This week, on April 22, we celebrated Earth Day—a day dedicated to reflecting on our responsibility to protect Mother Earth. For many of us, Earth Day is not confined to a single day but is an ongoing commitment. We extend our gratitude to all who share in this care and understanding.

It was moving to learn about a Water Ceremony organized by community members in Bay St. George to commemorate this occasion. Despite adverse weather conditions with snowfall and strong winds at Black Bank near St. George’s, they gathered to honor and pray for this precious resource.

All over the world, there is a growing consensus in favor of renewable energy options like wind energy and green hydrogen. While we are still learning and trying to understand what this means for us here in Newfoundland, we know that we must emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship and building strong relationships. These projects are not solely about financial gains; they encompass people, land stewardship, the environment, and the well-being of future generations.

Projects such as Atlas Salt and Project Nujio’qonik, recently received approval through the provinces rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment process. These projects represent unprecedented opportunities and can only be successful by listening to the voices of the residents, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

We want to assure our membership that we hear your feedback and appreciate the diverse perspectives within our communities. We are committed to understanding and addressing your concerns and work collectively with municipalities, local groups and industry partners to ensure our voices are heard and respected.

From the moment we wake up each day, we all have an impact on our environment. Together, we will navigate these challenges and continue to strive for a sustainable and prosperous future.

 

Wela’lin,

 

Chief Jenny Brake

Kwe’,

I want to offer my sincere condolences to the immediate family and loved ones of Trevor Childs and Nicholas Skinner.  News of the tragic loss of these two community members from Lark Harbour after their boat capsized this past weekend has left a family grieving a loss that spans two generations.

Like many communities, the fishery represents both a livelihood, and too often, tragedy.

I also want to take the time to acknowledge the grief of an entire community.   My grandmother was born and raised in this community.  I can say from experience that residents are more than neighbours, they are a family, and this loss is being felt by everyone.

I would encourage our Band members to access mental health services through your Non-Insured Health Benefits.  This is a service that does not require payment upfront, and there is a list of providers to choose from.  If you require further assistance, please contact us.

I pray for the safety of our fisher people, many of whom are now on the water following the recent opening of the fishing season.  We will ask the Creator to watch over you and keep you safe.

 

Wela’lin,

Chief Jenny Brake

Kwe’,

Last night I was honoured to meet the inspirational Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, founder and ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society.  Many of us are familiar with Orange Shirt Day, and the sad story of a little girl whose new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day of Indian Residential School.  This is Phyllis’ story; she was that little girl.

At only 6 years old, Phyllis recounted that in that strange and lonely place, she felt that her life did not matter.  She didn’t understand why she was there, and why she couldn’t go home.  In times of loneliness and despair, she felt there was nobody to comfort her, and the little children turned to one another for support.

It is one thing for us to know of stories like this and to be aware of the tragic legacy of the Indian Residential School.  It is quite another to meet Phyllis and take on this experience from a survivor.  These words last night touched me deeply, I thought of my young girls at home safe in their beds. It is unfathomable to think of this happening to any child.

Phyllis’ message of love and hope, that Every Child Matters, is true blessing arising from this difficult experience that she experienced along with many, many others.

On behalf of the Qalipu First Nation, I want to express my sincere thanks to the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network along with partners the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre, the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation and Ulnooweg, who brought Phyllis to Newfoundland.

I also want to give thanks to Judy Falle, a long-time employee of the Education and Training Department who wrote a children’s Indigenous book that deals with Truth and Reconciliation from a local perspective, Papa and His Drum.  Throughout that journey of writing, researching and publication, Judy reached out to Phyllis for guidance and support.  From that connection, a friendship was forged that ultimately led Phyllis to journey from coast to coast from British Columbia to Newfoundland for the very first time.

We wish Phyllis energy and strength on her journey sharing her message here in Newfoundland, on a four-and-a-half-hour time difference that must be very challenging, and telling a story that brings back her pain again and again.  This sacrifice she makes in sharing her story is to the benefit of all who meet her.

If you’re in or around the Stephenville area, I encourage you to head over to the Lion’s Club tonight from 6-8 where Phyllis will be on hand to meet and speak with community members.

 

Wela’lin,

Chief Jenny Brake

 

Kwe’,

April 2 was the 14^th annual World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the issues faced by autistics.

I feel honoured to have many friends within the autism community. Celebrating these friendships and relationships is incredibly important to me.

We learn so much from each other when we take the time to listen. I am grateful to the Autism Society of NL as they keep us informed and equipped with current and appropriate language and help us better understand how we can best advocate for people who may need our supportive voices. Education is key and leads to better understanding. We all have a responsibility to ensure all members of our communities are accepted and valued.

I invite you to take the time this week to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in recognition of autistics as well as those who love and support them.   Every one of us is unique and has perspectives, gifts, skills, and abilities that shape the beautiful mosaic of our communities.

Did you know that there are supports available to Indigenous autistic children?

Jordan’s Principle can provide funding for health, education and social needs that may not be covered by our provincial health care plan, NIHB or private insurance.

For example, the assessment to confirm diagnosis, access to respite or alternate childcare, help with travel to medical appointments, sensory items, speech services, or help with accessing social activities recommended by a health care provider are all available under Jordan’s Principle.

It’s important to note that even children who do not have status cards are eligible to receive funding if their parent is a status card holder.

I encourage you to share this information in your community and help make sure that folks are aware.  Our Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator, Brigitte, can be reached at 709-634-2234 or by emailing brigitte.white@qalipu.ca

 

Wela’lin

Interim Chief Jenny Brake

Dear Members of the Qalipu First Nation,

I hope this message finds you all in good health and spirits. It is with great honour and sincere appreciation that I write to you today as the Interim Chief of the Qalipu First Nation. On behalf of our entire community, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and admiration to Chief Mi’sel Joe for his remarkable 31 years of dedicated service as Chief of the Miawpukek First Nation.

I had the privilege of joining Chief Joe for dinner as he marked his final day as Chief. On January 17, exactly 31 years to the day since beginning his journey as the leader of Miawpukek First Nation, we shared a meal and reflected on his incredible journey and the path ahead for our respective communities.

Chief Joe has been a mentor to me and so many others throughout the years, always willing to share his wisdom and provide invaluable guidance. I am profoundly grateful to him for his unwavering support and encouragement, and I look forward to continued friendship as Chief Joe embarks on this new chapter in his life.  Please join me in wishing him the best as he enjoys more time with his beloved family and his passion for the outdoors.

We look forward to working with the new Chief and Council of Miawpukek First Nation and we wish Chief Joe the very best in this new phase of his life.

Kwe’,

I hope that this message finds you well.  The holiday season can be stressful, but I hope that each of you has the opportunity to rest and relax as we move into the new year.

Life’s journey can be full of twists and turns; entering the role of Interim Chief has been another twist along my path that I’m happy to say, I’m quite comfortable with. I feel privileged to have this opportunity and I look forward to working with our Council and staff for another year of elevating and celebrating our Mi’kmaw community. I hope to meet you and your families in the new year, and I wish you all the best in 2024.

From my family to yours, Wli Nuelewi aq Pusu’l Puna’ne, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Wela’lin,

 

Interim Chief Jenny Brake

Update on Veterans and Service Members Agreement

Kwe’

By now most of you have heard that I am saying my goodbyes at Qalipu First Nation as I prepare to begin a new journey as Regional Chief for Newfoundland with the Assembly of First Nations.  While I will no longer be serving you as Chief of Qalipu, I will not be going far.  I will continue to work on behalf of Qalipu as it is one of the four AFN affiliates in this province.

It has been my privilege and my honour to serve you as Chief and I thank you for affording me that opportunity.

Before I go, I am pleased to provide an update on the Service Members Agreement, an initiative that has been very near and dear to my heart and an accomplishment of which I am very proud.

This is an update to members following the positive support for the Agreement that the Government of Canada, Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians reached last year on December 22, 2022. The Agreement establishes criteria for accepting former and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as Qalipu Founding Members. Acceptance is based on the special place of honour these new members hold in the Mi’kmaq culture due to their service as protectors of Canada and their communities.

 

Applications Process

• The Enrollment Committee has completed its initial review of all applications for Founding Membership with Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.
• An appeals process will follow for those who wish to exercise this option.

 

Founding Membership List

• The review of applications under this exercise will result in over 580 additions to the Founding Membership list.
• Decision letters to all applicants and requests for additional information in some instances will follow.
• It is anticipated that this phase of enrolment will be completed in 2024 following the regulatory process by Canada to officially add new members to the Founding Members list of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. For more information on the Order in Council process, please visit Orders in Council – Canada.ca.

• Individuals who are recognized as Founding Members will immediately be registered as Status Indians under the Indian Act, thus becoming eligible to receive benefits such as those from the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.

 

If you have any questions, please call the Government of Canada’s Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation toll-free line (1-800-561-2266; TTY: 1-800-465-7735).

 

Wela’lioq, thank you all.

Chief Brendan Mitchell

 

Kwe’

Have you noticed some of the great information being shared this month for Mi’kmaw History Month? Sports, language, music and values are some of the many topics of focus for this annual celebration of our shared Mi’kmaw history.

Here at home in Ktaqmkuk perhaps the most important place we can turn our attention this month is to our identity and belonging as a part of the Mi’kmaq Nation. Unama’ki aq Ktaqmkuk (Cape Breton and Newfoundland) is one of the seven districts that make up Mi’kma’ki, the traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaw people.

We are unique in that we have lived most of our history outside the bounds of the Indian Act.  Our Mi’kmaq ancestors living on the island were denied rights and acknowledgement when Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949.  The government of the day, in fact, said that they didn’t exist.

But exist they did and like the caribou for whom our Nation is named, our ancestors wandered far and wide building families and lives alongside and interwoven with European cultures.  It was more than sixty years later, after decades of advocacy by our Mi’kmaq leaders, that Qalipu First Nation was created.  This acknowledgement by the government didn’t change who we are but it provided for acknowledgement of our Mi’kmaw ancestors and their many descendants who could now stand up and claim Indian status in their place.

This is not the story of every First Nation, but it is our story.

Identity is founded in our relationships with each other, our language, values, spirituality, our connection to the land, and our relationship with the greater Mi’kmaq Nation which extends all the way from Maine to Newfoundland.

I call on you to take pride and share in our successes both from our past and present and take every opportunity to lift each other up.

I also ask you each to take time to consider how we can more fully embrace Mi’kmaw values.  How can we make life better for the Mi’kmaw community as a whole? Is there a way we can be supportive, especially with community members in need like seniors or those going through crisis? How can we each be more involved in our First Nation, beyond benefits and into participation and belonging?

Let us continue to grow our understanding of this shared history and identity and go forward together, building our Nation.

Wela’lin,

Chief Brendan