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Letter from Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Council – July 3rd, 2025
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Message from Chief Jenny – June 27, 2025
June 25th marked the International Day of the Seafarer, a time to recognize those who navigate the waters and sustain communities through marine industries. For the Mi’kmaq people of Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland), the sea has always been an essential part of our way of life.
Our ancestors traveled by birchbark canoe, moving across rivers and coastlines, guided by the stars and the natural world around them. The ocean provided food, trade, and connection, shaping our identity as stewards of the waters. Today, our deep ties to the fishery, ship repair, and environmental stewardship continue to be vital to both our economy and cultural traditions.
As a Nation, we deeply value our partnerships with organizations such as the Assembly of First Nations, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, Horizon Maritime, and many others. Through our collective efforts, we make a significant difference in upholding standards for safety not only for seafarers, but for our waters and their unique ecosystems.
With the introduction of Bill C-5 and other policies that risk bypassing meaningful consultation with Indigenous governments, we must remain committed to advocating for responsible marine practices that honor our traditions for our future generations.
We will continue to pray and give thanks for those that risk their lives at sea each day and standing firm in our responsibility to protect the waters that sustain us.
Relevant Links:
International Day of the Seafarer: https://www.imo.org/en/
Assembly of First Nations, National Virtual Forum on Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act: https://afn.ca/all-news/bulletins/national-virtual-forum-on-bill-c-5-the-building-canada-act/
Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries: https://www.mikmaqcf.com/
2024 National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Logo Contest Winner
In September 2024, Qalipu First Nation launched its third annual logo contest in commemoration of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Children from Kindergarten to Grad 12 were invited to reflect on the experiences of residential school survivors and the children who never returned home, and to create a design that expressed their thoughts and feelings about this tragic chapter of Canadian history.
Qalipu First Nation is proud to announce Lexis Wilcox as the winner of the 2024 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Logo Contest. Lexis is a grade 7 students at Corner Brook Intermediate. Lexis’ design tells a strong story of resilience and reconciliation, made with heart and understanding for residential school survivors.
Lexis shared that she “decided to go with that specific design for the logo to demonstrate the massive change that Indigenous youth had to endure when leaving home to go to residential schools as well to demonstrate how they attempt to change their primary ways of life.”
We extend thanks to all participants for their meaningful submissions. Congratulations to Lexis and every student who took part in the contest and deepened their understanding of truth and reconciliation.
This winning design will be featured on t-shirts available through QFN ahead of the National Day of Truth and reconciliation in September 2025.
Council Meeting Report – May 21, 2025
Meeting of Chief and Council
Chief and Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, May 21 in the Qalipu Community Room in Corner Brook.
Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy
Council brought forward the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy for adoption. This policy aligns with the Canada Labour Code and reflects the national standard. It will form part of the ongoing review and update of the Human Resources Policies.
Motion was carried.
Standing Committee – Appointment of Members-at-Large
Qalipu First Nation’s standing committees include staff, Ward Councilors, and member-at-large who provide independent oversight and support. Appointments were made for several committees with reference checks ongoing for others. The call for members-are-large for the Environment & Natural Resources Committee has closed and applications are being reviewed.
Motion was carried.
Housing Wellness Counsellor
The Department of Health and Wellness proposed a new Housing Wellness Counsellor role to assist members facing housing and mental health challenges.
Motion was carried.
Amendments to Council Policy
The Finance and Audit Committee proposed changes to update the Council Policy to better suit the growing duties of Ward Councilors.
The first change allows Councilors to hold ward meetings in communities at least 60 km away from their home base. This aims to improve representation and community engagement in remote areas.
The second change revises the per diem policy. It increases the rate and introduces tiered compensation for Councilors attending multiple meetings in one day, up to three meetings.
Motion was carried.
Financial updates
An update was provided on the 2023-2024 financial statements. Review and approval of the April 1, 2023, opening balances are pending as part of regular oversight. Statements will then be brought to council for approval. Once approved, the 2024-2025 audit can begin, with completion expected by end of July.
Once this process is complete, all outstanding audits will be fully up to date. This marks a significant step forward in maintaining strong financial reporting and transparency.
Service member agreement update
Chief Jenny reported that Canada has reached out post-federal election to resume discussions. She emphasized that Qalipu remains eager to finalize the agreement, a sentiment that was strongly supported by Councillors.
Band manger update
Wigwam Point
The Town of Peterview has officially approved moving forward. Planned work in the area includes site cleanup, the creation of walking trails, and capturing drone footage to assist in identifying potential grave sites, some of which may include buried or underground headstones.
Performance Review tool
A new system is being developed to better monitor employee performance and support continuous improvement.
New Director of Finance
A new Director of Finance has been hired and is quickly getting up to speed. He has contributed valuable insight into the financial audit process. Charles and Council offered a warm welcome and expressed their confidence in his abilities.
Council remarks
All members of council have been actively engaged in their roles, including Chief Jenny and our Vice Chiefs, who have been attending various meetings and conferences regionally and nationally. Participation helps build relationships, keeps us informed on emerging developments, and ensures Qalipu has a voice at key decision-making tables where the interests of our members can be represented.
You can look forward to seeing your Councilors at events throughout the summer, as well as at upcoming Ward Councilor meetings. Councilor Holly Muise will be holding a meeting in the St. George’s Ward on June 26, and we encourage members in her ward to attend and take part in the conversation.
Next Meeting of Council
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held virtually on July 30, 2025.
Qalipu First Nation Announces Home Energy Efficiency Initiative
Qalipu First Nation (QFN) Housing Division is excited to announce the launch of the “Home Energy Efficiency Initiative” on June 24, 2025.
This program will provide financial assistance to existing homeowners for the purchase and installation of heat pumps, aiming to lower home heating costs and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. While funding is limited, data collected throughout this initiative will be carefully analyzed to evaluate the need for similar programs in the future.
This initiative will focus on members requesting a reduction in their reliance on oil and wood as their main home heating sources.
Applicants MUST submit all required documentation by July 31, 2025.
It is strongly recommended that applicants and/or co-applicants review the application thoroughly to ensure that all necessary documents are included. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed or processed.
To be eligible for funding, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant must be a registered member of Qalipu First Nation
- Applicant and/or Co-Applicant must be a current resident of Newfoundland and Labrador and live in the home requesting assistance.
- The home must currently use either wood or oil as a heating source.
- Applicant MUST not have previously received support under NRCan, Greener Homes Grant, or TakeChargeNL for heat pump installation.
- Combined household income must not exceed:
| Number of Persons in the household | Combined Income Eligibility |
| 1 person | $51,000 or less |
| 2 persons | $88,674 or less |
| 3 persons | $120,966 or less |
| 4 persons | $148,474 or less |
| 5+ persons | $154,454 or less |
Due to limited funding and the anticipated high demand, eligible applications will be entered into a random draw for selection.
Applications can be found here: Qalipu First Nation Home Energy Efficiency Initiative Application
If you have any questions or need help with your application, please email housingproject@qalipu.ca.
You can also contact:
- Paul Brake, Housing Project Facilitator, at 709-634-5472
- Corey LeCoure, Housing Program Officer, at 709-634-5042
Please note, due to the anticipated volume of applications, not all applicants will receive funding, and only those selected will be contacted.
Message from Chief Jenny – June 20, 2025
This Saturday is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the strength of Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island. Since its official recognition in 1996, June 21 has served not only as a celebration of our heritage but also as a powerful reminder of the contributions, stories, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
For all Indigenous Nations, this is a day to honour our ancestors, traditions, and relationship with each other and the land. It is a time for reflection, celebration, and connection, and a reminder that our cultures are not relics of the past but living traditions that we carry proudly into the future.
This year, as we mark this special day, we do so with heavy hearts knowing that many of our friends and relations are impacted by ongoing wildfires affecting communities across the province and beyond. We are thinking especially of those who have had to evacuate or are working tirelessly in emergency response.
As our staff and council members in the central region are working to support each other and their community, we keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Central Vice Chief Colleen has been on the ground since the emergency alert was issued, staying connected with emergency services in Badger and ensuring our members receive timely updates. Shianne, our Exploits Ward Councillor, is also available and ready to assist the membership. Both are available to members 24 hours a day as we continue navigating this emergency together.
Let us continue to show up for one another with compassion and courage, our strength as a Nation lies in how we support each other on the ground and in spirit.
Relevant Links:
QFN Housing Supports: https://qalipu.ca/housing/
QFN Mental Wellness Supports: https://qalipu.ca/health/non-insured-health-benefits/
Government of NL, Wildfire Information: https://www.gov.nl.ca/alerts/
Canadian Red Cross: https://www.redcross.ca/
Government of Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1708446948967
Message from Chief Jenny – June 13, 2025
Last week, I had the privilege of attending two important events in St. John’s, the Energy NL annual conference and the Habitat Conservation Workshop hosted by the Stewardship Association of Municipalities.
At the Habitat Conservation Workshop, I was honored to speak alongside invited guests in a session led by Piers Evans from the Nature Conservancy of Canada titled, Voices of Habitat Stewardship and Conservation from Municipal, ENGO, Federal, and Indigenous Perspectives: What do we value as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians?
Starting the week with discussions on conservation and then transitioning into the Energy NL conference with Central Vice Chief Collen Paul, provided a valuable opportunity to carry forward the perspectives shared by various organizations.
As a council, we continue to examine how we engage in economic development, ensuring our decisions support both sustainability and prosperity for future generations.
Through my work with the Assembly of First Nations National Fisheries Committee and the Chief’s Committee on Economic Development, I collaborate with Chiefs across Canada to address environmental and economic impacts. These discussions allow us to lobby government for better practices that integrate Indigenous knowledge and values.
As your new council, we look forward to hearing your perspectives through respectful, meaningful dialogue so that together, we can shape a future for our youth, one filled with opportunity and assurance that our connection to the land and water can carry on our traditions for generations to come.
Message from Chief Jenny – June 6, 2025
Recently, I had a conversation with my father that really left me thinking about how our older generations views our rainbow community.
It was the night after the election results were called. my house was full of friends and family. Amongst those fine folks were many L’nu, some settlers and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
The day after, my dad popped in to debrief and we had our usual tea and game of crib. As we chatted, he very casually said, “you had all sorts here last night my girl”. I paused for a moment and considered what my father was trying to tell me. He was processing a scenario he had rarely or maybe never had seen in his upbringing, a gathering of individuals that were open and proud of who they were, a mix of Mi’kmaq, settler, queer, and trans. I responded to my father saying, “Isn’t it amazing dad? Everyone living out loud with no shame”, he responded, “yes my girl, it is”.
This wasn’t a long conversation, but it said a lot.
My dad was trying to find his way to articulate things he grew up being told were wrong. He was realizing that times were finally changing. Seeing that kind of growth and reflection from my father at his age was comforting. My children’s grandparents have lived through times of harsh discrimination, segregation and oppression but now feel safe to talk and live out loud and to support others that do the same.
I have seen friends and family face fears to live their lives as their true selves. They’ve risked losing loved ones, their jobs and everything they know because they were dying inside going through life pretending to be someone they’re not. They’ve come out of closets, endured painful surgeries and just taken that first step into ceremony wondering if they’d be accepted, loved, and supported or if they’d lose it all.
It takes courage each day to be our authentic selves and to live a life of acceptance, respect and love for one another. Today’s society might be more progressive than when my father was younger, but we still have so far to go.
Love is what we all have in common, we all feel it, we all need it. During this month, which we know as Pride month and as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, let us remember; regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or cultural background, love IS love.
Council Meeting Minutes – March 22, 2025
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Council Meeting Minutes – March 5, 2025
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