Sept 27 (1)

Message from the Chief – September 27, 2024

Posted by Qalipu on

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is September 30th. This day is new to our calendars—implemented in recent years in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action intended to honour survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home, and to commemorate the grief and challenges experienced by their families and communities.

We understand the importance of raising awareness, and this is why this day is necessary, but it is also important to be mindful when considering what ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ really means. We must acknowledge hard truths, and we must reconcile the horrible history that was buried for so many years before we can truly move forward. The truth is, the Canadian government did not value Indigenous people, and indeed stripped generations of their languages, their cultures, and their identities. Acts of genocide were meant to destroy and replace Indigeneity—the perpetrators were extremely effective but did not fully succeed. We are still here. True Reconciliation needs to run deeper than making Land Acknowledgements, and we need more than a single calendar day to reflect on traumas of the past. The pain of so many has not passed and is not in the past. It still exists every day.

There has been some progress, and it is a direct result of our own resilience, our determination and the collaboration of Indigenous and non-indigenous people that have been champions for justice; those that have stood together to right the wrongs of a country built on stolen land and unmarked graves.

Our way forward should be one of self-determination and unity with our cousins from all over Turtle Island. Our partnerships and common goals will be the key to real reconciliation. We must work together to become less reliant on those that have been managing our affairs for far too long.

On September 30th, and indeed every day, be proud of who you are and where you came from. Consider our ancestors, the things that have been lost, and everything we are fighting to preserve. Consider your role in where we can go, united together. This is our home on NATIVE land. Let us come together to solemnly commemorate Truth and Reconciliation Day with pride. We cannot change the past, but we can create a future we can all be proud of.

 

Important Links:

Understanding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1631130192216/1631130220404

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/

Election 2024-2 (2)

Are you considering running in the Qalipu First Nation Band Council Election?

Posted by Qalipu on

Nominations have opened for the 2024 Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band (QMFNB) Election of Chief and Council as of Monday, September 23, 2024, at 8:30am. Nominations close on Tuesday, October 2 at 12:00pm.

For anyone considering running for a position on the Qalipu First Nation Band Council, here is information on some frequently asked questions from membership regarding roles and responsibilities on the various positions of the QMFNB Chief & Council.

What does it mean to be an elected member of the QMFNB Council?

All members of the Band Council are expected to:

  • always consider the best interests and needs of the membership.
  • carry out the business of the nation in a fair, responsible and ethical manner
  • show respect for the traditions and values of the nation
  • act in good faith, putting the interests of the nation ahead of all other groups
  • be accountable to the membership, acting in their role as leaders
  • respect and support the final decisions resolved by the council
  • be prepared to serve the 4 year term, 2024-2028
  • participate in 6 regularly scheduled meetings per fiscal year
  • attend special meetings as called on by the Chief
  • adhere to the Council Code of Conduct
  • abide by the Council Conflict of Interest By-Law and Policy
  • respect the clear separation of the roles of Council and staff
  • participate in ongoing Council orientation and annual governance training

What does it mean to be elected as Chief?

The Chief:

  • represents all members of the Nation and is the spokesperson for Council
  • oversees and protects the integrity and interests of the band and ensures those interests are protected
  • acts on behalf of the council between regular council meetings
  • works with the staff through the Band Manager to ensure that plans and policies are implemented as approved by the Council
  • acts as the chairperson for all council meetings
  • sets the agenda for all council meetings
  • is a member of standing committees and Chairs the executive committee
  • represents the Band on all matters of interest to the Band

What does it mean to be Vice- Chief? (Western or Central)

A Vice-Chief:

  • in the Chief’s absence, is responsible for the Chief’s duties
  • is a members of the Executive Committee
  • has a cooperative relationship with the Chief and the Band Manager.
  • attends public meetings on behalf of the band
    • attends Ward meetings in their respective region; Central Region: Exploits, Gander Bay, Glenwood and for Western Region: Port au Port, Flat Bay, Stephenville, St. George’s, Benoit’s Cove, Corner Brook
  • works with the Chief to help ensure that the integrity and interests of the Band are protected.

What does it mean to be elected as a Ward Councilor?

Ward Councilors are expected to:

  • hold at least 2 ward meetings per fiscal year for members in their respective ward
  • be prepared to serve as Chair or council member of one of the QFN standing committees
  • represent the interests of members from their respective wards
  • help provide the vision, leadership, and direction for the overall governance of the Band
  • help set the long-term goals and objectives for the Band
  • review documents and be fully prepared for meetings of council

Suggested links related to QMFNB Chief & Council Roles and Responsibilities on Qalipu.ca

Governance Policy

By Laws

Do you have further questions on accessing, submitting, or sending your Nomination Papers?

Reach Electoral Officer:
Reisha Knott
709-486-2427
rknott@qalipu.ca

logo contest web banner

Third Annual Logo Contest for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Posted by Qalipu on

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)

Request for Proposal for Snow Clearing Services (3)

Request for Proposals for Snow Cleaning Services

Posted by Qalipu on

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 25th, 2024. Please submit them electronically to cedmunds@qalipudevelopment.com with subject line: RFP for Snow Clearing Services.

Click here for the RFP

Election 2024-2 (1)

Notice of Call for Nominations – 2024 Qalipu Election

Posted by Qalipu on

Opening September 23, 2024 at 8:30am and Closing October 2, 2024 at 12:00pm.

In accordance with the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections, nominations are invited for the positions of Chief, Central Vice Chief, Western Vice Chief, and Councilor for the Electoral Wards of: Exploits, Glenwood, Gander Bay, St. George’s, Stephenville, Port au Port, Benoit’s Cove, Flat Bay, Corner Brook.

Nomination forms are available for printable download below, at Qalipu Election 2024 – Qalipu, or at any of the Qalipu First Nation Offices located in Stephenville, St George’s, Gander, Glenwood, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Corner Brook.

Nomination papers are to be submitted with a nonrefundable fee of $25.00 in the form of money order, bank 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 12:00PM on the 2nd day of October 2024

and will be considered as filed with the Electoral Officer for the purpose of the Band Election to be held during the voting window, opening October 18th, 2024 at 12:00PM through to October 25th, 2024 ending 8:00PM.

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 Election 2024 can be found here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu-election-hub/

Reisha Knott
Electoral Officer
E: rknott@qalipu.ca
T: 709-486-2427

 

Nomination Forms

Naoise White 2023

Orange Shirts Featuring Design By Naoise White Now on Sale!

Posted by Qalipu on

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!