July 8, 2019 Corner Brook— It is fundamental to the effective operation of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) and Qalipu First Nation (QFN) that we receive the best possible legal advice available in order to move forward to achieve the goals of our people and organizations. A recent decision by the Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court in Benoit v. Federation of Newfoundland Indians and Her Majesty the Queen of Canada determined that legal advice from our lawyers published on the internet, illegally and without permission, by persons unknown was no longer covered by the blanket of solicitor- client privilege. This issue is of concern to Qalipu First Nation and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians. The Financial Management By-Laws of the Qalipu First Nation Band clearly state in Exceptions to Disclosure, Section 54, that the General Manager, must refuse to disclose information; (b) legal opinions which are subject to solicitor-client privilege.

Such privilege is fundamental protection for individuals and businesses to comfortably seek legal advice outside the public domain. It means that conversations, phone calls, e mails, documents and discussions regarding confidential matters are private between a client and their lawyer. Solicitor-client privilege is an important legal concept that allows clients to trust their lawyers with private information. The Supreme Court of Canada has called it, “a principal of fundamental justice and civil right of supreme importance in Canadian law.” Such privilege is that of the client.

In deciding to appeal the decision of Justice Marshall, FNI/QFN are seeking to preserve a fundamental right necessary to the effective operation of our Band Council. QFN and the FNI must continue to have full and frank discussions with its legal advisors without fear that the information or advice might somehow become available to persons who might not share our stated goals. The appeal of Justice Marshall’s recent decision is limited to this single issue, and that issue only. While the Benoit case, in its initial intent, continues with our cooperation and respect, we are appealing the decision of Justice Marshall regarding our right to maintain the principle of solicitor-client privilege.

As many of you may know, in a previous Benoit decision Newfoundland Supreme Court Justice Jillian Butler required the FNI to communicate to the Minister that individuals named in Benoit remain on the Founding Members List created under the Settlement Agreement. We did as directed by carrying out Justice Butler’s Declaratory Order which required that a letter be written to the Minister demanding that the Plaintiffs in the Benoit Case be maintained as Founding Members. In the letter to the Minister we went further than consideration for the six plaintiffs stating that they were representative of a larger group who lost status and requested that all who lost status be reinstated. We received no reply from the Minister in response to demands. Neither the FNI nor QFM appealed Judge Butler’s decision on the Benoit case. Further, regarding earlier court decisions rendered in favor of the plaintiffs including Foster, House, Wells and Wells and Kennedy, neither the FNI nor QFN appealed the court decisions made in favor of those represented by these court cases and encouraged the Government of Canada to do likewise.

Protecting the principle of solicitor-client privilege, which is the only issue in response to the recent decision by Judge Marshall, is our fundamental right. It appears that at least one group calling themselves “Friends of Qalipu Applicants” is presenting our concern for protection of our solicitor-client privilege in a different and misleading context.

The Band Council of the QFN will continue to move forward to achieve the stated goals of our people and organization and will stand by the collective view that the preservation of the Band’s legal rights is essential to achieving this objective.

May 27, 2019 Corner Brook— Qalipu First Nation was recently recognized as a committed supporter of
Reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces and received the Special Award for support to the Reserve
Force on May 9, 2019 during a formal ceremony at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

The nomination was made by Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Bond, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, in
acknowledgement of QFN’s work in hosting information sessions to help raise awareness of the Black
Bear Program, a summer program geared primarily toward Indigenous youth. In the nomination, Bond
noted “As Qalipu Chief, Chief Brendan Mitchell is committed to the ongoing development of Qalipu on
behalf of his community. He promotes positive change in fostering a prosperous tomorrow for all
especially the youth in the Qalipu community. He was very quick to seize the opportunity to promote
the Black Bear program as a source of employment for youth and at the same time promote indigenous
culture.”

Chief Brendan Mitchell was unable to attend the awards ceremony in Ottawa. The Chief was
represented by Monique Carroll, Director of Education and Training. Carroll and her staff led the
Black Bear promotion initiative, brining information sessions across all the Wards.

Carroll said, “we are always looking for partnerships that will help us deliver more education,
training and employment opportunities to our people. The Black Bear Program provides great pay,
covers meals, accommodations and travel and positive cultural experiences along with basic military
training. We want young people to know about these opportunities, we want them to succeed. We
were pleased to partner with the Canadian Armed Forces to do this.”

Reflecting on the award, Chief Brendan Mitchell noted, “we had four indigenous people from
Newfoundland take part in the Black Bear Program in 2018. This was the first summer for
participation by Newfoundland’s Indigenous youth. For some, this was an important step in
recognizing their own potential and dreams. We expect to see much greater Newfoundland
representation at Black Bear this coming summer. We will continue to work with the Canadian Armed
Forces to bring opportunity to our youth and others”.

Members are invited to keep an eye out for education, employment and training opportunities, like
Black Bear, on the Band’s Education and Training Facebook page.

April 12, 2019 Corner Brook—Qalipu First Nation is pleased to share that following a recent meeting of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC), the Band has been accepted into the APC.  This policy and advocacy body represents more than thirty First Nation communities in Atlantic Canada and Gaspe region of Quebec; as of April 11, 2019, the APC now counts Qalipu as its newest member.

As a regional policy, research and advocacy organization, the APC plays an important role in economic development activities across the region in support of all Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy and Innu communities across the Atlantic.   Following the vote, Chief Mitchell spoke to how Qalipu will work together with the APC, and what acceptance means for the Band and the Mi’kmaq people of Newfoundland.

“Reconciiation, for us, is unique.  Acceptance by our own Mi’kmaq community continues to be an important aspect of our identity and our reconciliation.  For us to be accepted here, for our people to be accepted here, this has a sense of coming home.”

Qalipu has already been working with the APC in areas of Education, Community Development and Natural Resources and looks forward to new ways of collaborating and building strength as a united First Nation peoples.

Chief Mitchell noted, “Our wish at Qalipu First Nation is to work collaboratively with other Chiefs and Indigenous communities across Atlantic Canada in an effort to work to build a better tomorrow for all Mi’kmaq people.”

About Qalipu

Qalipu First Nation is a vibrant Mi’kmaq First Nation established in 2011 as an Indigenous Band under the Indian Act.  With a large membership spread across 67 traditional Newfoundland Mi’kmaq communities and abroad, we are one of the largest First Nation groups in Canada.

Newfoundland is part of the traditional Mi’kmaq Nation whose territory extends from Quebec through the Maritime Provinces and into Newfoundland.

April 11, 2019 Corner Brook—Throughout March and April, Qalipu is travelling around the island to deliver information sessions regarding the many programs services and benefits that are available through the Band, and to familiarize new members who may have a lot of questions about what it means to belong to the Qalipu First Nation.

Orientation Sessions feature a general overview of all programs, services and benefits, and subject matter experts are on hand to answer questions on hot topics like health benefits, education funding, community engagement and registration. Members of Council are also on hand to answer questions.

People attending these sessions also receive their copy of the new Membership Information Guide—a colorful and easy to read quick reference guide to every program, service and benefit that is available to members of the Band.

Sessions have been delivered in Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, Gander Bay, St. George’s, Stephenville, Flat Bay, and Burgeo. The final leg of the tour will include stops in Port au Port, Corner Brook, Benoit’s Cove and St. John’s.

We hope to see you there!

Port au Port Tuesday, April 23, 7:00 PM Our Lady of Fatima Parish Community Centre, 13 NL-460, Aguathuna Corner Brook Wednesday, April 24, 7:00 PM Bennett Hall-Masonic Hall, 11 West Street, Corner Brook

St. John’s Thursday, April 25, 2019, 7:00 PM First Light Centre for Performance and Creativity, 81 Cochrane Street, St. John’s

Benoit’s Cove Monday, April 29, 7:00 PM Community Room, 103 Hillview Rd., Benoit’s Cove

CAN’T ATTEND IN PERSON?
View the online copy of the Membership Information Guide and stay tuned for an upcoming information session to be hosted online.

Media:

Alison White
Communications Officer
Qalipu First Nation
709-649-7194

April 2, 2019 Corner Brook—Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce a new development that
provides for more sustainable funding for its membership, and a stronger sense of self-determination  for the nation.  On March 14, 2019 Qalipu signed a ten-year grant funding agreement with Indigenous Services Canada. The agreement marks a significant departure from annually allocated funds that were often lacking in flexibility and autonomy for the Band and marks a new opportunity for creating a shared vision for the future with the members it represents. The Agreement is effective as of April 1, 2019.

Band Manger Keith Goulding leads a group of some fifty staff in five office locations across the province. He commented on his pride in the work the team has put in, including working closely with the Financial Management Board (FMB) to obtain the certification needed for grant funding approval with Indigenous Services Canada.

Goulding said, “Receiving this grant is a great opportunity for our Band. We have been working to meet the eligibility guidelines, developing policies and procedures that are up to industry best standards and maintaining a high level of accountability and transparency with our members. The signing of this ten- year agreement means that the way we conduct ourselves in business is top notch, it allows us to set our own course and move our First Nation forward in a positive way.”

The new comprehensive funding agreement will allow the Band to design its own programs, carry money forward from year to year, and focus on creating a vision for the future that is driven by the people and communities it represents.

Qalipu’s Comptroller, Jodie Wells, plays a lead role in the Bands financial management.   Wells explained that members will not see sudden changes but that they will have more say in how the Band spends money going forward.

She said, “For now, we have a five-year budget in place that has been reviewed and approved by Council. Our members will not notice a sudden shift in the way we do business.  Going forward, we still have to be accountable in how we spend but there will be more accountability to our people and communities rather than to government.”

To prepare for the future, Qalipu recently began a three-year project to consult with membership to build a Comprehensive Community Plan. This Plan will help guide the way the Band grows in terms of

programs, services and development initiatives.

Wells added, “Consultations for the Comprehensive Community Plan are likely to begin in the fall and
will feature a variety of outreach and engagement approaches.  We hope that everyone will take the opportunity to have their say and be a part of a shared vision for the future.”

For more information about the Comprehensive Community Plan please contact Joanne at 634-6384 or email jharris@qalipu.ca

Media:
Alison White
Communications Officer
Qalipu First Nation
709-634-5163
awhite@qalipu.ca

Everything you need to Know about your Benefits, Programs and Services

March 21, 2019 Corner Brook—All members of the Band are invited to attend an upcoming orientation session, particularly new members who may have a lot of questions about what it means to be a member of the Qalipu First Nation.

Orientation Sessions will feature a general overview of all programs, services and benefits, and we will have subject matter experts available to answer questions on Education, Health, Indian Registration, and to share plans on the upcoming Community Planning that will take place across all Wards.   Members of Council will also be on hand.

Members attending an orientation session will receive their copy of the new Membership Information Guide—a colorful and easy to read quick reference guide to every program, service and benefit that is available to you as a member of the Band.

We hope to see you there!

March 14, 2019 Corner Brook – Qalipu First Nation congratulates its sister nation, Miawpukek
First Nation (MFN), on being part of an artic surf clam agreement that will bring benefits to MFN
while protecting existing plant operations and workers in Grand Bank, NL.

While we recognize the merits of the recently announced agreement struck between Clearwater
Seafoods Inc. and fourteen Mi’kmaq First Nations, thirteen in Nova Scotia and MFN in NL, Qalipu
First Nation must also note that the agreement benefits all but one resource-adjacent Mi’kmaq First
Nation: Qalipu. This was disappointing given that in the first round of the Department of Fisheries
and Oceans’ process for allocating Surf Clam quota, Qalipu partnered with all First Nations in
Newfoundland and Labrador, including Miawpukek First Nation, in a bid to access the allocation for
all provincial Indigenous peoples.

“Qalipu First Nation is the largest Indian Act Band in Canada, representing some twenty thousand
people,” noted Chief Brendan Mitchell. “We are pursuing ambitious economic development goals to
ensure our Band’s well-being, which includes the pursuit of fisheries opportunities. In 2017 our
Band announced a Fisheries Cooperation and Development Agreement with Barry Group Inc. and Allen’s
Fisheries Ltd. to prepare for a new commercial redfish fishery. This announcement was publicly
endorsed by then Minister of Fisheries Dominic LeBlanc. If the Clearwater agreement on surf clams
is acceptable to DFO, then surely, we can expect DFO to continue delivering on its reconciliation
agenda by honoring former Minister LeBLanc’s public statements regarding our access to redfish, and
we look forward to details in the near future.”

Brian Dicks, Corner Brook Ward Councilor and fisheries portfolio holder noted, “We will continue to
work with DFO, the Province and the industry to build our fisheries portfolio. We count the surf
clam announcement as a win for our sister nation, and when DFO delivers a significant allocation of
redfish to Qalipu when the quota is announced, we will see that as a win for us, a win for the
provincial fishing industry, and the fulfillment of a commitment made by a Federal Minister to our
Band.”

Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries Inc. manages all aspects of the Bands commercial fishing enterprises
throughout its 67 traditional Mi’kmaq communities and will continue to advocate for
access to this important traditional and cultural activity.

March 13, 2019 Corner Brook—The Qalipu Business Network will host its seventh annual business forum on Tuesday, March 26 in Stephenville.

The Forum will focus on culinary experience development and highlight offerings created by Experience Qalipu and its partners. The one-day event will include a blend of presentations from traditional knowledge keepers, local entrepreneurs and Indigenous chefs.

College of the North Atlantic (CNA) joins as a major event partner this year by offering its Bay St. George campus facilities and expertise. Students in the college’s Cook program will work alongside Master Chef Joseph Shawana and food foraging expert Lori McCarthy to engage delegates in an interactive culinary experience. An evening reception will see participants gather at Secret Cove Brewery in Port au Port for a meal featuring traditional Indigenous ingredients that is prepared by chefs.

Experience Qalipu’s Tara Saunders said, “We are thrilled to be partners in this year’s forum, and know that the delegates will walk away with a better understanding of how to create an authentic experience for their visitors. We have had so much interest in this culinary forum that we are confident it will become an annual event.”

“This significant event will combine two themes near and dear to everyone’s heart – food and culture,” said Wayne Quilty, CNA’s Director of Partnerships, Entrepreneurships and Community Engagement. “Our relationship with the Qalipu First Nation enables a blending of these themes into a culinary cultural event with a focus on indigenous heritage, culture and opportunities for the future, be it in the culinary trades, tourism or a combination of the two. We are also excited about the fact our students are gaining hands-on experience in a real-life situation. CNA is honoured to partner with the Qalipu First Nation on the development and delivery of this one-of-a-kind event, and we look forward to many more opportunities for the college and First Nations to partner on innovative community initiatives.”

The Business Forum is one of two events featuring culinary innovation and entrepreneurial skills planned for CNA’s Bay St. George campus. During the two days following the Forum, the Navigate Entrepreneurship Program – a joint venture between Grenfell Campus and CNA – will facilitate a two-day business start-up exercise Wednesday and Thursday, March 27-28.

Interested attendees can pre-register for the event by clicking here, or by calling Megan at (709) 634-5479.
Media contacts:

Alison White
Communications Officer
Qalipu First Nation
709-634-5163
awhite@qalipu.ca

Michelle Barry
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7721
Michelle.barry@cna.nl.ca

An election to choose Qalipu’s governing body, the Chief and Council, takes place every three years, and was recently conducted this year on October 23.  Today, the newly elected Chief and Council take office following a 30-day transition period.  The occasion was marked with a Swearing in Ceremony at the Civic Centre in Corner Brook.

The ceremony was officiated by Chief Mi’sel Joe of the Miawpukek First Nation, included musical sharing by Troy Bennett and Friends on the Community Big Drum, Paul Pike, and the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association.

Chief Brendan Mitchell, re-elected for a second term, said he is looking forward to working together in unity with the new Council, building upon initiatives that were started during his first term, and striving to achieve shared goals.

“Members of Council will have unique priorities and vision for their communities, however we share common interests including achievement of positive results in new negotiations with government.  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 will all be considered”, he said.

Mitchell also noted other priority areas that he believes will be shared on Council.  He said,  “We share a common vision of cohesiveness and unity within our communities; advancing business development initiatives leading to greater self-sufficiency for Qalipu as a means to contributing financially to our Ward communities; working towards obtaining a food, social and ceremonial license that will benefit our membership; and continuing to support the cultural revitalization that we have witnessed in recent times.”

The ceremony was attended by representatives from local indigenous organizations, community members and government officials.

Following the swearing in ceremony the new Council went on to hold their first meeting together, at the Community Room in Corner Brook.