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.

As industry development in our province advances in various areas, we as a First Nation have opportunities to engage with the developers to best guide decisions that will affect our next seven generations.  While some see Indigenous participation as sign of approval of harmful environment process, it’s the opposite. We feel a responsibility to take seats at these decision-making tables that we have far too long been excluded from to ensure Indigenous knowledge and values shape innovation in ways that lead to responsible developments.

Economic Reconciliation is giving Indigenous people the opportunity to participate in employment and training to advance our communities. It allows us to be included and valued not just as employees but as employers and key stakeholders in our economy.

In a time when government is prioritizing diversity and inclusion in their procurement policies, we see a rise in something that is known as “Rent a Feather.”  This term is used when a non-indigenous company exploits an Indigenous person to make them a “partner” when procurement policies give priority to businesses that have a minimum 51% Indigenous ownership.

For generations, Indigenous people seeking employment were most often discriminated against. Now that governments have finally implemented mechanisms to balance the scales to allow those who have been victims of oppression the ability to participate, we see non-indigenous people finding ways to by-pass these strategies to take opportunities from those that for far too long, have had none.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can work together as business partners, but this must be meaningful, mutually respectful, and beneficial. To take advantage of someone in this way is shameful and we must educate our youth to safeguard them so they can avoid this type of harm.

As Indigenous people, we all have a responsibility to honour our heritage, and this means that we must stand up to injustices that continue to oppress and take advantage of vulnerable populations.

Qalipu First Nation understands the frustration of those that have been impacted by the effects of colonialism and the Indian Act. There are few that have not been affected, including my own family. We will work to advocate for our people and for their right to participate in meaningful Economic Reconciliation. We will continue to support our members through our education efforts and remind all levels of government and industry of the importance of setting strict guidelines for respectful inclusion and opportunities for the advancement of our future leaders.

Relevant Link: Qalipu Business Network,  http://qbn.qalipu.ca/

As we ease into the second week of February and winter really settles in, we see an uprise in cases of the cold and flu. After a global pandemic, we have all adjusted to new ways of self-care during this time of year, some of us still wear masks, get our flu shots, take extra vitamins and sanitize our hands, but no matter how hard we try to protect ourselves, sometimes we can’t escape it.

Like many, last week I had the displeasure of contracting a nasty flu virus.  That’s why my message is coming to you on a Monday instead of Friday.

I recently heard on CBC radio that the third Monday of January is known as Blue Monday. Apparently back in 2005, a U.K. Travel company, initiated this to boost travel sales. Regardless of the origin, the reality of how January affects some of us coming off the expense of Christmas, having less daylight and enduring our cold temperatures can keep some of us inside, isolated and feeling less like ourselves.

This January was difficult for me and those around me, there was loss of loved ones and sickness, making the term Blue Monday really resonate.

My intention of writing these messages comes from my desire to stay connected, not only share information, but to be open about things that affect us all.

I believe that to be strong as a community, we must take care of each other, to be empathetic and kind. This means checking in on a friend, sharing a meal, and being good medicine for one another.

When we speak of our youth, we often say, “It takes a village”, well, we all need that sense of community to feel supported and valued. Our drum groups, workshops and various gatherings allow us opportunities to come together and thrive in our culture. Our common thirst for belonging and knowledge is what binds us.

I wish you all the physical, mental and emotional strength to be healthy through our coldest season and beyond and thank you for your contributions to “our village”. If you are struggling, we are here for you. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health services, please reach out to our Health and Wellness team. A simple phone call can make all the difference.

Take care,

Chief Jenny

With the recent news of many public officials resigning from their positions, we are all left wondering what our futures look like as Indigenous people in Canada.

The role of a public servant is certainly not for the faint of heart, it comes with the impossible task of pleasing everyone.  Over the years our Nations has benefited and struggled from the efforts of government officials.  When considering the difficult choices that lie ahead when choosing new representation in our colonial government, it is important to recognize not only the challenges of the past, but also the successes.

Social media has allowed us to voice our concerns and share ideas about political topics, but it has also sadly opened dialogue for disrespectful commentary toward those that work hard on our behalf.  Although we all share frustrations about the state of the world, I would challenge us all to consider the good in our lives because of those that have stepped forward to represent us. I am not in any way excusing the inexcusable wrongs of our governments, but I am hopeful as we are seeing more and more Indigenous people taking seats in Ottawa, helping to change the political landscape, making space for our voices to be heard.

We all play a role in our society’s success, whether we stay at home or throw our hats into the political ring. Our future relies on solid leadership, and we must consider our own actions so we can inspire our youth to take on these important roles. We cannot do this if we are creating spaces for hate. Let us do our part by making informed decisions, providing respectful feedback regarding our concerns and contributing to positive dialogue that actions meaningful change.

Regardless of the party, it is ultimately the progress that matters, and progress takes time. If I have learned anything in my role, it’s that Canada still has a lot to learn about how to respectfully work with Indigenous people. Let us keep hope for a future government that genuinely  understands the importance of Indigenous voices in this country and strives for actions that reflect sincere Truth and Reconciliation.

On behalf of Qalipu First Nation, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone in our communities that work hard every day to better our lives, past present and future.