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Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k February 2018 Newsletter

Kwe’

In this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k you will find the details on a demonstration set to take place in Ottawa this weekend on the front page.  On page 2, find out how the Chief is negotiating for grassroots people and community members, and how to share your story, and in my editorial, I’m With You, Joe, read a story that many can relate to- Joe is one of our members who has been told he will lose his status.

Also, in this edition are details about the Climate Change Study that has just begun at Qalipu.   Through interviews, we will gather information about climate change, its impact on our communities and people, and solutions for adaptations.  Find all the details on page 6.

As usual, we share important information about opportunities, community updates and events that you won’t want to miss.

Please enjoy and don’t hesitate to get in touch to make a comment, ask a question or provide content for the next edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k.

Please enjoy this edition of Maw-pemita’jik Qalipu’k.  Remember to send your stories, pictures, and feedback to Alison at awhite@qalipu.ca

Wela’lin,

Alison White

Great Blue Heron, (Juvinile), St. George's
Great-Blue-Heron-Juvinile-St.-Georges credit: Melvin White

Qalipu First Nation to Conduct Climate Change Study

February 13, 2018, Corner Brook—Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce that it will be conducting Climate Change interviews in the communities of Lark Harbour, Cox’s Cove, Burgeo, St. George’s, Cape St. George, Stephenville Crossing, Lewisporte, Bishop’s Falls, and the Gander Bay area from February 12 to March 29, 2018.

The purpose of these interviews is to gather information about climate change, its impact on our communities and people, and solutions for adaptation. Topics will include: extreme weather events such as flooding and the impact on water quality, community infrastructure, and emergency preparedness; coastal erosion and rising sea levels and the impact they may have on spiritual grounds and medicinal plant sites; forest use and the impact climate change may be having on this use, and plant and animal life. This information will be used to help communities adapt to the challenges of climate change.

Interviews are open to members of the Band, and self-identifying Mi’kmaq aged 14+, and will take place Monday through Friday, February 12 – March 29, 2018. Times and locations to be determined on a community basis. Home visits and evening interviews are available.

To schedule your interview, please see below for contact information:

Residents of Lark Harbour, Cox’s Cove, Burgeo, St. George’s, Cape St. George, and Stephenville Crossing please contact Joanne Harris, Research Assistant at jharris@qalipu.ca or call 709-634-4706.

Residents of Lewisporte, Bishop’s Falls, and the Gander Bay area please contact Nancy Jeans, Research Assistant at njeans@qalipu.ca or call 709-393-6771.

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Message From the Chief – February 2, 2018

Kwe’

Happy New Year.   I hope that you all weathered the recent flooding in Newfoundland, and that in cases where damage was done, I pray that you found support in your families and community.  May the Creator bless you all with good health and the care of community in the year ahead.

Something that has been much talked about in the media and on Facebook recently is the issue of separation that has been brought forward by the Flat Bay Band Inc. This has been a concern for members living in Flat Bay, and for other people in our communities.  I would like to take a moment to address this topic.  Band Division is, in fact, a provision under the Indian Act.  If you would like to read about it for yourself, go to this link and look under the heading “How to divide a Band?”

I would like to take a moment to clarify a few points with members of the Qalipu First Nation who have been calling me to ask what this means for them, and others who may be wondering.  First, I am not in support of Band division.  Secondly, Band division would be a lengthy process involving formal application to INAC and agreement by the Minister.  Further, the elected Chief and Council of the day would have to agree to division.   Such a division would also require the majority vote of status members belonging to the impacted community.  In this case, status card holders who are members of the community of Flat Bay, and those directly affiliated with Flat Bay Band Inc.

While some of the rhetoric in the ongoing conversation seems to imply that Band division would rectify issues related to the enrolment process or achieve status for individuals who do not currently have it, I regret to say that it will not.  Only status members would decide on division, and the number of status card holders would remain the same.  I hope that this situation has not given false hope to people.

I have no issue with any community or organization doing whatever they can to better themselves and the lives of people.  I do however, feel that the timing may not be the best to publicly talk of division.  We should try to stick together at this time as we fight for the rights of people who are not yet members of Qalipu and those that may lose First Nation status after the enrolment process concludes.

At this time, I am working diligently for those residents of our 67 recognized Mi’kmaq communities who were assessed on the points system and were found ineligible for Founding Membership.  This system of assessment, the points system, was never intended to be applied to people who lived in one of those communities at the time of recognition! People who, in fact, lived there all their lives.  I am compiling information on cases like these and I will fight for their fair treatment.   There are many others in this process we strongly support, and we will continue to do so.

While I’m talking about fairness, how on earth can the very members of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, those who voted to ratify the Agreement to create our First Nation in the first place, now be found ineligible for membership? This is unacceptable, and the Government of Canada has not heard the last from me on this.  Grassroots people, I am fighting for you.  I offer myself, wholeheartedly, to walk with the people and seek justice.

Were you an FNI member who voted on ratification for the Agreement in Principle, yet you have been found ineligible for Founding Membership? Did you live in a Mi’kmaq community yet, were assessed on the points system and denied membership because you didn’t have enough points?

I want to hear from you!  Please send your story to stories@qalipu.ca

Wela’lin,
Chief Brendan Mitchell

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Traditional Healing and Counselling Survey

Qalipu First Nation and Miawpukek First Nation have partnered together to collect information on traditional healing and counselling services across the province. We are asking individuals to complete the following short survey to aid us in gaining a greater understanding of what traditional healing and counselling services mean to you and our communities.
Please complete the survey by clicking the link below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/traditionalhealer

Jan 17, 2018 Chase the Ace Jackpot winner Eemmanuel Simon
Photo: Barb Benoit McAlinden, Emmanuel Simon, Lory Benoit Jesso, Lee Kerfont, Myra Benoit and Janice Benwah

Benoit First Nation – Chase the Ace Winner

Benoit 1st Nation would like to announce the following information  from last night’s Chase The Ace at the Mi’kmaw Centre in Degrau on January 17, 2017.

The evening’s total ticket sales were $3,814.00. Congratulations to Emmanuel Simon who ticket  #24239 won $762.80 (20% ticket sales). Emmanuel cut the deck of cards hoping for the sneaky Ace of Spades and drew the Ace of spades!!!!The Ace of Spades was worth $1,144.25 (30% ticket sales) plus $10,975.00 which was worth $12,882.00 in total take home winnings. 50% ticket sales $1907.00 goes towards the Mi’kmaw Centre Building upgrades.

The 50/50 Ticket draw winner was Teddy Rouzes who won $503.00. Thanks so much to all the volunteers that helped with this event and also thanks to everyone who came out for this very successful Mi’kmaw Centre Fundraiser.

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Improving Health: My Way

Are you looking to improve your health?

Qalipu First Nation has partnered with Western Health to provide you with the opportunity to improve your health and join in cultural sharing, smudging, talking circles, and more!

Program Details:

Improving Health: My Way is a fun and interactive program that teaches easy-to-use skills to help improve your overall health and wellbeing. This FREE program has helped many people to better manage their own wellness and live healthier lives. It can help you too!

Join a group session with two trained leaders for 2½ hours a week for six weeks. The goal of the workshop is to help you take control of your health. Anyone with a health concern or condition is welcome, and you may bring a family member or friend.

Location: Qalipu First Nation Community Room

Majestic Premises, 1 Church Street Corner Brook
February 6th – March 12th, 2018
7:00pm-9:30pm (Tuesday evenings)
Everyone is welcome!

*Registration required
To register please call (709)-637-5000 ext. 6689 or email susanmadore@westernhealth.nl.ca
Qalipu IHMW Invite Winter 2018_Page_2

a group of women are sitting in a circle, discussing

The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women Appointment Opportunities

The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women performs an important role to the Provincial Government by ensuring that the experiences of women are considered while Government develops new policies and programs, as well as continuing its ongoing work.

The voices of women are essential in informing the actions of government.

Could you, or someone you know, be the next member of this important Advisory Council? Please click here to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of being a member of the Status of Women Advisory Council, and to apply online.