April 12, 2019 Corner Brook—Qalipu First Nation is pleased to share that following a recent meeting of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC), the Band has been accepted into the APC.  This policy and advocacy body represents more than thirty First Nation communities in Atlantic Canada and Gaspe region of Quebec; as of April 11, 2019, the APC now counts Qalipu as its newest member.

As a regional policy, research and advocacy organization, the APC plays an important role in economic development activities across the region in support of all Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy and Innu communities across the Atlantic.   Following the vote, Chief Mitchell spoke to how Qalipu will work together with the APC, and what acceptance means for the Band and the Mi’kmaq people of Newfoundland.

“Reconciiation, for us, is unique.  Acceptance by our own Mi’kmaq community continues to be an important aspect of our identity and our reconciliation.  For us to be accepted here, for our people to be accepted here, this has a sense of coming home.”

Qalipu has already been working with the APC in areas of Education, Community Development and Natural Resources and looks forward to new ways of collaborating and building strength as a united First Nation peoples.

Chief Mitchell noted, “Our wish at Qalipu First Nation is to work collaboratively with other Chiefs and Indigenous communities across Atlantic Canada in an effort to work to build a better tomorrow for all Mi’kmaq people.”

About Qalipu

Qalipu First Nation is a vibrant Mi’kmaq First Nation established in 2011 as an Indigenous Band under the Indian Act.  With a large membership spread across 67 traditional Newfoundland Mi’kmaq communities and abroad, we are one of the largest First Nation groups in Canada.

Newfoundland is part of the traditional Mi’kmaq Nation whose territory extends from Quebec through the Maritime Provinces and into Newfoundland.

April 11, 2019 Corner Brook—Throughout March and April, Qalipu is travelling around the island to deliver information sessions regarding the many programs services and benefits that are available through the Band, and to familiarize new members who may have a lot of questions about what it means to belong to the Qalipu First Nation.

Orientation Sessions feature a general overview of all programs, services and benefits, and subject matter experts are on hand to answer questions on hot topics like health benefits, education funding, community engagement and registration. Members of Council are also on hand to answer questions.

People attending these sessions also receive their copy of the new Membership Information Guide—a colorful and easy to read quick reference guide to every program, service and benefit that is available to members of the Band.

Sessions have been delivered in Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, Gander Bay, St. George’s, Stephenville, Flat Bay, and Burgeo. The final leg of the tour will include stops in Port au Port, Corner Brook, Benoit’s Cove and St. John’s.

We hope to see you there!

Port au Port Tuesday, April 23, 7:00 PM Our Lady of Fatima Parish Community Centre, 13 NL-460, Aguathuna Corner Brook Wednesday, April 24, 7:00 PM Bennett Hall-Masonic Hall, 11 West Street, Corner Brook

St. John’s Thursday, April 25, 2019, 7:00 PM First Light Centre for Performance and Creativity, 81 Cochrane Street, St. John’s

Benoit’s Cove Monday, April 29, 7:00 PM Community Room, 103 Hillview Rd., Benoit’s Cove

CAN’T ATTEND IN PERSON?
View the online copy of the Membership Information Guide and stay tuned for an upcoming information session to be hosted online.

Media:

Alison White
Communications Officer
Qalipu First Nation
709-649-7194

April 2, 2019 Corner Brook—Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce a new development that
provides for more sustainable funding for its membership, and a stronger sense of self-determination  for the nation.  On March 14, 2019 Qalipu signed a ten-year grant funding agreement with Indigenous Services Canada. The agreement marks a significant departure from annually allocated funds that were often lacking in flexibility and autonomy for the Band and marks a new opportunity for creating a shared vision for the future with the members it represents. The Agreement is effective as of April 1, 2019.

Band Manger Keith Goulding leads a group of some fifty staff in five office locations across the province. He commented on his pride in the work the team has put in, including working closely with the Financial Management Board (FMB) to obtain the certification needed for grant funding approval with Indigenous Services Canada.

Goulding said, “Receiving this grant is a great opportunity for our Band. We have been working to meet the eligibility guidelines, developing policies and procedures that are up to industry best standards and maintaining a high level of accountability and transparency with our members. The signing of this ten- year agreement means that the way we conduct ourselves in business is top notch, it allows us to set our own course and move our First Nation forward in a positive way.”

The new comprehensive funding agreement will allow the Band to design its own programs, carry money forward from year to year, and focus on creating a vision for the future that is driven by the people and communities it represents.

Qalipu’s Comptroller, Jodie Wells, plays a lead role in the Bands financial management.   Wells explained that members will not see sudden changes but that they will have more say in how the Band spends money going forward.

She said, “For now, we have a five-year budget in place that has been reviewed and approved by Council. Our members will not notice a sudden shift in the way we do business.  Going forward, we still have to be accountable in how we spend but there will be more accountability to our people and communities rather than to government.”

To prepare for the future, Qalipu recently began a three-year project to consult with membership to build a Comprehensive Community Plan. This Plan will help guide the way the Band grows in terms of

programs, services and development initiatives.

Wells added, “Consultations for the Comprehensive Community Plan are likely to begin in the fall and
will feature a variety of outreach and engagement approaches.  We hope that everyone will take the opportunity to have their say and be a part of a shared vision for the future.”

For more information about the Comprehensive Community Plan please contact Joanne at 634-6384 or email jharris@qalipu.ca

Media:
Alison White
Communications Officer
Qalipu First Nation
709-634-5163
awhite@qalipu.ca

Everything you need to Know about your Benefits, Programs and Services

March 21, 2019 Corner Brook—All members of the Band are invited to attend an upcoming orientation session, particularly new members who may have a lot of questions about what it means to be a member of the Qalipu First Nation.

Orientation Sessions will feature a general overview of all programs, services and benefits, and we will have subject matter experts available to answer questions on Education, Health, Indian Registration, and to share plans on the upcoming Community Planning that will take place across all Wards.   Members of Council will also be on hand.

Members attending an orientation session will receive their copy of the new Membership Information Guide—a colorful and easy to read quick reference guide to every program, service and benefit that is available to you as a member of the Band.

We hope to see you there!