Sept 19

Message from Chief Jenny – September 19, 2025

This week, we took time to celebrate the incredible staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front lines to serve our Nation. Staff Appreciation Day gave us a chance to reflect on the dedication, compassion, and hard work that go into delivering the programs and services that support our communities every single day. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our team, you are the heartbeat of Qalipu First Nation, and it is an absolute honour to work with you each day.

Next week we mark an incredibly special milestone, the 14th anniversary of the formation of Qalipu First Nation. Fourteen years ago, we took a bold step forward in reclaiming our identity, our rights, and our place in the broader Indigenous landscape. It was the result of years of advocacy, determination, and unity. To all those who helped lay the foundation, thank you. Your vision and perseverance have brought us to where we are today. There is still much to do, we know our formation came with its challenges, but we are determined to carry forward that perseverance that got us here to heal our communities and grasp opportunities to not just survive but thrive as a nation.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to building a future that reflects our values and aspirations. Our Council stands firmly behind the work of our staff, ensuring that we grow in a way that is thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded in community.

Together, we have come a long way, and together, we will continue to build a Nation we can all be proud of.

Sept 12

Message from Chief Jenny – September 12, 2025

It’s great to be back with our weekly messages. I hope you all had a chance to enjoy the summer. It was wonderful to see so many of you at our gatherings, soaking up the sunshine and spending time together.

Of course, the summer also brought its challenges. Wildfires across the country affected many families, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those impacted.

One of the key moments for me was attending the Bill C-5 Summit in Ottawa, where I joined other Indigenous leaders and federal officials to talk about Canada’s infrastructure plans. Bill C-5 aims to speed up major projects by reducing red tape. While that might help the economy, we raised concerns about how it could affect Indigenous rights, especially since there has been little consultation. It was made clear that if Canada wants to close its infrastructure gap, it must work with us, not around us. Development needs to respect our sovereignty and reflect our values.

I also met with Prime Minister Carney this week at an announcement at Newdock in St. John’s, and I left feeling encouraged. It seems like our message from the summit was heard, and there is real effort to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.

Last week, I was in Winnipeg for the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs Assembly, where we passed several important resolutions. One of the most urgent was a call for immediate federal action to address the fentanyl, opioid, and substance abuse crisis that’s affecting First Nations communities across the country.

We also reaffirmed our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, especially those focused on health and the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle. Unfortunately, recent changes by Indigenous Services Canada have made things worse, causing delays, denials, and a backlog in services for First Nations children and families. We will continue to do our best to work with families to alleviate the stress caused by this.

We’re not backing down. We’re calling on both the federal and provincial governments to fix this, starting with allocating funding and support for the creation of culturally grounded addiction treatment centres and aftercare programs. These are essential for healing, especially for our youth and families, who deserve real support.

As we settle into the school year, we’ll keep sharing updates and working together to build a stronger Nation.

July 4

Message from Chief Jenny – July 4, 2025

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.

June27

Message from Chief Jenny – June 27, 2025

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/

June20

Message from Chief Jenny – June 20, 2025

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

June 13

Message from Chief Jenny – June 13, 2025

Last week, I had the privilege of attending two important events in St. John’s, the Energy NL annual conference and the Habitat Conservation Workshop hosted by the Stewardship Association of Municipalities.

At the Habitat Conservation Workshop, I was honored to speak alongside invited guests in a session led by Piers Evans  from the Nature Conservancy of Canada titled, Voices of Habitat Stewardship and Conservation from Municipal, ENGO, Federal, and Indigenous Perspectives: What do we value as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians? 

Starting the week with discussions on conservation and then transitioning into the Energy NL conference with Central Vice Chief Collen Paul, provided a valuable opportunity to carry forward the perspectives shared by various organizations.

As a council, we continue to examine how we engage in economic development, ensuring our decisions support both sustainability and prosperity for future generations.

Through my work with the Assembly of First Nations National Fisheries Committee and the Chief’s Committee on Economic Development, I collaborate with Chiefs across Canada to address environmental and economic impacts. These discussions allow us to lobby government for better practices that integrate Indigenous knowledge and values.

As your new council, we look forward to hearing your perspectives through respectful, meaningful dialogue so that together, we can shape a future for our youth, one filled with opportunity and assurance that our connection to the land and water can carry on our traditions for generations to come.

June 6

Message from Chief Jenny – June 6, 2025

Recently, I had a conversation with my father that really left me thinking about how our older generations views our rainbow community.

It was the night after the election results were called. my house was full of friends and family. Amongst those fine folks were many L’nu, some settlers and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The day after, my dad popped in to debrief and we had our usual tea and game of crib.  As we chatted, he very casually said, “you had all sorts here last night my girl”. I paused for a moment and considered what my father was trying to tell me. He was processing a scenario he had rarely or maybe never had seen in his upbringing, a gathering of individuals that were open and proud of who they were, a mix of Mi’kmaq, settler, queer, and trans. I responded to my father saying, “Isn’t it amazing dad? Everyone living out loud with no shame”, he responded, “yes my girl, it is”.

This wasn’t a long conversation, but it said a lot.

My dad was trying to find his way to articulate things he grew up being told were wrong. He was realizing that times were finally changing. Seeing that kind of growth and reflection from my father at his age was comforting. My children’s grandparents have lived through times of harsh discrimination, segregation and oppression but now feel safe to talk and live out loud and to support others that do the same.

I have seen friends and family face fears to live their lives as their true selves. They’ve risked losing loved ones, their jobs and everything they know because they were dying inside going through life pretending to be someone they’re not. They’ve come out of closets, endured painful surgeries and just taken that first step into ceremony wondering if they’d be accepted, loved, and supported or if they’d lose it all.

It takes courage each day to be our authentic selves and to live a life of acceptance, respect and love for one another.  Today’s society might be more progressive than when my father was younger, but we still have so far to go.

Love is what we all have in common, we all feel it, we all need it. During this month, which we know as Pride month and as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, let us remember; regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or cultural background, love IS love.

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Message from Chief Jenny – May 30, 2025

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the largest global gathering focused on hydrogen projects, policy, and technology. This summit brought together industry experts, government leaders, researchers, and Indigenous representatives from around the world to discuss the future of hydrogen and its potential to reduce carbon emissions while creating new economic opportunities.

Although the number of proposed hydrogen projects for the island have decreased, some are still forging ahead in hopes of off-take agreements with Europe in the near future. As Mi’kmaq people, we have always understood the importance of protecting our lands and waters. The knowledge shared at events like this one allows us to be engaged and stay informed so we can play a role to safeguard the environment while providing cleaner energy solutions for generations to come.

One key takeaway from this experience is the real potential for us here to participate in the many aspects of development, to create sustainable jobs and business ventures within our community. To ensure our people benefit from this growing industry, it is essential that Indigenous voices remain at the forefront of these discussions.

The Newfoundland and Labrador delegation included over 60 representatives from government, major energy companies, and organizations across the hydrogen development chain. Our newly elected Premier, John Hogan, was also in attendance and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Port of Amsterdam. This was a significant step in advancing our province’s role in hydrogen development.  I spoke with our new premier regarding this, and we are hopeful that our province will be industry leaders in the future in many aspects of green energy.

This experience has reinforced the need for our commitment to economic development that respects our traditions and secures our place in our economy. We must continue to work toward opportunities that reflect our values and support a strong future for our people.  If we do not stay engaged, we will not be heard.

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Message from Chief Jenny (2)

Message from Chief Jenny – May 23, 2025

I want to provide an update following the ongoing correspondence with many parties involved in the response to the MSC Baltic, the container ship grounded near Little Port, Newfoundland.

Over the past few weeks, an additional 290 cubes of oil have been removed, bringing the total to 600 cubes of hard oil recovered from the ship. Additionally, 24 shipping containers have been removed and transported to the Port of Corner Brook.

While two new tar balls have been recently discovered, I’m pleased to share that five previously collected samples have tested negative for a match with oil from the ship. Additional testing is being conducted on the remaining hard oil samples from the ship’s holding tanks, with a focus on identifying the source of any remaining oil.

Work continues to improve the road access to the site. The road is now open to truck traffic, and a turnaround is being constructed for larger equipment. We are relieved to know that emergency response teams are now able to bring in any necessary equipment safely.

A new vessel, the EEMS Dublin, has arrived on scene to assist in container removal under more challenging weather conditions. It has the capacity to transport approximately 50-70 containers back to port. Over the weekend, an additional 10 containers were removed, and half of the oil has been pumped from the ship’s main tanks. Over 550 cubic metres have been safely transferred to other MSC vessels.

We are pleased to see the continuous progress of this situation. A major spill would be catastrophic for our environment, for those who rely on these waters for their livelihoods and for the families who take part in the food fishery each year to feed their families.

This week, as we celebrated National Seal Products Day, we are reminded that traditional foods, including those harvested from our waters, are a vital part of our traditional way of life. These practices connect us to our culture and our ancestors. Protecting our lands and waters is essential to continuing these traditions for generations to come.

We will continue working with all involved including the Canadian Coast Guard, the Eastern Canada Response Corporation (ECRC) and Horizon Maritime. These partners have shown strong leadership and advocacy for a prompt response to this situation.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank our Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) team. They have been actively monitoring the situation, conducting shoreline surveys, and providing crucial information to ensure our environment is protected. Their efforts reflect our shared responsibility to protect the environment, which supports our communities and the practices that are central to our identity as Mi’kmaq people.

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Message from Chief Jenny – May 16, 2025

Mi’kmaq Men and Two-Spirit individuals have long been pillars of strength in our communities – offering protection, guidance, and wisdom. We must recognize and support their efforts that help ensure our traditions and values continue to thrive.

Our teachings tell us that respect is the foundation of a strong and healthy community. The Moose Hide Campaign reminds us of our shared responsibility to stand against violence and build a world where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported. Ending violence begins with each of us, through education, awareness, and commitment to change.

A healthy community is one that embraces every person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and acceptance, ensuring that our LGBTQ2S+ family members feel supported and celebrated. Leadership means listening, learning, and standing against discrimination, so that our spaces remain welcoming and safe for all.

The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, emphasized the importance of education in reconciliation, stating, “Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of it.”

Last week, I had the honor to attend the Patty Boy’s Project event in Gander, hosted by Smallwood Academy, led by their teacher Joanne Broders. It was truly inspiring to see students engage in studies on Truth and Reconciliation, while paying tribute to the life of Patrick Gehue, known to those who loved him as Patty Boy. Their commitment to understanding history and honoring his legacy was moving, and the support from Patrick’s family, friends, and our Mi’kmaq community was a testament to the power of collective learning and healing. This project is a perfect example of how we can incorporate Indigenous education in a meaningful way. I commend Ms. Boders and her students for their work and hope to see this continued throughout our province and beyond.

With gratitude, I acknowledge Chief Misel Joe, Noel Joe, the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation, and Minister Scott Reid for their words and presence at the event. I would also like to give a special congratulations to all the students that convocated this week, including our former council member, Ivan J White, who received his Masters in Applied Literary Arts from Memorial University.

We must show gratitude to all men and Two-Spirit folks in our community that do their part, because everyone of us plays a role in empowering our youth and creating a better tomorrow.

Relevant Links:

Moose Hide Campaign: https://moosehidecampaign.ca/
Gov of Canada Supports for 2SLGBTQI+ community: https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/free-to-be-me.html
2SLGBTQIA+ community groups across Newfoundland and Labrador: https://guides.nlpl.ca/PrideReading/Community
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/

Patty Boy’s Project event in Gander hosted by Smallwood Academy
Patty Boy’s Project event in Gander hosted by Smallwood Academy

 

Gathering at the Mikwite’tm Garden to start the Moose Hide Campaign Day Event with MC Keith Cormier bringing greetings.
Gathering at the Mikwite’tm Garden to start the Moose Hide Campaign Day Event with MC Keith Cormier bringing greetings.

 

Ernest Green, Corner Brook Ward Councilor brings greetings on behalf of Qalipu First Nation Chief and Council
Ernest Green, Corner Brook Ward Councilor brings greetings on behalf of Qalipu First Nation Chief and Council

 

Jeff Raffety, Chair of the Men’s Fellowship Circle who took the lead on hosting this event.
Jeff Raffety, Chair of the Men’s Fellowship Circle who took the lead on hosting this event.

 

Members of the Men’s Fellowship Circle carrying the banner to lead the way on the walk to end violence
Members of the Men’s Fellowship Circle carrying the banner to lead the way on the walk to end violence

 

- Participants walked down West and Parks streets to show support in ending violence against women and children.
Participants walked down West and Parks streets to show support in ending violence against women and children.