Well it’s April, spring is finally here, and I’m happy to say there is still much good news to report on.

In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k, I’m really excited to share that Qalipu will be hosting an Indigenous Tourism Forum on May 4^th at Marble Inn in Steady Brook.   The forum will feature guest speakers from the Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, and there will be an exciting tourism announcement by Qalipu Chief Brendan Mitchell and Parks Canada Superintendent Geoff Hancock.  Finally, delegates will benefit from an afternoon of specialized training with Cal Martin of Frog in the Pocket.   Find more details and a link to apply on page 7.

Did you hear that we have a new Band Manager? Keith Goulding has been a dedicated and strong leader as a Director at Qalipu for the past six years.  This April, he stepped up to take on the prominent position of Band Manager, leading staff and working with the Chief and Council.  Find the press release on page 2.

On page 3, find out about upcoming workshops and training opportunities happening soon with Qalipu and the Cultural Foundation.  Here, you’ll also find links to the latest Council Meeting Report, and reports on all the End of Enrolment Community Tours.

On page 8, we finally get around to congratulating one of our own community leaders, Judy White, who recently became the CEO for the Assembly of First Nations.  Ben Bennett, Ward Councilor for her home community of Flat Bay, wanted to make sure congratulations was announced by the Band.  Congratulations Judy!

How about a good Mi’kmaq ghost story? Check page 5.  Try page 9 for the point of view of one of our members, Brenda Paul, on the Daniels Symposium she recently attended with Chief and Council.

Find all this and lots more in Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k.

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All the best,

Alison

Kwe’

In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k we’ve put together all available enrolment related information in a three-page spread that includes links to more information.  If you can’t find the answer to a question you’ve got in mind, you’re encouraged to get in touch.

Have you heard that Qalipu has hired a new Band Manager?  Randy Drover has a variety of employment experience, a long history of involvement with the aboriginal movement in Newfoundland, and an excellent education to boot.  Find the story Qalipu Welcomes Band Manager on page 4.

“We are English speaking Mi’kmaq people… what difference does it make if we express ourselves, our Mi’kmaq spirit, in English?  After all, my ancestors learned French and English and spoke these new languages with a strong spirit of survival and forward momentum.  Why now go back?” A secret thought I carried as I enrolled in the Grenfell Mi’kmaw Teaching and Learning course.  However, I was soon given a valuable lesson on the true importance of language, and how to Learn with Nijaqmij (my spirit).  Find the story in my editorial Rethinking Language on page 5.

Bernie Hanlon was a dedicated Qalipu employee and member of the Band who committed her life to working with, supporting and encouraging aboriginal students to achieve their dreams.  Each year, in memory of Bernie Hanlon, the Band presents a scholarship to one deserving student.  Read all about this year’s winner, and find out how you can apply to be the next recipient, on page 6.

Finally, you’ll find information on upcoming events, the latest Council Meeting Report and a few snapshots from our communities on pages 7-9.

Please enjoy the newsletter and as always, keep in touch.

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Alison

Kwe’

In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k discover a new take on medicine wheel teachings through the wise words of our friend Brad Firth, aka Caribou Legs, in my editorial “God Shots”.

On page three, check out some great snapshots of some of the work that has been keeping our Chief and Council busy for the past month, and learn about the Seniors Mentoring and Leadership Project recently held at Kildevil Lodge.

Have you heard about the important appointment of our Western Region Vice Chief, Erica Samms-Hurley, to the Canadian Institute Health Research Advisory Board? Find the story on page four.

On page five we’ve got the popular Mi’kmaw language lesson from Dean Simon and on page six our Tourism Development Officer Tara Saunders explores the question ‘What is authentic indigenous art?’ through her discussion with local artist Jordan Bennett.  If you’re an artist who has a different opinion on the subject, get in touch with Tara for a new perspective in a future newsletter.  Reach her by email at tsaunders@qalipu.ca or by phone at (709) 634-5972.

You won’t believe the success of the Qalipu Cultural Foundation at this year’s Ke’tipnemk Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction.  Get the scoop from Chairperson Sherry Dean on page seven, along with a link to a photo gallery on our Band’s Facebook page.

Find all this, and a little more in this edition of our monthly newsletter.  Please enjoy and remember, you’re encouraged to get in touch with your thoughts or contributions to the next edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k (The Caribou are Travelling Together).

Thanks,

Alison

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Kwe’

In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k you will want to pay attention to an important announcement regarding the Medical Transportation Benefit.  There are changes to how members living in Atlantic Canada will access this benefit, and we want to make sure you are aware of all the details.  Find this on page 1.

You also won’t want to miss out on the Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge project featured on page 4, right next to Natural Resource Manager Jonathan Strickland’s guidance for a safe and sustainable harvest this fall.

Also in this issue, a throwback to the warm days of July with a beautiful excerpt from the sermon from Father Donald Leonard of Sacred Heart Parish, the site of this years’ St. Anne’s Day Celebration.  Special thanks to Service Qalipu Director Ralph Eldridge for organizing the event and all the volunteers who worked together to make it possible.

Do you remember hearing about the end of the grade 5 Outdoor Education Program last spring? Well, its back on and we’re proud to share that we played a hand in making it happen.  Get the scoop on page 6.

Over the past month or so I was lucky enough to get around to meet a lot of fantastic people and see some special places including the Mi’kmaq Language and Culture Camp in De Grau, The Drop-in Addiction Recovery Centre in Stephenville, and a Sweat Lodge in Stephenville Crossing.  I’ve shared some recollections, interviews and photos of these special places and people.

I hope you enjoy the newsletter, and I encourage you to get in touch with your thoughts or contributions to the next edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k.

Thanks,
Alison

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If you didn’t make it to this year’s Bay St. George Powwow, this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qlaipu’k is for you.  In it, we share a vibrant photo collage, stories, and an interview with a Sacred Fire Keeper.  Along with a focus on the powwow, we also share the story of a touching donation made to Qalipu by Parks Canada, and details on the upcoming Qalipu Cultural Foundation Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction.  On page 6, take your imagination on a tour of the Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum and on page 9 celebrate the accomplishments of our young athletes and the first ever indigenous teams at the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games.  Please read on and stay in touch.

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In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k we invite you to share in the successes of a few of our members who recently received awards for their hard work, connect with the power of prayer with this month’s editorial, check out some great photos of National Aboriginal Day celebrations across the province, get all the details on this weekend’s Bay St. George 10^th Annual Powwow, and so much more.  Read on, and stay in touch.

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In this month’s edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k you will find helpful information about the recent Qalipu Enrolment update, some pictures from workshops that were held across the Wards, a beginner Mi’kmaw language lesson, employment assistance for new grads, a sneak peak into a diary from 1857 and much more.  Please read on and stay in touch.

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Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k March 2016 Newsletter Now Online

Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k is a monthly newsletter. In it, we aim to share not only the happenings of the Band but also, to help connect our dispersed communities. If you would like to give your thoughts on what you’ve read here, or share an upcoming community event, achievement, news item, or anything else that may be of interest to our aboriginal community, please get in touch:

Alison White
Communications Officer
Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation
Tel. 709-634-5163
Email awhite@qalipu.ca

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