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Announcement of Candidates for the By-Election
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Message from your CAO – May 29, 2026
Hello folks!
It’s Brad and I’m your Chief Administrative Officer. I’m here this week to speak to you about an important moment for our Nation. In a first, Chief and Council is holding its regularly scheduled meeting in St. John’s, the capital city of the Province, on the island of Ktaqmkuk, part of our unceded and unsurrendered territory, Mi’kma’ki.
St. John’s and the wider Eastern region are integral parts of Ktaqmkuk and for many of our members this region is home. Our people have always travelled the coasts and lands of Ktaqmkuk—these members continue that tradition today on the Avalon.
This meeting provides an opportunity for those members who may otherwise not be able to travel to engage directly with Chief and Council. In turn, we plan to hold more meetings in different regions across our territory in the future.
Your Council will be focusing on key priorities for our Nation—territorial sovereignty, language revitalization, housing instability, and environmental stewardship in the face of a changing climate. These are ongoing areas of work that reflect our responsibilities to you and to the future of our wider Mi’kmaq Nation.
In the coming days, our Culture and Community Outreach team will also be working in the St. John’s area, sharing cultural knowledge and connection with students and educators in school classrooms throughout the region. We are so proud that our staff travel across the whole of our territory to teach, to share, and to support all our members.
We know that as one of two elected Mi’kmaq governments in our territory, our collective responsibilities extend across the whole island. We must ensure L’nuk voices are meaningfully included in decisions that impact our communities, lands, and waters. In my role, serving our members, our staff, and meeting that collective duty to our territory are the first priorities above all else.
We also recognize that being here will stir painful feelings for many. We know that membership issues continue to impact our people and their families in St. John’s and across Ktaqmkuk. While this work can take time, it remains ongoing and is an important priority for all of us here.
As we have said at our recent AGAs and elsewhere: the word of the day is kiwaskitayk – “we are changing”, as said in our own language. We are changing and this, my friends, is only the beginning. In deepest solidarity to you and with love to our whole Nation.
— Brad.
Medical Travel Accommodation Information
Need a Hotel for Your Medical Appointment?
If you have a medical appointment scheduled in St. John’s this summer, we kindly encourage you to submit your supporting documentation for hotel pre-approval as early as possible. This helps us do our very best to secure your accommodations ahead of time.
What to Know:
St. John’s will be a busy place this summer, with many events and activities taking place. While we are here to support all members in need of travel assistance, due to high demand, we may not be able to secure accommodation in all cases. We encourage members to submit requests as early as possible to help us better meet your needs during this busy period.
Already Paid for a Hotel?
You may be eligible for reimbursement. To claim hotel expenses, please complete the NIHB Medical Transportation Reimbursement Form and include a detailed hotel receipt and confirmation of appointment letter from your healthcare provider.
https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/MT-20-Transportation-Reimbursement-Form.pdf
Reimbursement Rates:
- Up to $160 per night for hotel accommodations
- $13.50 per night for private accommodations
Please send completed forms and receipts to: mtreimbursement@qalipu.ca
Message from Chief Jenny – May 22, 2026
Art has a way of bringing people together and reminding us not only of the past, but who we are today. This week, I’d like to give a shout-out to the Mi’kmaq artists that continue to make important contributions to our communities through many forms of artistic expression. From music and literature, skin marking and beadwork to visual and performance arts, we are honoured to celebrate and elevate the artists in our community.
If you have been by our Corner Brook offices lately, you have likely seen the beautiful new murals that were recently installed. Local Mi’kmaq artists, Kelsey Street and Nelson White, were selected through a proposal process, and we are so proud to display their beautiful work.
It has been almost 15 years since Qalipu First Nation was federally recognized, and even though most of today’s council was not there at the start, we carry the same oath; to protect our culture, our lands, and waters, and to keep our Nation moving forward.
Our beginning was complicated, and the challenges have not disappeared, but our people have always found a way through. First Nations across this county we now call Canada, were never expected to endure, yet we are still here. Still rising. Still holding on to who we are. We continue to make meaningful progress, even when the road isn’t easy.
If you have the opportunity to visit the murals on Church Street or see other public artworks or gallery pieces our many talented artists here in Ktaqmkuk, take a moment to notice the skill and the stories they carry. In the coming weeks we will share information about the official mural unveiling on June 21 for National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Relevant Links:
Artist Nelson White: https://www.nelsonwhiteart.com/
Artist Kelsey Street: https://www.instagram.com/mossandneedle/
Writers at Woody Point: https://www.writersatwoodypoint.com/
The Rooms: https://therooms.ca/
Business and Arts NL: https://businessandartsnl.com/
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council: https://artsnl.ca/
Notice of Call for Nominations – Band Council By-Election
Opening Friday, May 22, 2026 at 8:00am and closing on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 8:00pm.
In accordance with the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections, nominations are invited for the position of Benoit’s Cove Ward Councillor.
Nomination forms are available for printable download here or below at:
- By contacting the Electoral Officer, Berty Leamon, at 709-640-6007 or by email at returningofficer@qalipu.ca
- Pick up at the Qalipu First Nation Office – 3 Church Street, Corner Brook
Nomination papers are to be submitted with a non-refundable fee of $25.00 in the form of money order, band draft, cheque or cash.
Completed nomination forms and fee must be returned and in the possession of:
Qalipu First Nation
3 Church Street
Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4
No later than 8:00pm on the 1st day of June 2026.
and will be considered filed with the Electoral Officer for the purpose of the Band By-Election during the voting window, opening June 12, 2026 at 8:00am through to June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Eligibility for Nomination
To be eligible for nomination, an individual must be a member of the QFN Benoit’s Cove Electoral Ward and be 18 years of age on or before June 19, 2026. Individuals do not need to currently reside within the ward to be eligible for nomination. Members who live outside the region or province may still be nominated provided they are registered in the QFN Benoit’s Cove Ward as their last place of residence.
For clarification or confirmation of eligibility, individuals may contact the Electoral Officer, the Indian Registration Administrators by phone at 709-634-8675 or 709-634-4010 or by email at profile@qalipu.ca or visit the Band Office in person at 3 Church Street, Corner Brook.
Members can view the Electoral Voters List at any Qalipu First Nation Office or on the Election Hub to confirm their eligibility of candidacy. All information pertaining to the Qalipu First Nation By-Election can be found here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu-election-hub/
Berty Leamon
Electoral Officer
E: returningofficer@qalipu.ca
T: 709-640-6007
Qalipu First Nation and Academy Canada Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Education and Training Opportunities.
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Message from Chief Jenny – May 15, 2026
Education is a powerful tool for advancing ourselves and our communities. With the school year coming to an end, graduations have begun. This week, I was fortunate to attend the Grenfell Campus Convocation. It is always inspiring to witness our students reach their goals as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. The icing on the cake is knowing that our Nation was able to offer support along the way. We are proud to invest nearly twelve million dollars each year in our future generations.
Next week, Qalipu First Nation will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Academy Canada, one of the post-secondary institutions in the province that we work closely with. The agreement will set out a framework that will lead to transformative pathways to inclusive education.
Our relationships with our education systems are extremely important to us. We are committed to ensuring that our students have culturally appropriate learning experiences that reflect the truth of the past and create opportunities for a brighter future.
We rise through learning, not alone, but lifted by all those who dreamed of these moments long before us. We congratulate this year’s graduates and thank the educators whose guidance made their achievements possible.
Meeting of Chief and Council
The next meeting of Chief and Council is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
In a historic first in the fourteen-year history of Chief and Council meetings, this meeting will be held in St. John’s to provide greater access for members residing in St. John’s and surrounding areas. We are pleased to hold a meeting in the farthest eastern region of Ktaqmkuk. The meeting will take place in Suite 301, 140 Kelsey Drive, St. John’s.
Registration is required to attend the meeting in person. Members wishing to attend must register in advance. The deadline to register is Friday, May 22, 2026.
Members wishing to attend can contact Natasha or Amanda:
Natasha – 709-634-6895 | nwhite@qalipu.ca
Amanda – 709-634-5111 | amanda.gaudett@qalipu.ca
Please note that delays in the meeting start time may occur. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding.
Members can view the meeting livestream by logging into their KINU membership profile: https://qalipu.ca/login-options/
Message from Chief Jenny – May 8, 2026
This week, I joined a delegation representing Newdock, Qalipu First Nation, Membertou First Nation, Horizon Naval Engineering, and Genoa Design International in Ottawa to advance discussions with federal departments, agencies, ministers, and Members of Parliament regarding Project Oqwatn (Ohk-wah-den), meaning ‘North’, our expansion plan for Newdock.
This visit strengthened national awareness of our dockyard’s importance to both Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. Federal departments clearly recognize the growing pressure on east coast marine infrastructure as both naval and Coast Guard fleets grow. Project Oqwatn positions our province to meet those demands while creating long-term economic benefit here at home.
Canada’s Coast Guard and Navy are expanding their fleets to support Arctic sovereignty. These larger, longer vessels require places to berth for emergency repairs, maintenance, and vessel life extension. With a recognized shortage of ship repair facilities across the country, Newdock stands ready to help meet that national need.
Newdock is 95% Indigenous-owned, making it a key asset in fulfilling Canada’s commitment to Indigenous economic reconciliation. It demonstrates how Newfoundland and Labrador can lead the country in building strong, future-focused Indigenous partnerships in the marine and defence sectors.
For our province, the expansion of Newdock means high value jobs that align with Canada’s apprenticeship targets and the expanded capacity to support major provincial initiatives such as Bull Arm and Churchill Falls, among others.
We look forward to further discussions with both the Provincial and Federal governments so that we can collectively meet the needs of a nation that looks increasingly to its oceans for security, prosperity, and sovereignty. Project Oqwatn is more than an expansion: It is a statement of confidence in Newfoundland and Labrador, in Indigenous economic leadership, and in Canada’s ability to invest in and strengthen its marine capacity.
Land Camp Registration is Open!
Qalipu First Nation is excited to offer Land Camps across Western and Central regions this summer. These camps provide a wonderful opportunity for youth to connect with the land, culture, and community.
Camp Dates:
- Western Region
- Corner Brook July 6–9 ** FULL
- Port au Port: July 13–16
- Benoit’s Cove: July 27–30 ** FULL
- Stephenville Crossing: August 10–13
- Central Region
- Gander: July 20–23
- Glenwood: August 3–6
Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QZJLB7J
Additional pop-up camp offerings may be added in locations throughout the Central Region with details shared as they are confirmed. If you are interested in a pop-up in your area, let us know!
Please note: Staff will reach out to follow up on the form. Registration is only confirmed once all required documents have been completed and submitted. A confirmation email will be sent once finalized.
Questions? Contact Bethann Janes at 709-634-9166 or bjanes@qalipu.ca