Pride Month.

June is a time to celebrate the beauty and diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, but it is also an opportunity to acknowledge the unique role that Two-Spirit (2S) individuals play in our community.

Long before the arrival of European settlers on Turtle Island, the concept of Two-Spirit individuals thrived within Indigenous communities. These individuals, often embracing both masculine and feminine spirits, were esteemed as gifted members of their communities.

The term “Two-Spirit” itself emerged more recently, in 1990 during the Third Annual Intertribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Lesbian American Conference in Winnipeg. Coined by Elder Myra Laramee, it derives from the Anishnaabemowin term “niizh manidoowag,” meaning “two spirits.”

While the concept of 2 Spirit holds significance within many Indigenous philosophies, it is not universal across all cultures. It is also very important to acknowledge that Two-Spirit identity cannot be appropriated by non-Indigenous individuals.

Let us set an example of respect and celebrate our diversity, not only during Pride and Indigenous History Month but every day of the year.

Classroom doors may be closing, but our hearts and minds should remain open to ensure every member of our community feels safe and valued. We should always be respectful of where we are on our journeys and allow each other the space to safely find our way.

Afterall, there’s nothing more extraordinary than the colours of the rainbow.

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Message from the Chief – June 7th 2024

June is National Indigenous History Month. It is a time for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to reflect on the significance of our history and celebrate the many contributions of Indigenous people to our communities.

We all have our own stories and levels of understanding of indigenous history. This month is a time to educate ourselves and offer a safe space to everyone to gain a deeper understanding of who we are and where we come from.

Our culture has so many valuable teachings that guide us to take care of one another and our lands. Our communities are rich with artists and storytellers. Our greatest gift is our knowledge and it’s meant to be shared. Take the time this month to get to know your neighbours, read a book by one of our many local Indigenous authors, support local Indigenous artists and connect with Mother Earth.

Indigenous Peoples Month is an opportunity to acknowledge our shared history and honour the resilience of our ancestors.  By embracing our identity and sharing our stories, we strengthen our community and inspire future generations.

We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this month, to learn more about our culture, and to support one another in our collective efforts to preserve and promote our heritage. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for all.

Summer Camp Poster

Registration is now OPEN for Land-Based Learning Summer Camps!

 

Parents and Guardians, are you looking for something fun for your children to do this summer?

Qalipu First Nation in partnership with Parks Canada is holding land-based learning camps in Central and Western Newfoundland. We’d love to have your kids join us. Camps are open to status, non-status and youth allies! Please note that priority is given to QFN band members.

Children will be outside connecting with nature while also learning life skills, interacting with elders and knowledge keepers, traditional crafting, and much more!

Staff are trained in wilderness first aid, have all clearance checks and are super fun and friendly.

Youth between the ages of 6 and 11 are invited to register. Everything is FREE! Camp dates are as follows:

Western:
Corner Brook – July 8-11
Benoit’s Cove – July 15-18
Stephenville – July 22-25
Port Au Port – July 30-August 1
St. Georges – August 6-8

Central:
Grand-Falls Windsor – July 16-18
Gander- July 22-25
Botwood – July 8
Wings Point – July 9
Springdale – July 11
Lewisporte – July 30
Point Leamington – August 1
Badger – August 5
Glenwood – August 7-8
Norris Arm – August 19
Gambo – August 22
Robert’s Arm – August 26

To register, please fill out the following form:

Qalipu Summer Camp – 2024

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Monica Companion at mcompanion@qalipu.ca or Kimberly Butt at kbutt@qalipu.ca.

Please note that space is limited and only those accepted for the camp will be contacted.

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Message from the Chief – May 31st, 2024

Attending National Seal Products Day in Ottawa on behalf of the Canadian Seals and Sealers Network.  (L-R) Doug Chaisson, Executive Director of the Fur Institute of Canada – FIC, Brian Dicks, Treasurer on the Executive for the Fur Institute of Canada, Darren Halleran, Always in Vogue, Chief Jenny Brake, Qalipu First Nation, Taalrumiq, Artist from Inuvik, NWT, Kendall Flood, CEO Ár n-oileán Resources Ltd and president of Caboto Seafoods Ltd.
Attending National Seal Products Day in Ottawa on behalf of the Canadian Seals and Sealers Network.
(L-R) Doug Chaisson, Executive Director of the Fur Institute of Canada – FIC, Brian Dicks, Treasurer on the Executive for the Fur Institute of Canada, Darren Halleran, Always in Vogue, Chief Jenny Brake, Qalipu First Nation, Taalrumiq, Artist from Inuvik, NWT, Kendall Flood, CEO Ár n-oileán Resources Ltd and president of Caboto Seafoods Ltd.

As we commemorate National Seal Products Day this month, we are reminded of the profound significance that seals hold within our communities and Indigenous populations. This occasion allows us to not only celebrate our cultural heritage but also to recognize the vital role that the seal fishery plays in sustaining our way of life.

Recently, as your Canadian Seal Ambassador, I had the privilege of representing our Nation in Ottawa for discussions surrounding the sealing industry. Participating in the National Seal Products Day festivities was an opportunity to showcase our commitment to the sustainable harvesting of seals and the promotion of Canadian seal products with the Seals and Sealing Network.

We are particularly proud to highlight the endeavors of Qalipu Holdings Limited, our business investment arm, and its subsidiary, Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries. Through their efforts, we have introduced our very own WASPU seal oil product to markets worldwide. WASPU Oil, derived from seals blubber through humane and sustainable practices, not only benefits human consumption but also serves the pet market. Please follow them on Instagram and Facebook @waspuoil and the website is www.waspu.ca for more information.

During our many discussions with Ministers, Senators, and MP’s we emphasized our commitment to environmental stewardship and our dedication to maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem, essential for the well-being of our communities, both environmentally and economically.

As many of you are aware, the overpopulation of seals has significantly impacted various sectors, including fish harvesting, processing, marketing, and support services. In response, Qalipu First Nation took proactive steps by conducting our inaugural seal harvesting training program in 2023 and more then doubled our attendance for 2024.With our members becoming certified in Humane Harvesting, this marks a milestone in our efforts towards sustainable resource management.

Looking ahead, I am pleased to announce that planning is underway for our 2025 training program, reaffirming our commitment to equipping our members with the necessary skills to engage in seal harvesting responsibly and ethically. We will continue to promote our Waspu brand of products in Canada and on the global stage.

As we celebrate National Seal Products Day, let us continue to champion the cultural and economic significance of seals within our communities. Together, we can ensure a prosperous future for generations to come, rooted in respect for our traditions and the environment.

(L-R) – Brian Dicks, Treasurer on the Executive for the Fur Institute of Canda, Doug Chaisson, Executive Director for the Fur Institute of Canada, Chief Brake, Qalipu First Nation, Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Kendall Flood, CEO Ár n-oileán Resources Ltd and President of Caboto Seafoods Ltd.
(L-R) – Brian Dicks, Treasurer on the Executive for the Fur Institute of Canda, Doug Chaisson, Executive Director for the Fur Institute of Canada, Chief Brake, Qalipu First Nation, Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Kendall Flood, CEO Ár n-oileán Resources Ltd and President of Caboto Seafoods Ltd.