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.

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.

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.

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/

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