As interest in the utilization of environmental resources has increased, the need for land monitorship became evident. Qalipu First Nation’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources launched a Land Monitor Program in the fall of 2023. The Department has a long history with their Fishery Guardian Program working to protect local waterways, so it was a natural progression to ensure natural resource protection was the focus of any land development, particularly in the Central region of the province that has seen a rapid expansion of wind energy development and mining. The goal of guardianship is to protect the environment that holds reverence in our ancestral traditions. Land monitors use a combination of traditional and modern scientific exploration to not only protect the environment but also to participate in vital preservation research undertaken by the Department.

The site of the inaugural Land Monitor Program undertaken by Qalipu was Charlie’s Place, nestled between the Southwest and Northwest Gander Rivers, it has been a cultural beacon in its neighboring communities for generations. Qalipu First Nation Council has been working to establish the area as an Indigenous protected area for several months, bolstered by support from band member and Land monitor, Justin Hodge. Justin was joined by Dean Gillingham to maintain guardianship of Charlie’s Place during the Fall of 2023.

The 2023 Land Monitor Program was a resounding success supported by many fellow land monitors, environmental researchers, including Natural Resources Canada, and corporate partner Teck Resources Limited, which supported the program via a financial contribution. The work helps to build on Environment Canada’s knowledge base regarding the biodiversity and significance of the area. Working closely with these partners has demonstrated the value of collaboration between government entities, industry, and Indigenous peoples to share knowledge and protect sacred environmental resources. Based on the success of last year’s work, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources hopes to expand into the western region, and to make this program a permanent part of their operations.

The next meeting of Chief and Council is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 9:00 am in the Qalipu Community Room, 1 Church Street. Registration is required to attend the meeting.

Members wishing to attend can contact Natasha by telephone at 709-634-6895 or by email: nlavers@qalipu.ca. Members can view the meeting’s livestream by logging on to their KINU membership profile: https://mala.qalipu.ca/ginu/login.aspx

L-R (front) Yvonne Jones, Member of the House of Commons representing Labrador, Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Interim Chief Jenny Brake, Dion Dakins, CEO Carino, Kendra MacDonald from the Oceans Supercluster (back) Kendall Flood, CEO Ár n-oileán Resources Ltd. and Darren Halloran CEO Always in Vogue

January 17, 2024 – St. John’s

Interim Chief Jenny Brake attended a Seal Roundtable Discussion with the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, the new Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, along with other stakeholders with an interest in the sealing industry.

At the roundtable, Interim Chief Brake spoke about the traditional, sustainable, and responsible practices of seal harvesting by Indigenous communities, and the importance of collaboration to grow the seal industry and expand domestic and international markets.

“We see the imbalance in the ecosystem right now.  We have a vested interest in this and we’re not alone.  Other Indigenous groups not only provincially but nationally share the view that we need to bring balance back to the ecosystem.”

One way to do this is to make the hunt more accessible and expand markets to allow the sale of seal products.

Qalipu Holdings Ltd., the band’s business development arm, sells Waspu Omega 3 seal oil capsules.  The popular and sustainably sourced product is known for promoting heart health, decreasing inflammation in the body, and promoting fetal brain development, among other things.  Interim Chief Brake noted that this resource is just one of many valuable seal products that should be made available to world markets.

“Other countries are at a deficit for protein and omega 3’s.  We have those resources, and we need to be able to export them to international markets.”

Interim Chief Brake felt encouraged by the meeting with Minister Lebouthillier and confident that she will be a strong advocate representing the interests of Indigenous communities.

“I could see her sincerity.  There’s a real determination and a commitment from her to move forward with this.  I really feel that this Minister is going to impact change.”

It is our collective responsibility to approach this issue with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Qalipu First Nation urges Government to foster a dialogue that includes Indigenous voices. By doing this we can create a future with policies that respect both the environment and the rights and traditions of all Indigenous communities.

Friday, January 12 Interim Chief Jenny Brake attended Corner Brook Intermediate to present Naoise White, 2023 National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Logo Contest winner with her prize. In addition to her $250 prize, Naoise also received a bag of cultural supplies, a donation was also made to the school’s lunch program. Principle Peter Burt (pictured L) received the donation, alongside contest winner Naoise White (C) and Qalipu First Nation Interim Chief Jenny Brake (R).

Attend in Person

Program Update: We are grateful for the tremendous interest in our Mi’kmaw Language Beginner Classes. The registration period for this series is now closed. The team is working to contact those who have been selected. 

We’re pleased to share that students can soon return to the classroom to continue their Mi’kmaw language learning journey! Classes will take place on Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:00 PM at the College of the North Atlantic in Stephenville (registration required).

Mi’kmaw Language Facilitator Shane Snook is excited to get going and noted that students can expect a fun and relaxed learning environment.

“These reading and writing classes will be relaxed and comfortable.  In my experience, a casual and playful approach works well to keep people interested and engaged, and people must be comfortable so that they’re willing to speak and practice out loud.”

The classes will focus on the Smith-Francis orthography so that learners will be equipped with a powerful tool for self-learning and practicing.  Shane added that he will focus on pronunciation to encourage students to speak and develop muscle memory.

“Pronunciation will help people become more confident in trying to speak out loud to develop that muscle memory.  Reading in the mind doesn’t go very far.  I also hope to share tidbits about words and phrases as they arise to help demonstrate some of the interesting nuances of culture and history.”

Classes will begin on February 1, and run every Thursday up to and including March 21.

For more information, please contact Shane at ssnook@qalipu.ca

Participation Details:
To register to attend classes in person, please complete this form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N3XLNQM