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Council Meeting Minutes – July 28, 2022
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Message from the Chief – October 4, 2022
Kwe’,
It is my pleasure to greet you today from my office in Corner Brook where the fall colours are so beautifully on display. I hope that you all are finding ways to enjoy the season whether it’s lighting your first fire in the woodstove, getting the kids ready for Halloween, or taking walks in the cool air.
The fall is an important time for our people in terms of special days. October 1st marked Treaty Day, and the beginning of Mi’kmaq history month. Today is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. I look forward to seeing the women gathered outside as we do every year, wearing their red colours in honour of lost and stolen sisters.
Friday, September 30 was the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This year marked the first time that this day was nationally recognized, a statutory holiday, for all Canadians to take the time to reflect on the tragedy of the residential school system. Across Ktaqmkuk, Qalipu and many grassroots organizations and volunteers held community events that aimed to raise awareness while honouring the families and communities who continue to be impacted.
Trauma has ripple effects that touch upon the lives of many generations; it is important that we remember this and continually move toward reconciliation.
This year, Qalipu held a logo contest for children in grades K-12 inviting them to create images that represented what the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation meant to them. I had the opportunity to look at some of those images, including the winning artwork by Kali Gill, a grade 9 student from Corner Brook Intermediate. I have to say, they were beautiful. The way the children are learning about these important topics, this tragic part of our history, is incredibly valuable. I’m proud of all those who took part in this contest, and proud of the many community events that took place.
A couple of weeks ago, we saw one of the worst storms ever to land in Newfoundland. People on the south coast were in some cases severely impacted. I wish to remind our members who had their homes lost or damaged that we do have some support available through our housing division. There are several programs available, and I encourage you to make yourself aware of those.
As we complete year one of the term of this new Council, I wish to take this opportunity to thank our Council for their dedication and hard work and our staff for the important services they provide to our membership. I would also like to thank Keith Goulding our Band Manager who is headed for a new career opportunity. Keith led our staff in the administrative aspect of Qalipu First Nation for the past four years and contributed greatly to the development of our Band. I wish Keith and his family all the best.
Wela’lin,
Chief Brendan
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Contest Winner Kali Gill!
Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, a day to recognize the terrible legacy of Canada’s residential school system, commemorate residential school Survivors, and remember the thousands of Indigenous children lost to this system.
This year, as part of its commemoration of this day, Qalipu hosted a logo contest for our youth across K’taqamkuk. Youth from grades K-12 were invited to reflect on what this day means to them, and how that could be represented in artwork.
We are excited to share that the winner of our first annual logo contest is Kali Gill, a grade nine student from Corner Brook Intermediate. Kali’s touching and heartfelt logo is making waves across social media today, and her logo will be featured on orange shirts that will be made available for sale at QFN offices.
Of her artwork Kali says, “My artwork can be interpreted in different ways. It could show a mother remembering when her child was taken from her, or it could be a memory of herself as a survivor of the residential school. It represents the sadness and loss of so many innocent lives, like this little girl walking into the school with false hope. I drew the lady as an elder because even though time passes and we age, our teardrops hold memories that will never be forgotten.”
Kali takes home the top prize of $250 along with a $500 donation to her school’s breakfast program which will be presented by Chief Mitchell soon. Other prizes including books and cultural supplies will be shared with runners up.
Mitch Blanchard who co-hosts the contest with his Department of Health and Wellness along with the Department of Education and Training, notes, “There were 156 submissions in total this year. Looking through the artwork was moving. It was powerful to see how our children connect with the meaning of this special day, and the heart that comes through in their artwork.”
Congratulations to Kali and all the other students who took the time to reflect on what this day means to them and represented it with their artwork.
Qalipu Band Manager Resigns, Headed for New Opportunity
September 29, 2022, Corner Brook — Qalipu First Nation would like to advise its members, partners, and community that on September 22, Keith Goulding tendered notice of resignation from his position as Band Manager with Qalipu to pursue another career opportunity. Goulding has worked with the Band since its formation in 2011; he was previously the Director of Education and Training and in 2017 was successful in the competition to become Band Manager.
Rod Bennett, Director of Operations noted that business will proceed as usual and there will be no impact to member programs and services.
“From the point of view of Band administration, all systems and processes are in place to ensure there is no impact to our day-to-day operations. We have a strong senior management team and I expect that business will continue until a hiring process to fill the position are put in place.”
Brendan Mitchell, Band Chief, noted that he is disappointed to see Goulding go, and reflected on the many positive accomplishments of the Band that took place under his leadership.
“There have been many positive gains during Keith’s time as Band Manager. Keith started out leading a team of around fifty employees and today, this number has nearly doubled. He oversaw major changes to our election process and was also at the helm for big milestones such as the Bands receipt of Certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as certification from the First Nations Financial Management Board, both markers of organizational and financial excellence. He also was in the lead on the achievement of a 10-year block funding arrangement that has been key to our path to self-governance. We wish him well in his new endeavours, but he will be missed.”
Emergency Housing Repair Funds Available to Band Members Impacted by Hurricane Fiona
In the days following one of the worst storms to hit our shores, we are reflecting on the struggles now faced by individuals and families who have lost their homes and belongings. It is a difficult moment to be sure, and our thoughts and prayers are with those facing these challenges.
At this time, we would like to take the opportunity to remind Band members, specifically those most severely impacted along the south coast, about our Emergency Housing Repair Program and invite them to get in touch to discuss options under this program, and other supports available through Qalipu’s Housing Division.
For more on housing support programs, click here
To reach out and discuss what we can do to help, please contact Jason at 709-634-0411.
Hunting and Trapping Guide Training in Stephenville, Corner Brook and Grand Falls-Windsor
Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce we will be conducting a Hunting and Trapping Guide Training courses November 19-26 in Grand Falls-Windsor, November 20-24 in Stephenville and November 28 to December 3 in Corner Brook. This opportunity is designed for Qalipu Members or self-identifying Indigenous individuals who are interested in becoming Hunting and Trapping Guides in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Upon course completion, students will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Hunting and Trapping Guide training and ultimately be prepared to apply to become certified licensed Hunting and Trapping Guides in Newfoundland and Labrador through the Wildlife Division.
Applications can be submitted either via email to ymacdonald@qalipu.ca, or hand-delivered/mailed to the St. George’s Office.
Please see below for links to the application forms.
Application for Corner Brook / Stephenville
Application for Grand Falls-Windsor
2021 – 2022 Annual Report
Please find below the online version of the 2021-22 Annual Report, a report regarding our activities for the past fiscal year. Find out more by attending our upcoming Annual General Assembly set to take place on Sunday, September 18 at 1:00 PM at the Greenwood Inn and Suites.
At the event, you will have the opportunity to meet and chat with the Chief and Council, along with members of our team who will be set up at tables around the room to share details about programs and services, and what they’ve been up to since we saw you last year.
I’tesnen: We Are Staying” Qalipu Emergency Housing Response Program Launch
Emergency Support Application
FAQ
Introduction:
“I’tesnen: We Are Staying” Qalipu Emergency Housing Response Program aims to help prevent and reduce homelessness among our members. Existing support(s) include:
- Emergency Housing Repair – Provide financial assistance (maximum $5,000 per household) to existing homeowner(s) in need of emergency repair(s) that would cause the homeowner to leave their home immediately.
- Housing Set Up – Provide housing/rental startup assistance such as first month’s rent and/or last month, damage deposit, and/or utilities assistance up to $2,000 per application.
- Emergency Short Term Accommodations – Provide hotel placement for a maximum of ten (10) nights.
“Indigenous homelessness refers to Indigenous Peoples who are in the state of having no home due to colonization, trauma and/or whose social, cultural, economic, and political conditions place them in poverty. Having no home includes: those who alternate between shelter and unsheltered, living on the street, couch surfing, using emergency shelters, living in unaffordable, inadequate, substandard and unsafe accommodations or living without the security of tenure; anyone regardless of age, released from facilities (such as hospitals, mental health and addiction treatment centers, prisons, transition houses), fleeing unsafe homes as a result of abuse in all its definitions, and any youth transitioning from all forms of care”
– Reaching Home Indigenous NL
Program Eligibility:
- Applicant/Co-Applicant must be a registered member of Qalipu First Nation
- Applicant must identify as an individual who is currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
- Applicant/Co-Applicant are required to be a resident of Newfoundland & Labrador
- Applicant must NOT be currently supported by the provincial, territorial, or municipal welfare and/or rent supplement program(s)
- Based on submission of required documents. Funding is limited.
Please Note: *If housing ownership is in the name of a non-member spouse or partner (co-applicant), you may still submit your application with housing ownership supporting document; however, it will be necessary to provide further documentation to support that you are a resident of the same household.
**Emergency Short Term Accommodations may be provided to non Qalipu indigenous community members who are homeless and/or at risk of becoming homeless.
Application Process:
- Qalipu application collection will be based on submission date and will be processed until funds have been exhausted. All applications will be reviewed and assessed as they are submitted, based on level of emergency, amount of funding available, and in reference to the definition of Indigenous Homelessness as outlined by Reaching Homes Indigenous NL
- Limit of one application per household. Duplicate applications will not be reviewed. In the event duplicate applications are received, QFN will consider the first application as the valid submission
- All applications require name, accurate mailing address/street address (if different from mailing address), Band registration #, phone number and/or email address, and supporting documentation including proof of homeownership/rental agreement, and proof of combined annual income
- If you have any questions or require support regarding your application, please email jpark@qalipu.ca or thulan@qalipu.ca
- FOR ASSISTANCE FILLING OUT YOUR APPLICATION, PLEASE CONTACT: JASON (709) 634-0411 OR TRAVIS (709) 634-3176
Reviving Mi’kmaw Art
Reviving Mi’kmaw Art brought to you by TD Ready Commitment & Qalipu First Nation is a program designed to provide emerging Indigenous artists with an opportunity to earn fair industry fees for their art while developing leadership skills within our Indigenous art community through workshop facilitation. Participants will have authentic opportunities for the transfer of traditional Mi’kmaw skills and culture by being paired with a mentor with similar skills. Revitalization of elements of Mi’kmaw culture that have previously been lost to the Indigenous people of Newfoundland and Labrador will provide Mi’kmaw people with a new connection to their culture and will increase Indigenous awareness and presence throughout the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The selected participants will work with the jury to choose up to 2 pieces of completed work that represent their skill in their chosen art or craft. The exhibition will be featured at 6 locations throughout Newfoundland; venues, times and dates will be advertised once they are confirmed. Exhibitions will be featured in Stephenville, Corner Brook, Woody Point, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, and St. John’s.
Along with a travelling exhibition, the participants will work with the professionals of the jury through a minimum of two mentorship sessions on the creation and delivery of a workshop in their skillset. They will then be required to deliver this workshop one time through the course of the travelling exhibition in one community where the art will be on display. Qalipu First Nation will promote these workshops as free events for the community and will provide all materials needed for the workshop, including the materials required for the facilitator.
*Participants were selected by a panel of experienced mentors after applying through a registration process advertised on our social media pages. Registration was open for a period of 4 weeks.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Community Event Fund
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On September 30th, we wear orange to honor the children who survived residential schools and remember those that didn’t. Qalipu First Nation is committed to providing its members and non-members alike the opportunity to participate in these events to remember and honor the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, to celebrate resilience and to uphold the commitment that every child matters. To help support these events, QFN is inviting grassroots Indigenous organizations across the province to submit smalls proposals of up to $2000 per group for funding under the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Community Event Fund. This fund is meant to support events such as a group walk, drumming session, prayer session or all the above followed by refreshments if desired (BBQ or tea & coffee etc.).
For full details, click on the link below.
Community Event Fund Application