The next regular meeting of Council will be held on Saturday January 20 2018 1:00 pm at the Days Inn in Stephenville. To register please contact Mabel MacDonald at 634-5111 or email mmacdonald@qalipu.ca
Management Team, Qalipu First Nation (back L-R) Natural Resources Director Jonathan Strickland, Chief Brendan Mitchell, Band Manager Keith Goulding, Director of Operations Rob Dicks, (front L-R) Manager of Health Services Jenna Osmond, Comptroller Jodie Wells, Director of Education and Training Monique Carroll and Office Manager Janet McAuley. Missing from photo is Director of Community Development Ralph Eldridge.
Message from the Chief December 22 2017
Kwe’
As we prepare for the Christmas season, I pray that each of you are happy and in good health. For those among us who are in need, let us all take a moment to send warm prayers of encouragement and hope for better days ahead.
Reflecting on all that has happened during 2017, I recognize that it has been a bittersweet year. While there are many positive accomplishments to be proud of, we have also had moments that were challenging for our people and communities. I would like to take a moment to highlight some of the positive moments of 2017.
We’ve been helpful to our young people with respect to the North American Indigenous Games. Our Council donated $15,000 to support the young Mi’kmaq athletes who participated in this competitive sporting event. We are currently planning for our continued engagement and support of our young athletes over the years to come.
We have also supported significant community events including the annual Bay St. George Powwow in Flat Bay, and the first ever Exploits Mawio’mi in Grand Falls-Windsor. The work of our grassroots organizations and people are what keeps our culture and communities alive and thriving and, I am so proud of the many initiatives being led by the people. Likewise, through our annual donation to the Qalipu Cultural Foundation, many workshops, teachings and events receive financial support through their grants.
In terms of the Qalipu administration and management, we have had a very good year indeed. Every year INAC goes through a risk evaluation process of all First Nation Bands in Canada. This involves looking at our protocol, our documentation, our reporting, transparency and accounting systems. This year, we are proud to report a score of 1.51, likely the best score among all First Nations in Canada.
In 2017, we are also celebrating ISO certification. This international certification is based on guidelines that, once met, demonstrate excellence and reliability in business operations, policy and procedures. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff here who have been working toward this achievement of this goal for the last two years.
I would be remiss not to acknowledge the Enrolment process and the hurt that it has caused among our people and communities. I have been trying my best to bring a greater sense of fairness to this process but, the Government of Canada is standing firm on the agreement as signed. I would go so far as to say the government has been unyielding to practical solutions that have been presented. If you would like to hear more about what I have been up against in this situation, I encourage you to take a listen to my end of year interview on Mi’kmaq Matters
On behalf of Council and staff, I would like to extend a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and fulfilling New Year to each of you. I pray that this Christmas your homes are filled with the true spirit of the season, and that you enjoy the company of family, friends and community.
Wela’lin
Chief Brendan Mitchell
Aboriginal Youth Athletes, Apply by January 12, 2018 to Participate in the NL Winter Games!
Would you like to join a team of aboriginal youth on Team Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2018 NL Provincial Winter Games? Now is your chance!
The Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Circle Newfoundland and Labrador is now accepting applications.
Please note the Sports Circle requires applications be received at their offices by January 12, 2018.
For more information, please contact:
Mike Alexander
Regional Coordinator
Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle NL
Ph: 709-643-3130
Please click here to complete the Application
John Davis new General Manager of Qalipu Development Corporation
December 08, 2017, Corner Brook—The Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce the hiring of John Davis for the position of General Manager of the Qalipu Development Corporation (QDC). In this role, John will be responsible for the portfolio of businesses that make up the QDC, among them the Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries, Qalipu Management Services, commercial properties, and Eastern Door Logistics. John will also manage new business development, partnerships and activities focused on the economic future of the Band.
John Davis is from Corner Brook and he proudly embraces his Mi’kmaq heritage and connection to the indigenous community. John brings a variety of experience to the table including thirteen years experience supporting industry, business, and entrepreneurs as the Director of Regional Operations with the provincial department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.
John also spent six years working as a senior Regional Planner with the Enterprise Newfoundland and Labrador Corporation, a provincial crown corporation responsible for business development and financing, and served as Director of the Marble Mountain Development Corporation from 1991-2017. He has worked with several other government agencies at the federal level.
John holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Memorial University and has completed professional practitioner programs in Project Management, Memorial University, and Economic Development, University of Waterloo.
As General Manager for the QDC, John will report to a Board of Directors appointed by the Chief and Council, and align priorities and goals with the five-year strategic plan that was developed in consultation with membership, staff and Council.
John began in his new role at Qalipu First Nation on December 4 and is looking forward to the work ahead. He said, “The QDC is a very exciting organization. It is already engaged in numerous business development activities which will benefit the Qalipu membership tremendously. I am extremely pleased to be a part of this team.”
Media:
Alison White
Communications Officer
Tel. 709.634.5163
awhite@qalipu.ca
You are Invited: Presentation on Jordan’s Principle at Appleton Town Hall on December 11 at 7:00 PM
There will be a presentation on the Jordan’s Principle at the Appleton Town Hall in Glenwood this Monday, December 11. The presentation will begin at 7:00 PM. The presentation will be led by Rocky John of Conne River.
The Jordan’s Principle is in place to support indigenous children living on or off reserve. The intention is to fill the gaps in service from the local care provider(s) and what INAC is willing to fund. For example common types of services approved are: Respite Speech Therapy, Nutritional supplements, Special needs assistants (for pre-school aged children), Intensive behavioral interventions, Specialized diagnostic assessments (psychological Education is the most common), Medical equipment/supplies not covered under NIHB.
This is an important opportunity to for us to gain a greater understand of programs and resources that are available to the indigenous community. I hope to see you there.
Frank Skeard,
Glenwood Ward Councilor
Qalipu First Nation
For more information on the Jordan’s Principle, please click here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/first-nations-inuit-health/jordans-principle.html
State of the Environment: Open Talk
Please join us for presentations, and an open discussion regarding the state of the environment in our communities. Through talking and break-out sessions we will work toward solutions together.
Saturday, December 9 2017
9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Qalipu Community Room
1 Church Street, Corner Brook
Please RSVP to Mabel MacDonald at 634-5111 or email mmacdonald@qalipu.ca
Emera NL-Safety Update
- Emera Newfoundland & Labrador is in the final stages of completing the Maritime Link. Energizing and testing of infrastructure is underway.
- Members of the public should approach Maritime Link sites with the same caution as you would with any existing substation or power lines in your community.
- Components should be considered energized with high voltage electricity and should only be accessed by Emera NL authorized workers.
- Emera NL is committed to the health and safety of workers and the public. For more information call 1-855-722-3373 or visit EmeraNL.com.
Update: Elder Advisory Council
A regular meeting of the Qalipu Chief and Council took place on November 18, 2017 at the Community Room in Corner Brook. Below is a summary of the discussion that took place regarding the establishment of an Elder Advisory Council.
Other Nations, including Miawpukek First Nation, has an Elder Advisory Council. Qalipu recognizes the value of having such an established group.
A draft Terms of Reference was written and shared with Council prior to the meeting
More than 40 names were submitted when Council put out a call for recommendations. Ward Councilors submitted names that they had received, and members of the Executive (Chief and Vice Chiefs) submitted names as well.
The Terms of Reference outlines the purpose, mission, values and ways of working for this soon to be established Council. Membership on the Elder Council will be based on inclusion of “anyone who is sought after and recognized for their wisdom, knowledge, and caring for humanity within their communities.”
Some of the roles of the Elder Council will be to give direction, request full disclosure about matters and issues in order to give informed direction/advice, sit on committees as requested, assist Chief and Council with making important decisions that impact our Mi’kmaq communities and build relationships and exchange knowledge with Elders from other areas.
Chief expressed the desire to make a shortened list of Elders who can make up this Council, and asked Council how they thought this should be structured.
He asked, “How big do you think this group should be, for function?”
One Councilor suggested that we have so much difficulty moving forward with the nine people we have at the table, that establishing this Council may further delay our ability to move forward.
Several Councilors suggested that if we are looking at putting an Elder Council together, we should stick to a guideline of not anymore than five or six people. This can’t be done with 40 + people.
Another Councilor spoke to the fact that there are nine Wards, and all Wards should be represented. It would make the group larger than ideal, but all areas would be represented. The Councilor also suggested that the community should determine the person, not Council.
A Councilor responded that this list of names was submitted by the people in our communities. What the Council is attempting to do is shorten the list.
Another member of Council suggested that we keep the group small, maybe have regional representation.
Most Councilors agreed that keeping the group size small would be best.
Another issue was that for Wards representing several distinct and separate communities, maybe its time to engage an individual from a community that is not typically recognized.
One Councilor said that “in the Newfoundland context, our culture was so underground. If we look to Nova Scotia and other provinces whose culture has not been underground, their Terms of Reference on Elders would include a lifetime of their culture not being underground. The kind of Elder you meet in Nova Scotia, we don’t have many people like that here. Some of the people submitted on this list, are they really Elders?”
A discussion on what defines an Elder in this process followed:
- Knowledge keeper
- Acknowledged, and accepted in the community as having wisdom, life experience and understanding of our culture and teachings.
- Someone that carries the traditional knowledge that has been involved in the Mi’kmaq way of life for many years.
- Someone who can conduct ceremonies
- A life-long learning knowledge.
- A community leader
- Someone who is giving of their time and gifts
An idea that came forward was how to include the entire group of people whose names were put forward. Maybe a retreat, and other ways to get together as teaching and learning opportunities.
A member of Council spoke to the seriousness of being an Elder. It is an important role that comes with self-sacrifice.
Notice – Registration of Children of Founding Members in the Qalipu First Nation
All requests for registration under the Indian Act in the Qalipu First Nation will be processed by the Winnipeg Processing Unit. The Winnipeg Processing Unit will review all applications and:
- Register individuals that are currently entitled as the child of a Founding Member who will retain an entitlement after the new Founding Members list is passed through an Order in Council in the Spring of 2018; and
- Place on hold any files where entitlement cannot be determined past spring 2018 (where parent may not retain Founding Membership) and notify the applicant as such.
Please note, Charmaine Bath, Qalipu’s Indian Registration Administrator, is on hand to assist with completing the application form and ensuring that all necessary documentation is included in your application package. For assistance, please contact Charmaine at (709) 679-2142, or toll free (within Newfoundland only) at 1-855-263-6440 or email cbath@qalipu.ca
