Kwe’ Kis’ulk, Creator

Tomorrow we celebrate National Aboriginal Day, a day dedicated for all Canadians to celebrate the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to our communities, our provinces and to the development of our country.  From coast to coast to coast, we celebrate together.

This year marks 20 years since National Aboriginal Day was created.  This national day of recognition is the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups.  This demonstrates that when we work together, and unite our voices with a common goal, we can accomplish great things.  Thank you Creator for those who have gone before us and made such a day of celebration an annual event that we look forward to and cherish.

Special events and gatherings have been scheduled for several of our communities across the island.  I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to share in the fun and the pride of our unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of the indigenous peoples of Canada.

Creator, please bless this special day for the benefit of all Canadians.

Msit No’kmaq,

Chief Brendan Mitchell

Please click here to visit our events calendar to find out what’s happening in your area to mark this special day.

Kwe’

Today I invite all of you to take a moment to pray and reflect on the dire situation in Alberta where wildfires persist in several communities. It is during life’s difficult moments, when we are faced with the crisis of entire communities being evacuated, of fellow Canadians fleeing for their lives, that we realize what is truly important – our health and safety, and our ability to love and support one another.   Please pray with me.

Kisu’lk (Creator) thank you for today and the good things we have in our lives.

Our hearts are with the people of those communities in Alberta where wildfires continue, in particular Fort McMurray where many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including members of the Qalipu First Nation, have settled and made their lives.   There is a tremendous sense of loss, fear and anxiety there, as homes and communities continue to be victimized by one of the most devastating fires in Canadian history.

We ask you for support and strength for the people, Kisu’lk.   Ensure the safety of those on the ground fighting fires and responding to the situation, give comfort to those directly impacted by loss, and also to those whose hearts are heavy with thoughts of those friends and family members impacted by this crisis.

While we struggle to understand such disaster, Kisu’lk, let us remember to have hope and faith.  While we cannot undo the destruction that has happened, we can carry the light of hope and rebirth.   Remind us that it is during times like these that we are given the opportunity to stand together as one people, giving our support, courage and love to those who need it most.

Kisu’lk bring an end to these fires.  Bring rain.  Remove the fear and despair that has crept into the hearts and spirits of the people.  When it’s over Kisu’lk, bring us together as individuals, communities, organizations and governments to aid in rebuilding homes and communities.  Let us all do what we can to help carry the burden so that no one is left behind.

Msit No’kmaq (All my relations)

Chief Brendan Mitchell

 

Kwe’,

It is my pleasure to bring greetings once again with this monthly message.  It is a privilege to be Chief of this Nation.  I ask Kisu’lk (Creator) today, and every day, for guidance to best serve the people I represent.  I pray too that this message finds each of you in good health and looking forward to more sun and warmer temperatures with the near arrival of spring.

There are many reasons to be proud when I look back on the past few weeks.  Qalipu staff did an excellent job in the organization and delivery of our annual business forum, Mawio’mi.  I personally attended this event and was pleased to see a high number of indigenous businesses participating, and presentations from local development leaders.  The youth element of the event was perhaps the best part.  For the first time our Mawio’mi Business Forum included students from around Atlantic Canada who actively participated in the Forum.  The students also participated in break out groups to analyze a business scenario and come up with a solution.  The professionalism and the well put together presentations from these young people gives me confidence in the future.

Another highlight this past month was the opportunity to visit the Miawpukek First Nation along with several of the Qalipu Councilors.  We met at their headquarters, learned about their governance and activities and had a tour around Conne River.  We also met with Qalipu members that are living in that area.  This was a great opportunity to get to know each other better, and to build on the relationship between our two Nations, both Mi’kmaq with shared history.  We anticipate that Chief Mise’l Joe and some of the Miawpukek Councilors will be visiting Qalipu territory in May.  We look forward to the opportunity to connect and build on this important relationship.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to point out several Town Hall Meetings that are coming up in our Wards in the near future.  April 3-Grand Falls-Windsor, April 4-Gander, April 16-St. George’s and April 17-Flat Bay.  You will find the particulars of these meetings in our monthly newsletter, attached.  It is important that members take the opportunity to come out to these meetings and connect with their Ward Councilors.

Wela’lioq (Thank you to all of you)

Chief Brendan Mitchell

Click here to read our monthly newsletter, Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k