March 17, 2020, Corner Brook—Qalipu First Nation wishes to advise that effective 4:00 PM today, all Qalipu office locations will be closed. Services will continue to be delivered by our dedicated body of staff from their home office locations. This decision has been made to support efforts being made to reduce contact and spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

Qalipu Band Chief Brendan Mitchell noted that, for Council, the decision to send staff home was a good one. He said, “We are experiencing an unprecedented moment in our shared history. In our province and around the world businesses and individuals are demonstrating that we are willing to put the wellness of our communities ahead of business as usual. At Qalipu First Nation, we are willing to do what is needed.”

Chief Mitchell noted that the Band will maintain a high level of communication with community members via social media, the Qalipu.ca website, by email and phone.

He said, “We are each finding our way day by day as this health crisis unfolds. It’s important that we find ways to stay connected and know that we are getting through this together. I encourage you to sign up for our Community Mailing List if you haven’t already done so. We plan on staying in touch.”

While the Band transitions to work from home, we ask community members to be patient. At this time, contact by email would be most direct and staff will be available to respond during regular business hours. We will check voicemails daily for those who may not be able to avail of online communication. It is important to note that there will be no break in our services. Health claims will be processed, education benefit intake and management as well as other services will continue.

We are all in this together. M’sit No’kmaq.

March 16, 2020, Corner Brook—Further to a press release issued on March 13, Qalipu First Nation wishes to advise its membership and other stakeholders that we have added additional safety measures to help prevent unnecessary contact or potential spread of COVID-19 in our communities.  As previously noted, all events, workshops and other gatherings have been postponed, and staff travel has been restricted.

At this time, we wish to advise that our offices will not be open to walk-in traffic or appointments in St. George’s, Stephenville, Corner Brook, Glenwood, and Grand Falls-Windsor.  We will continue to provide a high level of service and encourage our members to contact us by phone or email.  A full list of staff contact and Council information can be found on our website: https://qalipu.ca/about/office-and-e-mail-addresses/

The Council meeting scheduled for March 21 in Corner Brook will proceed as planned however, this meeting will not be open for the attendance of membership.

Additionally, until further notice, our community rooms in Grand Falls-Windsor and Corner Brook will be closed.  If you have reserved this space, you will be contacted regarding this change.

We will continue to monitor updates and update our emergency preparedness plans as needed.  We will advise of all changes impacting our members and the services that we provide.

February 21, 2020 Corner Brook—The Qalipu Business Network hosted its annual business forum on February 18-19 at the Greenwood Inn in Corner Brook.  This was the eighth annual forum which is designed to facilitate connections between Indigenous entrepreneurs, member-owned businesses, industry partners and service providers.  More than 80 business owners and other delegates turned out for the event.

The forum opened with an evening networking social featuring a musical performance by the talented Lorna Lovell who is set to launch her new album, Whenever I Sing, later this month.  Day two of the forum opened with a welcome from Qalipu Chief Brendan Mitchell and cultural sharing by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association and included a full day of networking, engaging presentations and panel discussions.

Tara Saunders, Acting Director of the Community Development Department at Qalipu noted, “Our theme this year, ‘Building Success Together’, was really portrayed by the mix of business owners, service providers and government representatives in the room.  It was great to explore how all these groups can continue to work together to build strong and prosperous communities and it was inspiring to hear from some of our many entrepreneurs whose passion, dedication and great community partners have helped them achieve success in their business.  A big thank you goes out to the staff at Qalipu First Nation who helped put this event together, and to our partners and allies for their unwavering support.  Wela’lioq”

Business owners who would like to connect with the Qalipu Business Network are invited to contact Economic Development Officer Kellie Kerpan at kkerpan@qalipu.ca

January 23, 2020 Corner Brook—The Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce the first of many engagement sessions that will take place across the nine Wards. The purpose of the engagement is to seek community input on the development of a Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP)

The CCP is a process that will allow communities to build a roadmap towards sustainability, self- sufficiency, and improved government capacity. It will allow the community to establish a vision for its future and implement projects to achieve this vision. This process is intended to be inclusive, representing the perspective of all members, from youths to Elders, within or outside the community.

The key planning areas are governance, land and resources, health, infrastructure development, culture, social issues, and the economy. The CCP will be sustainable, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive.

Sessions are scheduled in the following locations:

Swift Current
February 3, 2020
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Kilmory Lodge
Glenwood
February 5, 2020
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Glenwood Town Hall

Please, come on out to have your say, and for a chance to win some beautiful swag featuring the CCP logo artwork created by local Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse. For more information please contact CCP Coordinator Samantha Gardiner at sgardiner@qalipu.ca.

To take the CCP Survey, please click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K8DCNWV

January 22, 2020 Corner Brook—The Qalipu Business Network (QBN) will host its annual business forum on February 19 at the Greenwood Inn in Corner Brook, opening with a networking social on the evening of the 18th.

The Forum will focus on tips and best practices when working with funders, building successful businesses in rural areas and offering social media solutions for small businesses. Jolene Lasky will address the group as keynote speaker, sharing the story of her journey to creating Wabanki Maple, a 100% Indigenous female-owned business in Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation).

Qalipu Chief Brendan Mitchell noted that small businesses are the life blood of our communities. He said, “Newfoundland and its tradition of hospitality, friendship and good spirit are talked about now more than ever. The potential is there for small business to harness innovation, technology and exposure to consumers from around the world. Our rural communities are the heart of this province.”

Carrying on a tradition of engaging young leaders of the future, there will also be a youth innovation challenge for post-secondary students. The challenge will include presentation of real-life business case that the students will be asked to present solutions.

Business Network members and other participants are invited to showcase their businesses and give forum delegates an opportunity to learn more about the local business community including available products, services and opportunities to partner.

Interested attendees can pre-register for the event by clicking here (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/qalipu-business-forum-2020-tickets-90630868367) , or by calling Kellie at 489-2898. To participate in the trade show, please contact Kellie. Please note, tables are limited.

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January 13, 2020 Corner Brook— Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce its commitment to honouring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) through the installation of a dedicatory space outside our head office in Corner Brook.   This initiative is being made possible through a commemorative fund provided by the Department of Women and Gender Equality, and the generosity of the City of Corner Brook, an integral partner in the development of this shared city space.

The project will culminate in a shared space for surrounding communities, for cultural and ceremonial gatherings.  The Band envisions annual gatherings on October 4^th, a day set aside specifically to honour lost women and girls and they hope to see community groups use the space all through the year.

Preliminary design concepts focus on incorporating elements of the medicine wheel, in a circular gathering space that could accommodate around 100 people.  However, Band Chief Brendan Mitchell noted that plans will not be finalized until consultation has been completed.

“This is a significant and important project to honour missing and murdered women and girls, and their loved ones,” noted Qalipu Band Chief Brendan Mitchell, “we have letters of support from surrounding municipalities, we’ve met with the Indigenous women’s groups in this area, and we’re about to host public consultation.  It’s important that our community people tell us what they would like to see, and how they envision using this space.  Particularly, we want to hear from those impacted by the loss of a loved one.”

Glenda Buckle is a member-at-large on the project’s planning committee.  She said that this project, for her, will offer healing.  “The design concepts are absolutely beautiful.  For me, it’s healing and closure to see that a space as special as this will be developed in honour of women like my sister whose lives were taken.”

Mayor Jim Parsons is pleased that the City of Corner Brook is a partner in this initiative.  He said, “As a community, we are pleased to collaborate in providing the land for ceremony, healing, and an important space to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.  We hope this will become one of many community gathering areas to support health and wellness that is grounded in cultural principles and practices. We are looking forward to the public consultation to help us shape this fundamental project.”

All those interested in learning more about the development plans for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Commemorative Installment are encouraged to attend a public meeting on January 27^th at 7:00 PM at the Qalipu Community Room in Corner Brook.  Individuals may also provide feedback via an online survey

For more information, please contact project lead Tara Saunders at 634-5972 or email tsaunders@qalipu.ca

November 22, 2019 Corner Brook—Members of the Band are invited to participate in the development of the Qalipu First Nation five-year strategic plan via consultation sessions scheduled to take place throughout the territory starting in December and moving into the new year.

Band Chief Brendan Mitchell noted, “The Strategic Plan is the document that will help guide the ongoing development of programs and services the Band provides to its members.  A collaborative approach in its development is essential in ensuring our members’ needs and vision are reflected in our work.  I hope that members will participate in the process.”

The Strategic Plan will provide direction for Chief and Council, as well as staff, as they plan for future development in the areas of member services, brand and communications, culture and heritage, environmental stewardship, economic development and operational excellence.

Members who wish to contribute to the plan can choose to participate in-person at the sessions or by completing an on-line survey that will be published on the Band website, www.qalipu.ca.  Written submissions will be accepted at our office in Corner Brook and individuals may also communicate directly with the consultant on the strategic plan by contacting Terry Hickey, Conach Consulting at 709-682-9026 or via email at terryhickey@conach.ca.

Consultations in Western Newfoundland will be scheduled for the new year.  Central region consultations have been scheduled in the following locations:

Gander                               December 10^th at 7:00 pm at the Hotel Gander
Grand Falls-Windsor       December 11^th at 7:00 pm at the Mount Peyton Hotel

November 7, 2019 Corner Brook—On Sunday November 3, the small community of St. George’s welcomed visitors for a special tourism experience that can’t be found anywhere else; a rich sensory event featuring medicine identification and collection, hands-on preparation of tea and traditional foods, cooking on an open fire, cultural sharing, and ceremonial teachings.

St. George’s Indian Band Chief Marlene Farrell partnered with Experience Qalipu to deliver the event, one of a larger series of events aimed at building upon the talent of community people, empowering them to share their gifts with visitors from around the world. The St. George’s Band, owner and operator of the Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Museum, hopes to attract more visitors into the historic building that has been converted into a museum and cultural centre.

Chief Farrell noted, “Visiting the museum is one thing, but we want to offer more to our visitors. This community is the oldest recorded Mi’kmaq settlement on the island, and we have talented people who can offer workshops, guided tours, experiences and so much more. The fire circle and medicine walk on Sunday is an example of that and we’ve got more in the works.”

At Sunday’s event, visitors helped to prepare locally procured moose, potatoes, carrots and berries alongside Chef D’Arcy Butler, an active member of the Bay St. George Indigenous community and culinary instructor at College of the North Atlantic.

“These ingredients are timely; many community people have just got their moose, and this is what we are eating.  The root vegetable harvest is ongoing; carrots for the event were picked sweet and fresh that morning. We wanted to offer visitors a true taste of our town, to share the story of the hunt and to know exactly where our ingredients were hunted and gathered. In the winter, for our next event, we are looking at making use of rabbit as the main ingredient, along with some of the preserves that Newfoundlanders have long relied on to get through the winter.”

The fall rain did not dampen the spirit of the participants, who were advised to come dressed for the weather and, they came prepared in their raincoats and boots. Elder Terry Muise lead them on a short walk through a nearby forest to identify medicines and collect ingredients used in their meal. Rose hips were collected for addition to the Labrador tea and fir needles were collected to be ground in with sea salt to season the meat and vegetables.

Local photographer Jonathan Meyers and filmmaker Matt Garnier used their talents to capture the event in detail and provide the St. George’s Indian Band colourful media content that will help promote these types of events in the future.

Tara Saunders Acting Director of the Community Development Department and Experience Qalipu noted, “this is exactly where we want to be; helping our communities to thrive and prosper. This event put off by the community is a terrific tourism product, and we will be there every step of the way to help them develop and promote their local experiences.”

Apajitayek [ahh bah jee die ekk] “we are coming back”

November 5, 2019 Corner Brook—The Qalipu Cultural Foundation is pleased to announce it will be hosting free language and culture camps in Grand Falls-Windsor, St. George’s and Corner Brook.  In addition to basic conversation and introductory Mi’kmaw language course work, the two-day camps will offer participants a chance to engage in learning song, dance, history and stories about their Mi’kmaq ancestors.

Sherry Dean, Chairperson of the Qalipu Cultural Foundation noted, “We are so pleased to work with our neighbours in Nova Scotia to bring language and cultural teachings to our communities in Newfoundland.   Language is the key to understanding culture and participants can expect much more than simple translations from English to Mi’kmaw; they will in fact begin to better understand the culture to which we belong.”

The Cultural Foundation has engaged Robert Bernard of the Diversity Management Group to bring the camps to Newfoundland.  Bernard will work with experienced teacher Joel Denny from Eskasoni and his apprentice, Newfoundland born Dean Simon, a member of the Qalipu First Nation.

Bernard shared, “Language lessons will be based on the root word system of learning.  This way of learning helps participants to better understand the heart of the language and build their word recognition and vocabulary.  We will focus on basic conversation first, in the home, conversations with friends and family.”

Sherry Dean explained that to be fair, selection will be made by a draw among all those who register.  For those unable to participate in person, Dean was pleased to share an exciting aspect of this project.

“We understand that not all of our members are living in or around one of our traditional communities and we know that everyone deserves the opportunity to be involved.  That’s why the teachings provided at these camps will be video recorded and made available online, wjit msɨt no’kmaq-for all our relations.”

Camps have been scheduled for the following locations:

Grand Falls-Windsor at the Corduroy Brook Nature Centre, November 19-20

St. George’s at the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre, November 21-22

Corner Brook- to be announced

For more information please contact Nicole Travers at ntravers@qalipu.ca or call 634-4706.