Congratulations to all as summer begins and the school year ends, I want to share that this will be my last weekly message until the fall. I offer my praise and appreciation to our dedicated staff and council for their hard work throughout the year. It is a gift to work with them, for you each day. My messages are inspired by you all and supported by their hard work.

My next two months include meetings with the Assembly of First Nation (AFN) Chiefs in areas of Child Welfare, Fisheries and Economic Development. I will also be presenting at the First Nation Financial Authority (FNFA) Annual General Assembly on the acquisition of New Dock. We are proud to be invited to share our successes with other First Nations across the country.

Wela’lin for following along and engaging with us regarding the many important issues that we face as a nation.  As your Chief, I enjoy writing to you, and I am grateful for those that have shared with me that they look forward to reading them each week. Given our vast geographical separation, we must be creative in how we communicate.

I look forward to reconnecting with you in the fall, refreshed and ready to continue our important work together. In the meantime, we will certainly stay in touch through our website and social media.

May this summer provide us opportunities to meet in person. I hope to see you and your families at our many cultural events happening throughout Mi’kma’ki and along our beautiful hiking trails and coastlines.

As we continue to monitor the recent wildfire near Badger, please keep those affected, the surrounding communities, and first responders in your thoughts and prayers.

Until then, congratulations to all graduates and thanks to everyone that supports their educational journey.  Let this summer cover you in sunshine and fill your heart with Mi’kmaq pride.

June 25th marked the International Day of the Seafarer, a time to recognize those who navigate the waters and sustain communities through marine industries. For the Mi’kmaq people of Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland), the sea has always been an essential part of our way of life.

Our ancestors traveled by birchbark canoe, moving across rivers and coastlines, guided by the stars and the natural world around them. The ocean provided food, trade, and connection, shaping our identity as stewards of the waters. Today, our deep ties to the fishery, ship repair, and environmental stewardship continue to be vital to both our economy and cultural traditions.

As a Nation, we deeply value our partnerships with organizations such as the Assembly of First Nations, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, Horizon Maritime, and many others. Through our collective efforts, we make a significant difference in upholding standards for safety not only for seafarers, but for our waters and their unique ecosystems.

With the introduction of Bill C-5 and other policies that risk bypassing meaningful consultation with Indigenous governments, we must remain committed to advocating for responsible marine practices that honor our traditions for our future generations.

We will continue to pray and give thanks for those that risk their lives at sea each day and standing firm in our responsibility to protect the waters that sustain us.

Relevant Links:

International Day of the Seafarer: https://www.imo.org/en/

Assembly of First Nations, National Virtual Forum on Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act: https://afn.ca/all-news/bulletins/national-virtual-forum-on-bill-c-5-the-building-canada-act/

Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries: https://www.mikmaqcf.com/

This Saturday is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the strength of Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island. Since its official recognition in 1996, June 21 has served not only as a celebration of our heritage but also as a powerful reminder of the contributions, stories, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

For all Indigenous Nations, this is a day to honour our ancestors, traditions, and relationship with each other and the land. It is a time for reflection, celebration, and connection, and a reminder that our cultures are not relics of the past but living traditions that we carry proudly into the future.

This year, as we mark this special day, we do so with heavy hearts knowing that many of our friends and relations are impacted by ongoing wildfires affecting communities across the province and beyond. We are thinking especially of those who have had to evacuate or are working tirelessly in emergency response.

As our staff and council members in the central region are working to support each other and their community, we keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Central Vice Chief Colleen has been on the ground since the emergency alert was issued, staying connected with emergency services in Badger and ensuring our members receive timely updates. Shianne, our Exploits Ward Councillor, is also available and ready to assist the membership. Both are available to members 24 hours a day as we continue navigating this emergency together.

Let us continue to show up for one another with compassion and courage, our strength as a Nation lies in how we support each other on the ground and in spirit.

Relevant Links:

QFN Housing Supports: https://qalipu.ca/housing/
QFN Mental Wellness Supports: https://qalipu.ca/health/non-insured-health-benefits/
Government of NL, Wildfire Information: https://www.gov.nl.ca/alerts/
Canadian Red Cross: https://www.redcross.ca/
Government of Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1708446948967