October 4th is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People: MMIWG2S. This day is intended to raise awareness to the violence that Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals face. This is a day to remember the lives lost, support the families who seek justice, and to demand action to end gender-based violence in Indigenous communities.

The significance of this day extends beyond remembrance; it is a call for justice. Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals experience violence at rates that are significantly statistically higher than non-Indigenous people. The ongoing impacts of residential schools forced assimilation, and discriminatory policies have created conditions where Indigenous people are more vulnerable to violence, trafficking, and exploitation, as well as addictions, mental health struggles, and increased rates of suicide. Tragedies are far too common, and we must fight for justice. We need to advocate for people who are unsafe, and we need to fix the root problems that create these conditions. Each time a life is lost to a tragedy, the whole community suffers. Just recently, Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick lost Leona Newkinga Simon, a talented artist, beloved soul, and advocate for Indigenous-led mental health services and facilities. We extend our sympathies to her Nation, and we must lean together to offer protection and strength to prevent tragedies such as this that stem from systemic issues left unsolved.

There was a National Inquiry into MMIWG2S, which saw its final report released in 2019. This report issued 231 Calls for Justice aimed at addressing the root causes of violence, including calls for improved policing, justice reform, and the implementation of culturally relevant support services. Lack of adequate response from law enforcement and government systems exacerbate the problems that threaten those that are vulnerable, and many cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls remain unsolved or poorly investigated, leaving families without closure. We must add our voices to those who aim to apply pressure for change. On October 4th, communities across the country hold vigils, ceremonies, and marches. As well as honouring and remembering, these events help spread the awareness that is needed to bring about action.

The fight for justice is ongoing. Our province has responded by forming the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee, and successfully implemented their proposal for The Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council. The work of this collective of Indigenous women from all over Newfoundland and Labrador is a response to the Calls to Action. Along with the Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council, whose mandate ensures that women’s perspectives inform the work of the AFN, we see that steps are being taken in the right direction. We still have a great deal of work to do, but by listening to the voices of Indigenous survivors, families, and communities, we can seek solutions that are rooted in respect, healing, and empowerment.

We must protect each other and provide a safe path forward for our youth. Together we can ensure there are no more stolen sisters.

Relevant Links:
GoFundMe “In Love of Leona NewKinga Simon”: https://www.gofundme.com/f/leonanewkinga-simon

Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People: Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People – News Releases (gov.nl.ca)

Government of Canada, Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1590523702000/1590523850562

This month as we commemorate the anniversary of our Qalipu First Nation, we reflect on the past thirteen years. We have journeyed together, through many challenges, making incredible strides as a strong Mi’kmaq people of this island.

Since Qalipu First Nation gained federal recognition as a band in 2011, it has been a priority to not only honor the legacy of our ancestors but to ensure that our community thrives for future generations. We have built strong relationships with our kin across Turtle Island as members of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat and the Assembly of First Nations. These relationships have amplified our voices, advocating for policies that uplift and benefit our people. Our many partnerships have given us platforms to influence decisions on national and regional levels, helping secure resources and programs that support education, health, housing, and economic development for our members.

We’ve had tremendous successes along the way—whether through initiatives that strengthen our cultural preservation, or in areas like Indigenous business development, where we’ve empowered our entrepreneurs and created opportunities for economic growth across k’tamkuk. We remain committed to supporting the preservation of our Mi’kmaq language, the transmission of knowledge from our elders to our youth, and ensuring our rich traditions of hunting, fishing, and trapping remain an integral part of who we are.

Our journey has been one of resilience. As we move forward, let us continue to walk together in the spirit of kinship, holding fast to the values and traditions that make us who we are. Together, we will ensure that our future remains as bright as the legacy of our ancestors.

Wela’lin to our past and current council members, to our incredible staff, our community champions and Elders and to every member. May we continue to rise and succeed, standing strong as Mi’kmaq people.

Whether you’re heading back to elementary or high school, beginning a new adventure in college or university, or pursuing further education of any kind, education holds profound importance on our future, serving as a bridge between preserving cultural traditions and embracing opportunities in the modern world. It is more than just acquiring knowledge from textbooks, it’s a way to empower individuals, uplift families, and strengthen the entire community.

For Indigenous peoples, education plays a vital role in reclaiming identity and fostering pride in our culture, language, and traditional practices. Our ancestors passed down knowledge through storytelling, song, and connection to the land. Today, education continues this process by allowing us to share and protect our Mi’kmaq ways while navigating the challenges of today’s world. By combining traditional knowledge with modern education, we empower our youth to lead with confidence in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous spaces.

Access to education provides hope and inspiration. It opens doors to careers, personal growth, and leadership opportunities, and it also builds connections with the past. For older generations, it provides a chance to share knowledge with the youth and contribute to lifelong learning.

As you embark on this new school year, remember that you carry the strength and resilience of your ancestors, and your community is here to support you every step of the way.

As summer comes to an end and we look forward to fall, we are reminded of our deep connection to the land and all it offers. With the change of each season, many of us are carrying on our traditional practices of farming, foraging, hunting, trapping, and fishing—practices that have sustained our ancestors for generations and continue to sustain us today.

For centuries, we have lived in harmony with the land, taking only what we need and giving thanks for the abundance it provides. Our ancestors were among the first entrepreneurs, engaging in trade across our island and the rest of Mi’kma’ki. Yet today, we sometimes face harmful labels like “poaching,” which misunderstand and misrepresent our ways. It is crucial that we stand firm in our identity and educate others about the values that guide our interactions with the land.

Our traditions are not just practices; they are a way of life, passed down through the generations by our elders. They are the keepers of our knowledge, the ones who teach us how to live in harmony with the earth. As we move through this season of change, I encourage all of us to strengthen the connection between our elders and our youth. Let us create opportunities for our young people to learn the traditional ways of knowing and doing. By doing so, we are not just preserving our heritage—we are ensuring that our culture remains vibrant and strong for the next seven generations.

It is up to us to maintain and protect our traditions, to respect the land and all it offers, and to pass on these values to those who will come after us. We must be proactive, not reactive. In doing so, we honor our ancestors and ensure that our way of life endures.

Addiction is a disease that has deeply affected too many of our families, our culture, and our connection to the land. Sadly, countless people are struggling, which also impacts those around them. 

 

For generations, Indigenous communities have faced devastating hardships because of colonialism. We have experienced a loss of connection to traditional ways of living, to the land, to ceremony, to language. Navigating these traumas and their fallout have significantly contributed to the high numbers of addiction within our communities, leading to generations of pain and struggle and too many gone too soon. 

 

As we approach August 31^st, the International Day of Overdose Awareness, it is important to talk about the profound impact that addiction has on us all.  There are so many factors that lead to addiction. Nobody is immune to this disease, as no one sets out to become an addict. 

 

We must commit to advocating for culturally appropriate addiction support and mental health services, as well as increased education and awareness for our youth. By doing this, we can gain a better understanding of the complex factors that contribute to substance use and support those in our communities that are in active addiction. 

 

We must stand together and be hopeful in knowing that healing is possible. By embracing our culture, working with Indigenous and non-indigenous partners, and providing support to those in need, we can create a future where addiction no longer claims the lives of our loved ones. Together, we will continue to stand strong, guided by our traditions and the enduring spirit of our people.

This summer has been a remarkable time for Indigenous artists in our community, with a series of events that have beautifully showcased our rich cultural heritage. From Mawi’omis and Powwows, fashion shows to artist residencies and exhibits, within our province and beyond we have seen a powerful representation of the talent and creativity that exists within our nation.

Artistic expression enables us to tell stories, comprehend where we came from and where we are going, and allows us to bridge gaps in our knowledge and understanding. Art, seeking beauty and creating it, is deeply important and allows us to connect with each other and the world at large. For many artists, their careers are not simply spent creating; much of their time is spent seeking, applying for, and reporting on project funding.  This is a time-consuming process that can make or break an artist’s livelihood, as well as their chance at becoming recognized and financially stable. Funding from dedicated art support programs enables our artists to display their work, telling our stories to the rest of the world.

As we move through 2024, which has been designated The Year of the Arts in Newfoundland and Labrador, we have reason to celebrate. Opportunities are offered that will elevate the lives of artists and creative people who need it most, allowing them valuable time and space to showcase their talents. This is not a frivolous undertaking: artists and organisations that are successful in receiving funding are tasked with ensuring those funds are responsibly spent and accounted for. They must report on the impact of their participation in these programs and prove that the intent and outcomes align; when projects are subjective and creative, it is necessary to ensure that funds are used appropriately and respectfully to support meaningful projects. The available funding is often outweighed by demand, and accountability is necessary to ensure that intended outcomes are met so these opportunities can continue to exist for others.

We are incredibly proud of the contributions of our Indigenous artists and appreciate the opportunities that exist to support them. We need to do what we can to support our artists, writers, musicians and people who create. View, listen, read, share and recommend their work, purchase a piece, or attend an exhibition. Artistry deserves an audience, and it is incredibly satisfying to be moved by someone’s creation. Everybody benefits! Our lives need beauty and stories, so we will always lift up those who are creating.

We look forward to continuing sharing our stories, ideas, and exploration of our culture through the arts.

Check out the links below for more information:

Year of the Arts: https://www.yearofthearts.ca/

Arts NL: Home – ArtsNL | Newfoundland & Labrador Arts Council

Writers at Woody Point: https://www.writersatwoodypoint.com/

Fogo Island Arts: https://www.fogoislandarts.ca/

Elder Calvin White, Book “One Man’s Journey”: https://memorialuniversitypress.ca/Books/O/One-Man-s-Journey  or One Man’s Journey: The Mi’kmaw Revival in Ktaqmkuk : White, Calvin: Amazon.ca: Books

Books at Flanker Press including “Poppa and his Drum” and “Poppa and the Sacred Kitpu” by Judy Doucette: https://flankerpress.com/category/children-young-adults

Incredible Artists including Paul Pike, Marcus Gosse (Facebook Group – Mi’kmaw Art By Marcus Gosse), Jerry Evans (Jerry Evans | Indigenous Artist | NL), Jordan Bennett (https://www.jordanbennett.ca)

Recently, statements made by Donald Trump regarding children with disabilities have surfaced, and they are deeply troubling. Such ideas serve only to marginalize and harm those who already face significant challenges. As leaders of Qalipu First Nation, we stand firmly against any form of discrimination or demeaning language directed at children with disabilities or their families.

At the heart of our values as a Nation lies the belief that every child deserves to be treated with respect, care, and fairness, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. Our unwavering commitment to the well-being, dignity, and rights of all our children, especially those living with disabilities is something we support through programs such as Jordan’s Principle.

Jordan’s Principle is a program that ensures First Nations children have equitable access to the services and supports they need without delay or discrimination. Named in honor of Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation who was denied necessary care due to jurisdictional disputes, Jordan’s Principle is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the rights and lives of our most vulnerable.

First Nations children under the age of 19 are eligible for services under Jordan’s Principle. Services or supports that can assist and advance an Indigenous child’s quality of health and life may be covered, such as mental health care, special education, dental care, physical therapy, medical equipment, physiotherapy and more. Each situation is different, and all requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Qalipu First Nation has a Jordan’s Principal Service Coordinator available to answer any questions or assist with the application process.

We urge our community members and allies to continue advocating for the rights and dignity of all children. Let us use our voices to uplift and support those who need us most, following the example set by Jordan’s Principle. Together, we must work to create a world where every child is seen, valued, and given the opportunities they deserve.

Resources & Additional Information:

Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator – Brigitte White (Phone: 709-634-2234, Email: brigitte.white@qalipu.ca)

Application Form: https://qalipu.ca/jordans-principle/

Making a request through Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative: Making a Request Through Jordan’s Principle (pdf)

Accessing Jordan’s Principle, Handbook by Assembly of First Nations: Jordan’s Principle Handbook 2019_en.pdf (afn.ca)

During recent meetings in Nova Scotia, it was inspiring to witness the evident collaboration and cooperation between the provincial government and the First Nations communities in that province.

Reflecting on our own provincial history, it is important to acknowledge past challenges when considering how to best move forward, grow, and find true reconciliation. When Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949, the provincial government denied the existence of Indigenous peoples within our province to avoid being perceived as a “burden” to the crown. This denial occurred despite the courage of many individuals who declared their Indigenous identities on the 1945 census, doing so at great personal risk and with no tangible benefit—only facing discrimination and segregation as a result.

Decades after that pivotal census, we have achieved federal recognition, become members of the Atlantic Policy Congress, Assembly of First Nations and are supported by the Mi’kmaq Grand Council. This milestone is a testament to the resilience and determination of our communities. However, we are acutely aware that our work is far from complete. We continue to strive for equality, justice, and the recognition of our rights.

In this spirit of progress and optimism, we warmly welcome Scott Reid as our new Provincial Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation. We also thank Minister Lisa Dempster for her efforts and wish her all the best in her new role as Minister of Environment and Climate Change. We are hopeful that with the support of all members of cabinet, we can further strengthen our relationship with the provincial government and make significant strides toward a brighter future for all Indigenous peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Together, we have the power to achieve so much. Let us continue to work hand in hand, building a future where respect, understanding, and cooperation guide our path forward.

For many Mi’kmaq folks, St. Anne’s Day holds cultural and spiritual importance. The history of St. Anne’s Day in relation to the Mi’kmaq people can be traced back to interactions between the Mi’kmaq and French Catholic missionaries in the early 17th century. They introduced Catholicism to the Mi’kmaq people as part of their efforts to convert the Mi’kmaq. St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, became a particularly revered figure among the Mi’kmaq.

St. Anne’s Day, celebrated on July 26th, evolved to include pilgrimages to sacred sites, such as the St. Anne’s Mission in Nova Scotia. These gatherings are not only religious, but also social events that strengthen community bonds. The celebrations typically include a mixture of Catholic liturgy, such as masses and prayers dedicated to St. Anne, and traditional Mi’kmaq rituals.

There is no denying the complex relationship between religious groups and Indigenous people. There is a dark history that has led to intergenerational trauma that will take many generations to recover from. But for some people, their religion and the faith they were raised with is what gets them through hard times. Regardless of our personal beliefs, we should always allow each other space to express our cultural and spiritual beliefs without fear of judgment; we are all on a journey and our history has led us to a time when our past and present can intertwine if we allow.

St. Anne’s Day continues to be an important event for many Mi’kmaq people. It serves as a time for cultural reaffirmation, spiritual renewal, and community solidarity. The celebration is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Mi’kmaq culture, as they have maintained their traditions while incorporating elements of Catholicism.

There may be events happening in your areas in observation of St Anne’s Day.  All are welcome to participate and learn about a day that for some, is an element of colonialism they embrace.