On November 22, Council held our most recent meeting, marking nearly a year since we were sworn in. From the start, we committed to accountability and serving our members with dedication. It was rewarding to see the many ways Council has engaged with members, often going beyond expectations. I am proud to serve alongside the representatives you elected and am hopeful for the years ahead.

As we reflected on our work, one common theme emerged, the frustrations and misconceptions we hear about programs and enrollment. I want to take a moment to clarify.

Like other Nations across Canada, we administer programs that support health, including Jordan’s Principle, housing repair, education and other supports. When funding is provided, it comes with contracts that include strict guidelines and parameters. We know this can feel limiting, particularly when members don’t meet the criteria. Still, we do our best to accommodate as many people as possible. Each program is reviewed by committees of staff, Council members, and community representatives, then passed to our finance committee and, if feasible, recommended to Council for approval. We also regularly review programs to improve their success.

It’s important to understand that program guidelines are not created by Council, they are set by funding agencies, and we are required to follow them. This includes enrollment.

As with all federally recognized bands, enrollment is determined by the federal government, with criteria set by Canada. Our role is to assist members with applications and provide guidance where we can.

We understand these processes can be difficult, and we share your frustrations as our families are also affected. That is why we continue to advocate strongly with all levels of government and pursue economic development opportunities to grow our own-source revenue. This will allow us to expand services beyond the limits set by the funders and reach more members.

Our Council remains committed to open communication and transparency. We have discussed future plans to host virtual and in-person engagement sessions with members to focus on topics that can best inform you. By clarifying program operations, we hope to reduce misunderstandings and make services easier to access. Thank you for your trust and engagement. Your feedback is vital to our growth as a Nation.

 

This past week, I had the honour of joining the Assembly of First Nations National Fisheries Committee during the International Indigenous Salmon Peoples’ Gathering. Over three days, Indigenous leaders from around the world came together to share both science and traditional knowledge, strengthening our collective voice in the stewardship of salmon.

Together, participants drafted and endorsed the Karasjohka Declaration, a powerful statement affirming the governance and rights that Indigenous Peoples hold with respect to salmon. This declaration reflects our shared responsibility to protect these vital resources for generations to come.

Within the Fisheries Committee, we advanced important work on draft resolutions for the upcoming Chiefs Assembly. These included, land fisheries management, the five-year review of the Fisheries Act, and a resolution I was proud to bring forward, addressing trade barriers faced by First Nations seal products due to the European Commission’s ban within the European Union.

As First Nations, we have never surrendered our inherent rights to hunt, fish, or gather. It is our duty to continue working collectively to safeguard these rights and the resources that sustain our people.

Our lands and waters remain under threat from climate change and poorly managed resource development. Closer to home, we are still awaiting answers and a safe resolution to the MSC Baltic III, the grounded container ship in Cedar Cove. We will continue pressing for action and working with all levels of government and the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure proper mitigation measures are taken to protect our waters and the ecosystems that depend on them.

I want to reassure you that protecting our environment, our food sources, and our communities remains at the heart of our work. Although we face many barriers along the way, together, we can protect what is sacred for the generations yet to come.

This past week, we came together to honour Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day. These days remind us of the courage and sacrifice of all who defended our lands and freedoms, especially Indigenous veterans, whose contributions have too often gone unrecognized. Their dedication strengthens our communities and inspires future generations.

I also want to update you on the situation with the MSC Baltic III, the container ship grounded near Cedar Cove. Recent reports indicate that severe storms have caused structural damage to the vessel. Salvage and cleanup efforts continue, and we are monitoring the situation closely. While weather has slowed progress, most of the heavy fuel oil has now been removed. We continue to expect MSC to fully include our Nation in the response and take immediate, comprehensive action to address its impact.

We are not alone in pressing for accountability and action. The Canadian Coast Guard has been providing consistent updates, and we continue to receive strong support from Minister Lela Evans, Provincial Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation; Minister Joanne Thompson, Federal Fisheries Minister; Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Brendan Mitchell; Traditional Chief Misel Joe; and Chief Brad Benoit of Miawpukek First Nation. We share our community members’ concerns, and we are demanding clear answers and a concrete plan to safely remove this vessel from traditional fishing grounds without further delay. Together, we are advocating for Indigenous participation at every stage of the response to ensure that local knowledge, community priorities, and cultural values are respected. Our Environment and Natural Resources team is working with DFO and other environmental partners to monitor the coastlines.

We will continue to hold MSC accountable, push for decisive action, and ensure Indigenous voices remain at the centre of this process.

This year’s federal budget brings a mix of good and challenging news for Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. We know the government is working to manage spending, which has led to a small two per cent decrease at federal Indigenous departments, a much smaller reduction than the 15 per cent cuts seen in other areas. Our key programs remain fully supported, giving our members peace of mind.

These reductions are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing duplication, not eliminating essential services. There are encouraging signs that future decisions will involve Indigenous governments more directly, giving us greater input on how priorities and outcomes are set.

While this budget signals a time of change, it also offers a chance to strengthen relationships, enhance accountability, and ensure Indigenous-led outcomes guide the path forward for our Nation.

Separately, we want to address recent rumors about a re-application process. Some members have reached out with concerns about information circulating online. Please be assured that these claims are not true. As always, we encourage everyone to rely on official Qalipu communications for accurate updates, and we will continue keeping our members informed directly.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to our members and our communities. By working together and staying engaged, we will ensure that the decisions made today lead to lasting benefits and opportunities for our Nation.

This week, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Atlantic Indigenous-led Energy Symposium. Since its first modest gathering in 2022, the symposium has quickly grown into a sold-out event hosting over four hundred participants. It brought together First Nations leaders, knowledge keepers, youth, energy innovators, and government officials from across our territories to network and share experiences.

A personal highlight was connecting with several members of our Nation who are already doing great work in the energy sector and are passionate about contributing to our community.

This year’s theme, Protecting Mother Earth, Powering Future Generations, inspired meaningful discussions about our shared values and responsibilities. Throughout the symposium, I joined several sessions and listened to powerful accounts reflecting a growing shift in how provincial governments and industry developers view and value Indigenous leadership.

There is a growing, long-overdue awareness that true progress requires authentic partnership with Indigenous leadership, moving beyond colonial frameworks. Our voices are vital in shaping decisions that define success, not by profit margins but by sustainability. Profit can only follow once we ensure that the development aligns with our duty to the land and to future generations.

As our new provincial government takes shape, we look forward to working in the spirit of collaboration to play our critical role in the future of our unceded, un-surrendered lands. Our Economic Development team is undergoing significant changes as we recognize the need to approach each opportunity with a deep understanding of our Nation’s values. Soon, we hope to welcome a new Chief Operating Officer who will collaborate closely with our Council and spend time in our communities, listening to members and learning about your priorities. This feedback will guide our path forward and foster shared ownership in what we build together.

Together, we must continue to protect the land, waters, and air, not only as our sacred responsibility, but as the foundation for a thriving future.

This week, I had the honor of attending an event hosted by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. It was an important opportunity to share our work in environmental stewardship and to highlight the vital role of partnerships in protecting our lands and waters. Strong relationships and collaboration are essential to achieving shared goals.

Together with the Nature Conservancy, our work at Charlie’s Place demonstrates the power of collaboration. Having signed a MOU in 2024, we are committed to protecting and conserving this area, long used by generations of Beothuk and Mi’kmaq people for traditional purposes, and still holding a deep cultural and spiritual significance.

I also recently met with key stakeholders, including the FFAW, the Fur Institute of Canada, and the Seals and Sealing Network. These conversations allowed us to strengthen connections, share expertise, and work to foster relationships that support the stewardship and monitoring of our lands and waters.

Meaningful partnerships require time, trust, and consistent engagement. By working closely with others, we can combine knowledge, share resources, and create initiatives that are inclusive, respectful, and effective for our communities. Meeting with these organizations reinforced that partnerships are not just beneficial, they are essential.

Together, we can preserve biodiversity, protect cultural heritage, empower our people, and build sustainable solutions for generations to come. I am proud of the work our Nation continues to lead and remain committed to fostering partnerships that support environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community well-being. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we can achieve lasting and meaningful impact.

Following this week’s provincial election, we congratulate Premier-designate Tony Wakeham and the Progressive Conservative Party on their majority win as well as all Members elected to the House of Assembly, especially those bringing Indigenous voices and perspectives to the legislature. We also acknowledge everyone who put their name forward; participating in the democratic process is an act of service to our province.

During the campaign, Premier-designate Tony Wakeham responded to questions from First Light Friendship Centre with a tone that emphasized collaboration, including a commitment to implement Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, the Innu Child Protection Inquiry recommendations, and advancing UNDRIP. He also spoke to cultural inclusion in education, youth engagement, and the creation of a civilian-led Police Oversight Board, signaling awareness of systemic bias and Indigenous justice concerns.

While these commitments are encouraging, they must be backed by measurable timelines, meaningful engagement, and appropriate resources.

Our Nation is a strategic partner in Newfoundland and Labrador’s future, advancing clean energy leadership, maritime strength, and defense readiness through initiatives such as Newdock. Meaningful engagement with our Nation drives inclusive economic growth by strengthening infrastructure, building workforce capacity, enabling joint ventures, and enhancing governance to ensure projects move forward with legitimacy and shared purpose. We also champion reconciliation, cultural inclusion, and environmental stewardship, positioning the province as a leader for sustainable and equitable development.

We are builders, not merely beneficiaries. If the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador partners meaningfully with First Nations, it can unlock opportunities for investment, growth, and innovation where everyone can benefit. We are ready to help build a stronger, more inclusive province.

As we move forward, I call on our new provincial leadership to engage with us in the spirit of true reconciliation. That means listening, resourcing, and respecting our governance. Our Nation is strong, capable, and committed to the growth for our people and the future of this province. As the saying goes in conversations about Indigenous economics, “If you’re not at the dinner table, you might end up on the menu.” This is a reminder that Indigenous voices must be included, heard, and respected in every decision that affects our communities.

This week, I had the honour of attending the First Nation Financial Management Board Leading the Way conference as a panelist, where I shared our Nation’s journey in acquiring New Dock. It was a proud moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to connect with other First Nations from across Canada. These gatherings are powerful reminders of the strength we gain when we learn from one another, share our successes, and build relationships that support Indigenous-led economic growth.

On September 27th we celebrated one year as part of the New Dock ownership team. Our future plans include exploring expansion, creating additional sustainable employment opportunities, and opening our Nation to further economic growth in the marine sector.

Recent conversations at national gatherings have highlighted success stories from across the country, many rooted in strong, collaborative relationships between Indigenous and provincial governments. In our case, the provincial government was not involved in our acquisition of New Dock. As this was our first major acquisition, they, like others, were surprised by our ability to make such a significant transaction. Now that they’ve seen the potential that exists, we hope they recognize the value of our participation: not just as stakeholders, but as rights holders.

Our Council extends sincere congratulations to the newly elected municipal leaders across the region. As you begin your term, we encourage you to make space for Indigenous voices at your council tables. Meaningful partnerships with First Nations are essential to building stronger, more inclusive communities. When we work together, we expand capacity, deepen understanding, and create solutions that reflect the needs of all people.

With the provincial election approaching, we share this message with candidates seeking office: Indigenous communities must be heard, our partnerships respected, and our priorities reflected in policy and planning. Reconciliation is not just a word, it is a shared responsibility, and we look forward to working with leaders who understand and embrace that truth.

We are committed to steady growth and smart investments, including exciting plans at New Dock. Guided by the priorities of our people, we look forward to working with government as well as community and industry partners to create shared opportunities that will strengthen our economy and culture. Together, we can build strong partnerships that bring lasting benefits to our Nation.

This week the country observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is not just another day. It is a day when we pause to remember and honour the children, survivors, and families whose lives were forever changed by the residential school system.

We wear orange because of the courage of Phyllis Webstad, who shared her story with the world. Her orange shirt, taken from her on her first day at residential school, has become a symbol of what was taken from those children, their language, their culture, their sense of belonging. Phyllis turned her pain into purpose, and today, that orange shirt represents every child who was told they didn’t matter. We wear it to say, Every Child Matters.

When I spoke at our event this week, I called on our provincial government to acknowledge what happened in 1949, when Newfoundland joined Canada under Terms of Union that failed to recognize the Indigenous peoples of this land. That omission led to decades of exclusion from services, recognition, and rights. The impact is still felt today.

To those in leadership, if you’re listening, respond. Words alone are not enough. We are ready to build strong, respectful relationships with the next Premier and cabinet, but we need a government that meets us halfway. One that understands consultation must begin at the idea stage, not after decisions regarding our resources have been made and approvals are granted to those seeking profit. One that acknowledges the truth and commits to meaningful action to correct the mistakes of the past.

As a Nation, we will continue to stand firm. We will meet disrespect with dignity, hostility with honour, and ignorance with education. As the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair wisely said:

“Achieving reconciliation is like climbing a mountain. We must proceed a step at a time. It will not always be easy. There will be storms, there will be obstacles, but we cannot allow ourselves to be daunted by the task because our goal is just and it is also necessary.”

This journey demands courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to truth, healing, and justice, for those we remember, and for the generations yet to come.

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.