As Chief of Qalipu First Nation, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the recent federal election. This democratic process is vital to our community, and it reaffirms our collective commitment to preserving our cultural identity.

I commend each candidate who worked tirelessly throughout their campaigns. Putting oneself forward in such a public way is no small feat, especially in the face of criticism that can often be harsh and impersonal online. It takes resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to navigate these challenges and stay the course.

During the election, a quote shared by a friend deeply resonated with me, “May you never know the fear of having your human rights challenged every time there is an election, and may you never know the pain of watching loved ones vote against your right to exist fully, equally, and authentically.” I hope this sentiment inspires reflection in all who read it.

Every day, we have the opportunity to make choices that shape a brighter future. Kindness and respect require little effort, yet their impact is profound. Let us strive to set an example of love and humility for the generations to come.

As we move forward, we remain connected to our traditional government, the Mi’kmaq Grand Council. Together, we will continue to strengthen relationships across what is now known as Canada.

Finally, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest council member, Holly Muise. Holly was successful in our St. George’s by-election and will be joined by members of council and her loved ones to be officially sworn in on Sunday. We are thrilled to have her join us this term and look forward to her representing the voices of our members in the St. George’s region.

At the heart of every strong nation are the people who give their time, energy, and skills to build something better. Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. By working together, we make a positive impact and shape a better future for all of us.

The people that step up and coordinate various opportunities for us all to engage in cultural activities such as Mawi’omis, crafts, drumming, and so much more, allow us the ability to connect to one another and to share knowledge so it can be carried on for generations to come.

Volunteers give their time to support what matters most, family, culture, and community. Their efforts make a real difference in the lives of those around us and, just as importantly, show our youth the value of giving back. Through volunteering, we build friendships, share a sense of purpose, and experience the pride that comes from helping others. Let’s never forget, every effort, big or small matters.

I encourage everyone to consider how they can get involved and give back to the community. Together, we can build a brighter future for our Nation, one step at a time, walking the path of unity and strength.

I want to acknowledge the concern expressed by our community members regarding the ongoing situation with the MSC Baltic III, which ran aground in Cedar Cove on February 15. It has now been two months, and the ship remains in place, containing approximately 1,600 metric tons of heavy fuel and marine gas. Understandably, anxiety is growing as time passes with no visible action or meaningful communication.

This situation is a risk to our waters, our fisheries, and our way of life. Hundreds of people in this region depend on a healthy marine environment, not only for their livelihoods, but for their connection to culture, identity, and home. An oil or fuel spill in this area would be catastrophic, not only for the environment, but for the economy and wellbeing of countless families.

Qalipu First Nation is actively engaged in this matter through our Department of Environment and Natural Resources, working with the Canadian Coast Guard. We are seeking updates and pressing for answers. We have also heard that a road was to be constructed to access the site and begin fuel removal, but as of today, no such action has taken place. That delay is deeply concerning.

To our provincial and federal partners, we are calling on you to act immediately. Our communities are watching. Our fish harvesters are waiting. And our Nation expects transparency, accountability, and an urgent response. With today’s technology and expertise, there is no reason for this delay to continue, only a lack of will.

We are prepared to work with all levels of government and all stakeholders. But we will also raise our voices louder if that’s what it takes to protect our waters and our people.

To the concerned members of our community, please know this: Qalipu First Nation will not stand by silently. We are your voice, and we will continue to push for swift action and real results.

April 7th was observed as World Health Day. The health of our Nation is at the heart of every decision we make. When it comes to health, one of our most important programs is our Non-Insured Health Benefits. This service along with our mental health and cultural programming allow us to foster a better quality of life for our communities.

When our council discusses the many ways we can build healthier communities, we know we must do this through medical assistance and wellness programs, but we understand that this also happens through economic opportunities, meaningful partnerships, and a shared vision for the future.

This week, I had the honour of joining a Kitchen Table Chat at the East Coast Business Forum hosted by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). Along with our friends and partners from Horizon Maritime, Miawpukek Horizon and Membertou First Nation, we shared our experience regarding the recent acquisition of New Dock as it is celebrated as major step forward in Indigenous-led economic development in Atlantic Canada.

For Qalipu First Nation, this conversation goes beyond business. It’s about economic sovereignty, partnerships rooted in respect, and creating opportunities for our people, opportunities that lead to stronger families, increased access to resources, and long-term wellness. When our communities thrive economically, we see the ripple effects in better housing, better food security, more jobs, and a greater sense of purpose among our youth, inspiring them to be leaders of tomorrow.

This week, we also heard from the province with the delivery of this year’s budget. As I listened, I thought of our own budget and how much we and the other Indigenous governments contribute to the overall economic health of our society. We are hopeful that our next elected leaders, both provincial and federal see the value of partnerships with us, because together we can reduce deficits and increase capacity. This is Truth and Reconciliation in action.

World Health Day reminds us that health isn’t just something we find in clinics, it’s something we grow when we invest in ourselves and protect the land that sustains us.

We are grateful to all who are part of this important journey. Let’s keep the conversation going, around boardroom tables, kitchen tables, and in every space where we dream big for our communities.

Relevant Links: 

Gov of NL Provincial Budget 2025: https://www.gov.nl.ca/budget/2025/

Canadian Council for Indigenous Business: https://www.ccab.com/

New Dock: https://newdock.nf.ca/

World Health Day: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day

Non-Insured Health Benefits: https://qalipu.ca/health/non-insured-health-benefits/

Experience Qalipu: https://experienceqalipu.ca/

Qalipu Business Network: http://www.qbn.qalipu.ca/

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: https://indigenoustourism.ca/

Newfoundland Indigenous Tourism Association: https://nlita.ca/

 

 

On April 3, 1925, after decades of determined lobbying, advocacy, and public campaigning, women in Newfoundland secured the right to vote and hold public office. This victory not only affirmed the status of women as equal members of society but also challenged traditional gender roles, creating space for future generations to take their rightful place in leadership and governance.

To commemorate this day, I had the honor of attending the celebration at the Confederation Building hosted by the Honourable Pam Parsons and her team from the Office of Women and Gender Equality. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and perseverance of the women who fought tirelessly for this right. Their commitment paved the way for women today, including the many Mi’kmaw women who continue to shape our Nation, carrying forward the spirit of leadership and resilience.

Although I appreciated the opportunity to attend the celebration, it was not lost on me that as a female leader of our Nation, being acknowledged in that space with Provincial leaders was not something that our grandmothers would have imagined possible in their lifetimes. It is important to remember that it wasn’t until 1960 that legislation was passed allowing Indigenous people to vote in federal elections without having to forfeit their status.

During my visit, I spoke with candidates for the upcoming election. I was happy to have the opportunity to advocate for our Nation as they determine their priorities going forward. It is crucial that we take the time to educate ourselves about the candidates. Although the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments in Canada has improved, there is still room for growth.  We must vote for leaders who have a willingness to learn and understand who we are and who can also see the value of the relationship with our Nation.

With elections upon us, these milestones remind us why voting matters. Our right to vote is something others fought for. Every time we cast a ballot; we honor those who fought for this right. Elections are not just about choosing leaders, they are about shaping the policies and decisions that impact our communities, families, and future generations.

I encourage everyone to take part in the upcoming elections. By voting, we ensure that our voices are heard, our concerns are addressed, and a hope for stronger relationships where we are working together to build stronger communities. Participation in elections is one of the most powerful ways we can honor the legacy of those who paved the way for us. It ensures that the work they started continues for generations to come.

March 22^nd was observed as World Water Day, a day to reflect on the sacredness of water, and to raise awareness about issues that impact our waters. As Mi’kmaq people, we have always understood that water is not just a resource, it is a part of all our relations, deserving of our protection and respect.

While we recognize the vital role water plays, we also acknowledge the harsh reality that many First Nations across the country, including many of our own communities, struggle for access to clean drinking water. Boil water advisories remain a common occurrence, and far too many communities continue to live without the basic right of safe, reliable water. This is unacceptable. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and we must continue to advocate for long-term solutions to these issues.

Here in Ktaqmkuk, Qalipu First Nation is working diligently to uphold our responsibility as stewards of the land and water. Our Environment and Natural Resources Department plays a crucial role in monitoring and protecting local ecosystems through our Land and Water Monitor programs, as well as monitoring industry development to ensure that our waterways remain healthy for future generations.

Additionally, through MAMKA, a joint marine research initiative between Qalipu First Nation and our sister Nation, Miawpukek First Nation in Conne River, we are strengthening Indigenous-led environmental stewardship. This is done by combining traditional Mi’kmaq knowledge with modern scientific research, we are working to better understand and protect the marine ecosystems that sustain our communities. This partnership is an example of what we can achieve when we come together to care for our shared waters.

On this day, we encourage all our members to reflect on their connection to water, because water gives us life and sustains us. We must continue to advocate for its protection and support ongoing efforts to ensure clean and safe drinking water for all beings. Let us continue to honour our responsibilities as stewards of our water and stand in solidarity with First Nations still fighting for this basic right.

Relevant Links:

MAMKA: https://aarom.ca/aarom-department-profiles/mikmaq-alsumk-mowimsikik-koqoey-association/

AFN National Climate Strategy: https://afn.ca/environment/national-climate-strategy/

Our culture is not a competition.

In my life I have had the privilege of getting to know many people from many places all over Turtle Island, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. I have heard so many stories of where folks come from and who raised them, their traumas and triumphs. I have never felt the need to challenge anyone regarding their journey; I was raised to respect that we are all different and that’s what makes us human.

As someone with mixed ancestry, like many folks I have met in Indigenous circles, I respect both our differences and our similarities. For us in Ktaqmkuk, our existence varies from community to community, or home to home. Each family dealt with their own forced assimilation in their own way. Being told they didn’t exist when Newfoundland joined confederation in 1949 left them to decide to either to hide in the shadows or to be punished for living their truth.

As people of what we now call Newfoundland, we are often referred to as resilient, not just the people but the vegetation, the wildlife and landscapes. It is an unforgiving place at times with our harsh weather and short growing seasons. We are rich in resources which is why we were one of the first points of European contact in North America, but for any settler, you weren’t likely to make it here without a good Indigenous guide.

My grandfather, Pearce, would be 107 years old today. He was a very stubborn man. Resilient, perhaps, but most definitely stubborn. In 1945, before Canada took us on as the last province, like other stubborn Mi’kmaq folks on the island, his father James, identified himself honestly as an “Indian”. In a time when we were the Dominion of Newfoundland, this was to no one’s advantage. My grandfather also refused his veteran’s pension because they did not accurately acknowledge which ship he worked on. Years later we found a handwritten letter from my grandmother, Sadie, pleading with Veterans Affairs to excuse my grandfather’s stubbornness as she had many mouths to feed. Despite the hardships that it caused his family to endure, he wasn’t going to deny his truth.

It couldn’t have been easy for her, for any of them. Many families were deeply traumatized by the denial of their Indigeneity. Priests were baptizing children as “child of savage”, jobs were exclusive to non-Indigenous people, folks were not living on reserves. If the existence of the 4 mapped reserves on the island or the Peace and Friendship Treaty that was signed on Codroy Island was acknowledged by the government they’d be responsible for us. Instead, folks were moved to places like Crow Gulch and other areas to keep people out of sight and mind.

Assimilation looks different in different cultures across the world, but the one thing we all have in common is the harm it’s caused. For us, the Indian Act has both hurt and helped us. We want to burn it, but it’s the individuals that twist the meaning of the act that harms us.

Our recognition as Status Indians was a triumph but also a curse and a further means of trauma for many. It has afforded opportunities for reconciliation but has caused community division. Why should the government get to decide who we are?

This path that we are on is one my grandfather could not have imagined in his lifetime, but like many of you, I’m walking this path with my head held high to honour the sacrifices of those that came before us. I will not deny any part of my heritage for anyone’s comfort. We are done with that. My experience may not look like yours, but it is my experience, and no one has the right to judge others.

If you cannot find your connection, if you do not know who you are and where you come from, you can respectfully find your way but always proceed with caution. Be mindful of the space you take and ensure it’s the path your ancestors paved for you. The government of what we know now as Canada has long determined our fates. There will never be enough Land Acknowledgments to heal the harm that has caused, but we can support each other with respect and love. We can protect spaces from exploitation, not by calling people out when we don’t know their stories, but by being strong and confident in our own histories. Those that do not belong will eventually expose themselves. Our focus needs to be on building, not wasting time in tearing down.

As your Chief, I will ask you all to be accountable to who you say you are. If you carry a status card or identify as Indigenous, you must do that with absolute confidence. Understand the responsibility attached to your heritage. Invest in your community, do not tear it down. Understand your history and honour it. Your family line resulted in that privilege and as much as it is a double-edged sword, you have an opportunity your ancestors did not, to be proud and to live out loud. We were hidden in shame too long; we are Mi’kmaq people of Mi’kmak’mi. We are not looking for approval from those trolling the internet, we only have ourselves to answer to. I go to bed each night knowing my Niskamij and Nukumij would be proud, that my parents and children are proud, and that is enough for me.

It’s time to build.

 

 

Though winter weather is going strong, we do not stay inside. Our recent Winter Gatherings in Corner Brook and Glenwood reminded us of who we are as Mi’kmaq people and the power of our connection to the land. It was freezing outside, but my heart was warm at the sight of so many smiles.

We came together to learn, teach, and celebrate. From drumming and dancing to food sharing and hunting knowledge, every moment reflected the wisdom of our ancestors and the enduring strength of our people. I was grateful not only to witness but also to take part with the community—helping prepare lusknikn (bannock), singing, and, of course, playing bingo.

One of the most meaningful aspects of these gatherings was the presence of our youth. When we pass down our knowledge—through words, songs, or sharing food—we ensure that Mi’kmaq identity remains strong. Regardless of how others view us, we cannot turn our backs on our ancestors. We must empower our youth to reclaim space and be proud of where they come from. It is our right and responsibility to foster their knowledge and provide them with opportunities we never had.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to making these gatherings a success, as well as to those who continuously support and nurture our culture. Whether you are an organizer, an Elder, a Knowledge Keeper, a member of a drumming group, or someone who actively engages in preserving and sharing our traditions, your efforts are essential. It is through your dedication that our culture remains vibrant and continues to thrive.

As we move from season to season, let us support one another, share what we know, and celebrate the resilience of our community. I look forward to seeing more of these gatherings and hope to see our youth grow into confident leaders who will carry us into a bright future.