To recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Qalipu First Nation will once again host a logo contest. This contest is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in Grades K-12 within Canada.

The logo contest winner will receive a cheque for $250 and items including swag, books and cultural supplies. In addition, the winner’s school will be presented with a donation of $500 towards their school breakfast program.

Contest entries and the accompanying media release form signed by a parent/guardian, must be received by October 9th, 2024 at 4:00pm NST. All entries and media release forms must be scanned and emailed to communications@qalipu.ca or mailed to:

Attn: Kellie Clark
Qalipu First Nation
3 Church Street
Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4

Click on the link for full contest details:
Media Release Form (PDF)
Full Contest Details (PDF)

A copy can be picked up at the Corner Brook office at 3 Church Street or it can be viewed electronically here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Annual-Report-2023-24.pdf

Qalipu Holdings Limited Partnership (QHLP) is seeking proposals for snow clearing services from November 15, 2024, to April 15, 2024, at the following locations:

1 & 3 Church Street, Corner Brook

28 Hardy Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

90 Main Street, Stephenville, NL

Proposals are to be submitted by 4:00PM on Friday, October 25^th, 2024. Please submit them electronically to cedmunds@qalipudevelopment.com with subject line: RFP for Snow Clearing Services.

Click here for the RFP

Qalipu First Nation offers a logo contest for school-aged children across Canada in commemoration of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The children were asked to design a logo that demonstrates their thoughts and feelings about the history of residential schools and what this day means to them.

Naoise White, a Grade 7 student from Corner Brook Intermediate was the 2023 contest winner.

Naoise shared some details about her design:

“My drawing is about all Canadians being united and being committed to freedom, trust and healing.  The circle represents all Canadians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, living in harmony together. They are strong and united. Their orange shirts show that every child matters whatever their background is. They care and respect the people who went to residential schools.

In the middle of the circle, there is an eagle feather. It is a powerful symbol of connection, freedom, trust and wisdom. Freedom for all Canadians, trust that their lives are equal and wisdom not to allow it to happen again. This is what the feather means for my drawing.

The background is a medicine wheel. It is about health and healing for everyone no matter what. The four parts of the wheel are, physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. This is what my truth and reconciliation drawing is about.”

A limited number of shirts featuring this winning logo are available for purchase by visiting the Corner Brook office. Payments are cash only.  The cost of a T-shirt will be $15 for youth sizes and $20 for adult sizes and youth sizes are available. All profit from t-shirt sales will be donated to an organization or charity that supports Truth and Reconciliation.

Keep an eye out for the 2024 logo contest which will be launched soon!

Youth in grades K-12 are invited to submit their original poem commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 🪶

The author of the selected poem will win a prize for their school, as well as have their poem featured at the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event in Corner Brook on September 30^th, 2024.

The deadline for submissions is September 25^th @ 4PM

Please send submissions via email to awhiffen@qalipu.ca 🧡

From September 16, 2024 to October 6, 2024, Parks Canada will be seeking your feedback on the proposed national marine conservation area (NMCA) in the South Coast Fjords of Newfoundland and Labrador and the proposed redesignation of Sandbanks Provincial Park under Parks Canada protection. We invite you to participate in our online survey during this time to share your views. Your input will be instrumental in shaping the proposal for this region.

Share your Feedback Now!

This month is Suicide Awareness Month, a month dedicated to fostering difficult conversations, listening with compassion, and supporting one another in seeking help. Suicide has a profound impact on our communities, and many of us have experienced the loss of loved ones. There is always hope; when we reach out, are able to offer support, and affirm the value of our people, we can work toward a future where no one feels isolated in their struggles.

Promoting understanding and empathy can create a safe space for discussing mental health challenges. Seeking help should be seen as a sign of strength, not weakness, because mental health is as crucial as physical health.

Currently, the suicide rate among Indigenous people is approximately three times higher than that of the general Canadian population. Youth suicide, along with other life-threatening behaviors, is a pressing issue for many Indigenous communities. The suicide and suicide attempt rates among Indigenous youth are significantly higher compared to the general population, deeply affecting families and communities. While youth suicide is a complex issue, many of these deaths are preventable. We need to dig deep to repair the root causes of this tragic statistic and commit to doing the hard work that will help support the people who need it most.

Using neutral, factual, and respectful language is crucial in reducing stigma. The way we talk about suicide should focus on prevention and avoid reinforcing negative connotations. The term “committed suicide” is stigmatizing and implies criminality or moral failing. Suicide is not a crime; it was decriminalized in 1972. Recent changes to the Criminal Code of Canada refer to “dying by suicide” instead of “committing suicide.”

Let us use this time to strengthen our connections with elders, youth, and families, sharing stories of healing and moving forward together in hope. You are never alone—our ancestors are with you, and so are we.

In November, the 988 suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline will become available. This service will offer immediate support through calls or texts, connecting individuals to crisis or suicide prevention services at no cost.

For more information, visit: https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/catalyst/three-easy-digits-well-all-soon-know/