Council Meeting Report

Council Meeting Report – May 25, 2024

Meeting of Chief and Council

The Qalipu Chief and Council met on Saturday, March 25 for their regular meeting in Corner Brook. All members of the Council were in attendance except for Bobby White, Ward Councillor for Flat Bay and Hayward Young, Ward Councillor for Stephenville. Charlene Combden, Ward Councillor for Exploits joined the meeting virtually. A large contingency of members attended the meeting. Thank you to those members for attending and we appreciate the concerns that they brought forward.

Jordan’s Principle Service Positions

Council discussed a briefing note from the Health & Wellness department regarding the two Jordan’s Principle Service positions. The request from the department was to make the Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator and the Jordan’s Principle Service officer positions permanent in the organization chart. Comments were made in discussion that these positions are extremely important for the organization. These positions are currently filled and are in the Corner brook office, and it was discussed that due to the geographical location of members, it be considered that any additional positions be placed in QFN offices outside of Corner Brook. Increased communication to members regarding this service would raise awareness.

Motion to make the Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator and the Jordan’s Principle Service Officer permanent positions was moved by Calvin and seconded by Sherry.

All councillors were in favour of the motion.

Organizational Chart

Council reviewed an organizational chart that was updated to include the Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator and the Jordan’s Principle Service Offer under the Health & Wellness department. Another new change to this chart was the Project manager in the Executive Office. The Project Manager would assist with grant and proposal wiring, would look for new opportunities and ensure that reporting is competed, and all actions were carried out. A councillor commented that they were happy to see this position on the chart as they believe it would be a huge benefit to the organization and would assist all staff in completing tasks to better serve the membership.

Another addition to the organization chart is the administrative assistant in the finance department.

The updates to the organization chart motion was moved by Calvin and seconded by Terri. Motion was carried.

Amendments to council by-laws

Section 9.2 of the QFN Council procedures reads that councillors may add items to the agenda of regular or special meetings by submitting a notice to the band manager at least 7 calendar days before a regular scheduled council meeting.

A briefing note from the executive office would like to amend section 9.2(a) to state that councillors may add items to the agenda of regular or special meetings. Adding items to regular schedule council meetings would need to be submitted by a notice to the band manager in 13 days before the regular schedule meeting. This change would allow for sufficient time for the band manager and administrative staff to prepare the council agenda packages. This will ensure that council members receive their package 10 calendar days prior to a regular schedule council meeting.

After some discussion, council stated they would like to change the 13 days notice to 15 days.

This motion was moved by Ivan and seconded by Terri. Motion was carried.

Culture, tourism, and community development AOP Amendment

Two items were added back into the annual operational plan (AOP) for the Culture, Tourism, and Community Development department under section 2.6.8

The first item is to work with interested parties in Indian Point (Millertown) to develop a plan for Wigwam Point and area. This plan will preserve and protect the area around Indian Point.

The second item is to proceed with the development of Wigwam Point (Peterview) by working with the community to provide site enhancement.

These amendments were moved by Frank and seconded by Sherry. Motion was carried.

Standing Committee Reports

Councillors reviewed the standing committee reports prior to the council meeting. Comments were made regarding the Culture, Tourism and Community Development standing committee that the work of this department touches members in positive ways as it helps them heal from trauma and stay connected to their indigenous roots. Activities and events are available to members and communities and programs such as the Moon Time Program is being well perceived.

Q4 financial statements were also discussed, and a motion was made for approval of the statements, moved by Calvin and seconded by Ivan. Motion was carried.

Band Managers Update:

Band manager, Charles Pender reported that the By-Law review and HR review are ongoing, and meetings were happening weekly with the internal working committee. Notice of staff engagement survey has been sent to staff and more information will be circulated to them once survey launch approaches.

Two new guardian positions were advertised recently. These positions would place guardians in the Port au Port / St. George’s area. The funding for these positions is coming from a partnership with QFN and Ocean’s Collaborative.

Members are encouraged to go into the Kinu profile to verify that the information on file is correct. Having an email on file would be extremely beneficial to members to ensure that members receive their voting packages for the upcoming Fall 2024 election. If anyone requires assistance with updating the information on their membership profile, staff are available by contacting one of our offices.

Next Meeting of Council

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Chief and Council will be on July 20th, 2024.

 

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Message from the Chief – May 24th, 2024

Congratulations to all the high school and post-secondary graduates of 2024. Your dedication and hard work have not only paved the way for your future, but it also inspires those who will be following in your footsteps.

Access to quality education goes beyond boosting our local economy, it’s about empowering our future leaders with confidence and skills.

All information that you have learned will be valuable as you move forward in your life. There is no such thing as useless knowledge. All educational pathways allow us to find our place and value in society. Remember that knowledge is power and how you use that knowledge will shape the future.

Through the support of the education and training programs at Qalipu First Nation, there are 110 post-secondary graduates who will be receiving their diplomas this spring and there are an estimated 96 students due to graduate following completion of the Spring/Summer semesters. During the 2023-2024 academic year there have been approximately 954 students funded for post secondary studies. These students have experienced the transformative impacts of education and have had the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Your journey has not been without its challenges, but your perseverance and resilience have led you to this remarkable achievement. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, every mistake is a chance to learn something new and become a better version of ourselves. Our lived experiences are life’s greatest lessons.

To the graduates of 2024. We will wish you the best in your future endeavours, may it be filled with endless opportunities and the assurance that your community stands behind you as your move on to your next adventures.

We would like to offer special acknowledgement to Jerry Evans, who was honored with an Honorary degree at Memorial University’s spring convocation last week. Jerry’s incredible artwork and traditional knowledge continues to be an inspiration to us all. If you are not familiar with Jerry’s work, please visit: https://www.jerryevans.ca/

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Chief Brake with her son, Joni on his recent graduation. Joni graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Chief Brake with her son, Joni on his recent graduation. Joni graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
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Message from the Chief – May 17th, 2024

We have been closely monitoring news of the devastating wildfires in Fort MacMurray. Our hearts go out to all the residents, families, and workers who are affected by this disaster, and we hope and pray for them as evacuations occur. It is difficult and tragic for people to flee from the place they work and call home, not knowing when they will return, or what they will be returning to. We will pray for the safety of everyone involved, and hope for a quick resolution that sees everyone returning home soon.

For members that are seeking assistance, please remember that you have access to mental health counseling services through your non-insured health benefits. Please contact Susan Bryan, Mental Wellness Navigator by calling 709-679-2238. Members can also contact the housing division to navigate additional emergency relief support by calling Housing Development Officers, Jason Park 709-634-0411, or Paul Brake 709-634-5472.

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Message from the Chief – May 17th, 2024

Kwe’

It seems like every year, natural disasters and states of emergency are increasing. There are so many factors that contribute to natural disasters, but the most impactful is global warming. Our environment is fragile and mother earth has her ways of telling us when we are not taking care of her.

All over the world there is an urgency to move toward renewable energy to combat the effects of global warming. We have heard many opinions from community members, industry partners, other First Nations, as well as all levels of government. The common theme is that we all want a greener future for our next seven generations. As we continue to wade through the options, we should all consider how we voice our opinions. We cannot find pathways forward by disrespecting each other’s views. It is important to remember that not all information sources are reliable, and we must all do our best to find trustworthy information based in fact.

There can be no progress without impact. We need to make conscious decisions that are based on fact, not fear. We need to look at the broader pictures and weigh the impacts and outcomes. It is imperative that we do our part to reduce carbon emissions and create sustainable energy solutions.

As Indigenous people, we have an opportunity for economic reconciliation meaning we can participate in all aspects of developments as key stakeholders. We can invest in ourselves by building capacity through education and training, advocating for advancements in employment as well as planning community development for long term sustainable economic growth.

 

Wela’lin,
Chief Jenny Brake

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Moose Hide Campaign Day – May 16, 2024

The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement that originated in British Columbia to combat violence against indigenous women and children in Canada.

This campaign began over 10 years ago by a father and daughter who were moose hunting along the Highway of Tears and felt connected to this area where many women have gone missing or been murdered.

Since that time, thousands of communities and organizations have taken part in the campaign. This year, the Men’s Fellowship Circle and in support with the Qalipu First Nation, held an event on the Majestic Lawn in Corner Brook on Thursday, May 16. The event included a free BBQ and distribution of moose hide pins.

The squares of moose hide are worn as visible tokens of a personal pledge to respect, honor and protect women and children and to be an active participant in addressing and preventing gender-based violence.

More information on this campaign can be found on the website: https://moosehidecampaign.ca/

Ernest Green bringing greetings
Ernest Green bringing greetings

Ernest Green, a member of the Men’s Fellowship Circle bringing greetings. Ernest brought to light some stats that demonstrated why we bring awareness to this important topic.

  • Indigenous women are killed at 6 times the rate of non-indigenous women.
  • Spousal violence of indigenous women is 3x higher then non-indigenous women.
  • 1 in 2 women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16.
    Reference: https://moosehidecampaign.ca/issue/
  • A woman or girl is murdered every two and a half days in Canada.
Thank you to the Men’s Fellowship Circle for taking the lead with hosting this event.
Thank you to the Men’s Fellowship Circle for taking the lead with hosting this event.

 

Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Offer, led the group with singing and drumming.
Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Offer, led the group with singing and drumming.

 

Members of the Men’s Fellowship Circle with QFN councillors and community members participate in drumming and singing with Paul Pike.
Members of the Men’s Fellowship Circle with QFN councillors and community members participate in drumming and singing with Paul Pike.

 

Councillor Sherry Dean leading the group in singing and drumming.
Councillor Sherry Dean leading the group in singing and drumming.

 

It was a beautiful Sunday with a great attendance from the community, staff, and council.
It was a beautiful Sunday with a great attendance from the community, staff, and council.

 

Members of the Men’s Fellowship circle with Scott Reid, MHA St George’s – Humber, RNC Officer and staff enjoying the event.
Members of the Men’s Fellowship circle with Scott Reid, MHA St George’s – Humber, RNC Officer and staff enjoying the event.
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Message from the Chief – May 10, 2024

As we approach Mother’s Day, we are filled with gratitude and admiration for the mothers, grandmothers and all those who identify as women that play a pivotal role in shaping our communities. It is a time to honor and celebrate their remarkable strength, resilience, and nurturing spirits.

In our culture, matriarchy plays a central role. Women are life-givers, caretakers and decision-makers. They hold positions of leadership and authority, not as a deviation from tradition but as a continuation of it. Our matriarchs carry the knowledge of our ancestors and pass it along to future generations with grace and wisdom.

Water embodies life, and women are our water carriers. Just as water sustains the earth, women nourish our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

On behalf of Qalipu First Nation, we wish all mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures a Happy Mother’s Day.

Meeting of Chief and Council

Council Meeting – May 25, 2024

The next meeting of Chief and Council is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 10:00am in the Qalipu Community Room, 1 Church Street. Registration is required to attend the meeting, the deadline for registration is May 17, 2024.

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

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May 5th – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2 Spirit People

Chief Brake standing in front of the tipi lit up in red. Thank you to our all the volunteers from the Men’s Fellowship Circle and Elmastukwek Mawio’mi Committee who took the time to assist us with the set-up of our tipi at Mikwite'tm Garden.
Chief Brake standing in front of the tipi lit up in red. Thank you to our all the volunteers from the Men’s Fellowship Circle and Elmastukwek Mawio’mi Committee who took the time to assist us with the set-up of our tipi at Mikwite’tm Garden.

Sunday, May 5th was a beautiful sunny day to gather at the Mikwite’tm Garden in Corner Brook to raise awareness in support of Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2 Spirit People.

The gathering started at 1pm with a walk from the Garden up West Street led by children carrying one of the banners that was designed by attendees before the walk. Following the walk, participants gathered for the official opening which included several special guests.  Anne Marie O’Keefe provided an opening prayer; the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation brought greetings on behalf of the province; Quinn Jesso spoke on behalf of the 2SLBGTQQIA+ community and Corner Brook Deputy Mayor Linda Chaisson brought greetings on behalf of the city.  The event also featured the sharing of a poem by Corner Brook Ward Councilor Sherry Dean and music provided by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association and Paul Pike accompanied by the Men’s Fellowship Circle. Chief Jenny Brake guided the event as Emcee and brought greetings on behalf of council.

“As the first female Chief of Qalipu First Nation and a survivor of gender-based violence, I carry with me the stories and struggles of countless Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who have been taken from us too soon, whose voices have been silenced by violence and injustice. Today, we honor their memory, we stand in solidarity with their families, and we renew our pledge to never forget and never stop working toward a safer future for the next seven generations”.

Chief Brake reminded guests that behind each statistic lies a name and a story. She encouraged everyone in attendance to remember their names—those who have been taken from us too soon—and ensure that their voices are never silenced.

She added, “On this National Day of Awareness, let us recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and healing. Let us stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of those who have been lost, offering them our unwavering support and compassion. And let us hold our governments and institutions accountable, demanding concrete action to address the root causes of violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all Indigenous peoples.”

(L - R) Ivy Strickland, Natalya Osmond, Chief Jenny Brake, Mya Strickland. The banner was signed by those in attendance.
(L – R) Ivy Strickland, Natalya Osmond, Chief Jenny Brake, Mya Strickland. The banner was signed by those in attendance.

Children leading the walk down West Street
Children leading the walk down West Street
Miranda Osmond with red dress project she completed with the help of students
Miranda Osmond with red dress project she completed with the help of students

Miranda Osmond is an Education Outreach Officer with Qalipu First Nation.  She was invited to create a mural for Red Dress Day and came up with this impactful mural representing a woman in a red dress.

Miranda shared, “I was inspired by a dream that I had.  I was hovering above Miktwite’tm Garden looking down, like a star.  And I could see her, this tall figure.  She had butterflies in her hair.”

Miranda added that the mural, standing 8 feet tall, represents all those whose lives have been lost.

“She has her back turned.  This is meant to be symbolic of when we smudge behind us to honour our ancestors and those who have crossed over.”

Miranda worked with teachers and children at Xavier Elementary, Stephenville Middle School and J.J. Curling to create artwork that could be added to the mural including butterflies, feathers, and dragonflies.

Special thanks go out to Jonathan Murphy who helped with the construction and the cultural team at QFN who helped to laminate all the kids’ artwork.  Also, to Xavier teacher Petra Snook who saw to it that all classes could participate in the project even though Miranda could not be there every time.

The mural was given the name Beverly in honour of someone who was lost here in Newfoundland.

Beverly’s family members brought the mural home with them after the event, and they will keep her safe.  She will come out again to be a part of the Elmastukwek Mawiomi this coming August 10-11.

The Department of Culture, Tourism and Community Development led event planning and preparations. Pictured here (L-R) Jonah Rowsell, Business Development Officer, Lindsey Swift, Manager of Culture, Tourism and Community Development, Chief Jenny Brake, Miranda Osmond, Education Outreach Officer, Monica Companion, Early Education Outreach Officer, Ann Crocker, Tourism Development Officer, (front) Sage Elford and Natalya Osmond.
The Department of Culture, Tourism and Community Development led event planning and preparations. Pictured here (L-R) Jonah Rowsell, Business Development Officer, Lindsey Swift, Manager of Culture, Tourism and Community Development, Chief Jenny Brake, Miranda Osmond, Education Outreach Officer, Monica Companion, Early Education Outreach Officer, Ann Crocker, Tourism Development Officer, (front) Sage Elford and Natalya Osmond.

 

Drummers from the Men’s Fellowship Circle with Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Officer
Drummers from the Men’s Fellowship Circle with Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Officer

 

AFN Newfoundland Regional Chief, Brendan Mitchell was on hand for the event, pictured here with members of the Men’s Fellowship Circle
AFN Newfoundland Regional Chief, Brendan Mitchell was on hand for the event, pictured here with members of the Men’s Fellowship Circle
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Marine Bird Monitoring Update

Qalipu’s Environment and Natural Resources department (QENR) started their initial partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada on marine bird monitoring in Western Newfoundland in 2022. Since then, QENR staff have received training on shorebird banding and bird identification. Additionally, multiple boat and shore surveys throughout the Port au Port Peninsula, Bay St. George, and the Bay of Islands have been completed to contribute to the growing database of marine bird knowledge on the west coast.

Many marine birds are considered ‘indicator species’, meaning that changes in their behaviour can often point to changes in the ocean environment. Monitoring for changes in the health and behaviour of these species can lead to a better understanding of the conditions of the greater environment, as well as potential impacts caused by development.

Below is a web map highlighting the locations that QENR staff conducted marine bird surveys in 2023-24, including lists of species observed at each site. Click on a site to learn more!

https://qnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=399dba84f30a4887b46e0599ec672d36