Kwe’

National Indigenous Peoples Day is just around the corner and there are plenty of celebrations happening across the province.  We’ve been doing our best to do a roundup of events being hosted by various community groups and organizations.  Clicking on page 1 will lead you to the full list of events.  Is there something missing? Let us know by emailing communications@qalipu.ca

One thing I hope you’ll take note of in this newsletter is the importance of updating your ginu membership profile.  Information on how and why you should do this can be found on page 5 of this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k.

In a nutshell, we need your email address to send you important news, benefit updates and e-voting opportunities, and a mailing address so that we can send voter information packages the next time we have an election.  Recall that in 2018 we had an amendment vote to change the way we run elections so, next time around, everything you need to cast your vote will arrive in the mail.   Many in our communities may not realize this change so let’s help each other out by spreading the word.

Please, update ginu!

Also, in this edition of the newsletter, find an update on the Comprehensive Community Plan (Page 10), a great story on sharing Indigenous culture in the classroom and on the land (Page 11), and an update from the Natural Resources Department on a wetland delineation project (Page 12-13).

If you’ve got news to share, please send it our way!

Wela’lin

Kwe’

In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k (the caribou are travelling together) we have a lot of great news to share.

On Page 3, breaking news regarding our acceptance into the Atlantic Policy Congress.  This is a positive step forward on the heels of our acceptance into the Assembly of First Nations just last year.  We are all looking forward to working together with other First Nations in Canada.

The Membership Orientation Community Tour is wrapping up with the final dates coming up this month.  Find all the details to attend a session in Port au Port, Corner Brook, Benoit’s Cove or St. John’s and, if you can’t attend in person, find a link to the online edition of the Membership Information Guide on Page 4 and stay tuned for an upcoming online information session.

Also, in this edition, Cultural Connections, on Page 5 is an inspiring story about finding a personal connection to one’s family history on display at the National Museum of History.  Find other great stories on celebrating and sharing our culture on Page 6 (Indigenous School Outreach), Page 8 (Eagle Feather Bestowment Ceremony) Page 12 (Ancient Art Explored) and Page 13 (Crafting a Connection Cultural Workshop Series).

As always, please feel free to submit your stories, photos and upcoming events so that we can share them with our communities in the newsletter and on our Indigenous Community Calendar.  Please send to communications@qalipu.ca

Wela’lin

Alison

Kwe’

In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k we’ve got a lot of great stories and pictures from our communities. Grassroots people are at the heart of our Nation and this is easily seen in the many events, workshops and volunteer efforts that we see happening in our communities. Find some of those stories featured on Pages 7-11.

Qalipu’s election was held on October 23 and our newly elected Council will officially take office in just one week. Find all the details on the Election, an invitation to the Swearing in Ceremony and explore the top three priorities of each member of Council on Pages 4-6.

Also, in this month’s newsletter, a story and pictures from the Experience Qalipu Indigenous Tourism Forum and a focus piece on one of the Indigenous tourism operators at work in our province, Pirates Haven RV Park and Chalets; an update on the Outdoor Education Program; student success stories and opportunities from the Qalipu Education and Training Department; and important updates from the Health division.

The big announcement yesterday came too late for publication but, we are all talking about it. The federal government has committed to enter into exploratory discussions regarding veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP and FNI members or members of other Mi’kmaq organizations who were involved in the Enrolment Process and denied Founding Membership. Our Chief committed to fight for this in a Demonstration of Community Solidarity. Many stories were collected at that time, and people who are impacted by the outcome of these discussions will be contacted as more information becomes available.

The way forward for individuals impacted by the Wells/Wells court case is also in the works and details  of this were announced. What we want people to know now is that INAC cannot reach you if you do not have a current address listed with them.  If you’ve moved or had an address change, please update it by calling 1-800-561-2266.

Please, keep in touch. Share your community event, success story, news and anything else that would be of interest to the Inidgenous community by emailing me at awhite@qalipu.ca

Wela’lin

Alison

Kwe’

Welcome to the latest edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k, our Indigenous community newsletter.

On Page 7, find important details on our upcoming election which will take place this fall.   We’ve included information on the Amendment Vote that will be held at the same time as the general election.  If membership votes ‘yes’ to accept the proposed changes, we will see positive changes to the way we deliver elections, including increased voter participation and accessibility, accurate and timely results, and a substantial cost savings that can be put back into our communities.  Please take a few minutes to read the Question and Answers which summarize what this Amendment Vote is all about.  Along with this information, we’ve also provided a link to apply for a mail-in ballot, and a reminder how to update your address if you’ve moved.

Have you ever heard a community in Newfoundland being called by it’s Mi’kmaq name? In the past, places were often named to describe landscape features, to aid in navigation, and to locate specific resources like, Pilmuipke’katik (where mint grows along the brook).  We’re pleased to share with you a new interactive map that includes more than 80 place names along with Mi’kmaq translations and details on their meanings.  We hope to make this map project even more interactive by adding photos, videos and audio.  Maybe you have something special to add and we hope you will.  Find a link to this map, and an invitation to participate in this project on page 3.

On Page 8 find a summary of some of Experience Qalipu’s summer events, and on Page 9 get important updates from the Health division including a notice of rate increase, and information on how to sign up for Electronic Funds Transfer.  On Page 10 and 11 we share submissions from the Exploit’s Mawio’mi and The Bay St. George Mi’kmaq Powwow.

Find all this and lots more.  If you would like to comment on what you’ve read, or have news to share, please get in touch with me at awhite@qalipu.ca

Wela’lin

Alison

Kwe’

With summer solstice just around the corner, new buds on the trees and sunny skies, are you as excited as I am about all the opportunities to celebrate the season?

National Indigenous Peoples Day, for many communities, has become a weeklong celebration.  In Corner Brook, the Mi’kmaq Flag will be raised on Monday, July 18^th at several locations throughout the city.  Join the circuit on the Majestic lawn at 9:30 AM (in front of the Qalipu office building at 3 Church Street).  The event will begin with the planting of a tree and smudging of the flags which will later be raised at City Hall, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Grenfell Campus and the College of the North Atlantic.  Find all the details for this event on Page 13.

This National day of celebration is observed annually across Canada on June 21 to recognize and celebrate the unique culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.   In Newfoundland, there are events across the province.  On Page 1 of this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k, you will find details on those events, and links for further information.  I look forward to the many things happening in my home community, St. George’s, where both the St. George’s Indian Band and the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre have many wonderful things planned including sunrise ceremony, open doors at the Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum, feasts, and a hike up Steel Mountain.  What’s happening in your area? Don’t miss out on the fun.

Also, in this edition, find event schedules for the Exploits Mawio’mi and the Bay St. George Mi’kmaq Powwow, snapshots of community happenings, stories about our young achievers, and some information from the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network on a new program.

To comment on what you’ve seen here, make suggestions for future newsletters or to contribute your community news, please write to awhite@qalipu.ca

I look forward to hearing from you.

Wela’lin

Alison

Kwe’

Welcome to the latest edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k, (translation: the caribou are travelling together).

The way of the caribou is to work together, travel together, and support one another in the herd.  It is this quality that we can all embrace as we work through a difficult moment for our people; the Qalipu enrolment process has left families feeling divided, grassroots people excluded from something they worked to create, and Indigenous veterans denied membership for reasons they feel were beyond their control.   On page One, you’ll find a link to a video that shares not only the public rallies in support of Qalipu applicants that took place across the nation on February 24, 2018, but also shares some our struggles and personal stories.

I would also like to bring your attention to information and recruitment sessions that are happening across the province next week.  The Black Bear Program is a summer employment program that combines Indigenous culture and teachings with basic military training.  The six-week program pays really well, and all expenses including travel, accommodations and meals are covered! Tell a young person in your life about this opportunity and get them registered for a session in their area.  Find all the details on page Four.

It is always wonderful to hear news from the communities and this month we have four full pages of happenings! Please enjoy the variety of news, success stories and upcoming events submitted by our readers and community groups.  Keep it coming, we aim to connect our dispersed communities and appreciate your input greatly.

Have you heard the story of a family nine “Wandering Indians” who perished on the barrens near St. George’s (Indian Cove, the earliest recorded Mi’kmaq settlement in Newfoundland) in 1862? Co-authors Len Muise and Melvin White want to make sure we don’t forget them, and that we honour the lives of our nomadic ancestors.  Find this beautiful story on page Thirteen.

Thanks so much for reading and please, stay in touch.

Alison

Kwe’

In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k you will find the details on a demonstration set to take place in Ottawa this weekend on the front page.  On page 2, find out how the Chief is negotiating for grassroots people and community members, and how to share your story, and in my editorial, I’m With You, Joe, read a story that many can relate to- Joe is one of our members who has been told he will lose his status.

Also, in this edition are details about the Climate Change Study that has just begun at Qalipu.   Through interviews, we will gather information about climate change, its impact on our communities and people, and solutions for adaptations.  Find all the details on page 6.

As usual, we share important information about opportunities, community updates and events that you won’t want to miss.

Please enjoy and don’t hesitate to get in touch to make a comment, ask a question or provide content for the next edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k.

Please enjoy this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k.  Remember to send your stories, pictures, and feedback to Alison at awhite@qalipu.ca

Wela’lin,

Alison White

Kwe’

This newsletter is bursting at the seams with news from the Band and the indigenous community, pictures, information on upcoming opportunities and a few updates.

On page 2, find an announcement from Band Manager regarding changes to the departmental structure of the Qalipu administrative body in a piece called Departmental Changes.

Something you won’t want to miss are details on the recent Blanket Gifting Ceremony.  This tradition of the Dakota Tipi First Nation was brought to us by a community member who gifted the Qalipu Chief a beautiful star blanket.  Find this story on page 8.

Bernadette “Bernie” Hanlon dedicated her life to supporting and encouraging the aboriginal people of Newfoundland both culturally and in working with them to meet their educational dreams.  The Bernie Hanlon Memorial Scholarship was created to help a Qalipu funded student attending college or completing an undergraduate degree to continue to pursue those dreams.   This year’s winner of the scholarship is Alison Bennett.  You’ll find her story and other student success stories on page 10.

The Ke’tipnemk Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction for the Qalipu Cultural Foundation was a great success this year.  The food, the music, the artwork! This is a wonderful event, year after year.  On page 13-14, we share a few pictures, thank our sponsors, and announce the fundraising total dollars raised!

Please enjoy this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k.  Remember to send your stories, pictures, and feedback to Alison at awhite@qalipu.ca

Click here to view this month’s newsletter

Wela’lin,
Alison White

Kwe’

August already! This will be the last newsletter until October as we prepare for the upcoming Annual General Assembly and publication of the Annual Report.  Details on this meeting will be advertised in the near future and I hope that many of you will come out for a chance to meet face-to-face and hear about the good work the Band has been doing in the past year.

You will be able to tell from this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k how inspired I am by Eastern Owl, an all female group of musicians that is helping to shape Mi’kmaq culture in Newfoundland today.  I met them at the Miawpukek First Nation 22^nd Annual Powwow in Conne River where they performed on Friday night.  Five of the seven ladies in this group are from Conne River and I have to say, it was heartwarming to see the community pride when they took the stage.  The Conne River community was very warm and welcoming and I will definitely go back again! Some of the kind people that I met are featured on page 5.

Have you heard that Qalipu is working toward the establishment of an Elders Advisory Council? Chief and Council are eager to hear your thoughts on the initiative (page 3) so please, submit your thoughts and spread the word around your community for people who are not online to get all the news.  You can also share that Qalipu offers an Elders Mailout for members of the Band over the age of 65 who would like to get their communications by mail.  Signing up for this service is as simple as giving me a call (709) 634-5163. 

In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k find out who won medals at the North American Indigenous Games, get news from the Health Division, learn more about our new branch, Experience Qalipu, get the scoop on the establishment of a new Friendship Centre, an initiative led by the Bay St. George Cultural Circle, and so much more.  Please read on and stay in touch.

Click here to view this month’s newsletter

Thanks,

Alison

Kwe’,

Happy National Aboriginal Day! I can’t wait to meet some of you out around the sunrise ceremony and community breakfast tomorrow morning, and a full day of gathering and celebration around my home community, St. George’s.  I’m thankful to my own community leaders, and all the volunteers across the province who plan such nice days for us all to enjoy.  Wela’lin!

Want to know what’s happening near you tomorrow for Aboriginal Day, and all summer long? Please check our events calendar at www.qalipu.ca/events.  Personally, I’m looking forward to cooking around the fire with gourmet chefs who will show visitors how to use simple, traditional ingredients to make something beautiful.  This event takes place in Cow Head on June 28, 7:00 PM.

In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k we share successes of quite a few outstanding individuals.  Elder Calvin White, Cst. Shawna Park, Paula Hall, Michael Brake, and Judy White.  Each of these proud Mi’kmaq have much to offer to their communities.  Find their stories inside.

Find a few of Qalipu’s news updates including a message from the Chief, an update on the Outdoor Education Program, World Ocean’s Day success and all the information you need to know about the RNC Junior Police Academy as a youth participant or as a volunteer chaperone.

Click here to view this month’s newsletter

As always, I encourage you to share your news, pictures and events in our newsletter.  You can reach me at awhite@qalipu.ca

Please read on, and stay in touch.

Alison