Group of young students and designers.They working on new project.

Mawio’mi 2017: Resource Innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador. Indigenous Youth Invite

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The Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce that registration is now open for its sixth annual Aboriginal Business Forum, Mawio’mi 2017: Resource Innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Forum this year will be comprised of three event filled days; day one will feature a Youth Innovation Challenge, day two will showcase presentations from industry innovators in the Resource Sector, while day three will offer students an entrepreneurial workshop.

This year’s business forum will provide a unique opportunity for 26 youth from across the province. Qalipu First Nation will partner with Allen’s Fisheries and the College of the North Atlantic to offer the students an innovation challenge. The facilitated session will expose the post-secondary students to real-world industry situations while encouraging innovative solutions. This year’s participants will build skills as leaders, team players, innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs in solving this year’s industry challenge. On the final day of the Business Forum, the students participate in a seminar titled, “Introduction to Entrepreneurship as a Viable Career Option”, hosted by Chelsey Paterson of the Newfoundland and Labrador YMCA.

Qalipu First Nation is inviting youth to apply to attend this three-day forum being held March 21st-23rd, 2017 in Gander, NL.

*Open to all interested youth between 18-29

Applicants must be:

  • Between the ages of 19 to 30.

If you are interested in applying for this exciting opportunity, you will need to submit a:

  • Verification of enrollment at a post-secondary institution

Limited space is available so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, but no later than 12 P.M. on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Accommodations, meals and a travel subsidy will be provided. Please note that the hotel requires a credit card for incidental purposes.  If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply to: Mitch Blanchard via email mblanchard@qalipu.ca with subject line “Miawio’mi 2017 – Youth”

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest. Successful applicants will be notified by March 16th, 2017. Confirmation of attendance is required by March 17th, 2017 @ 4 P.M.

Breaking news

Statement Regarding Ottawa Meeting

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On February 24, 2017, Chief/President Mitchell, Vice Chief (Central) Bouzanne, Councillor/Director Skeard, Elder Odelle Pike, Elder Calvin White, and Band Manager Randy Drover met with representatives of Canada to discuss the outcomes of the enrolment process.  Vice Chief (Western) Samms-Hurley was unavailable due to other previously scheduled Band commitments.  The meeting occurred in Gatineau, QC.

Over the past couple of weeks, members and applicants received their letters from the Enrolment Committee regarding their eligibility for enrolment as Founding Members of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band.  Chief and Council has and continues to receive feedback from members and applicants who are expressing their disappointment with the outcomes.  Many people are sharing their personal stories and are questioning the decisions of the Enrolment Committee.  These stories and the associated emotions are being heard and felt.  The Chief and Council are equally disappointed with the number of members and applicants found not to have met the enrolment criteria and sympathize with those people who were found ineligible for enrolment.

On February 13, 2017, the Qalipu First Nation (QFN) and the FNI began hosting end of enrolment community sessions to provide members with an opportunity to raise questions and concerns.  To date, community sessions were held in Flat Bay, Port-au-Port, St. Georges, Stephenville, Benoits Cove, St. John’s and Grand Falls-Windsor.  Sessions will also be held in Gambo, Appleton, Corner Brook, Port Saunders, and Burgeo in the coming weeks.  These sessions have been well attended and the information collected was shared with Canada during the meeting.  For more information regarding the community sessions, please visit Qalipu.ca.

During the meeting in Gatineau, the parties had an open and frank discussion regarding the outcomes of the enrolment process.  Chief Mitchell and the other representatives, including the Elders, shared the concerns, issues and emotions they are hearing and feeling throughout our communities.

The QFN and the FNI will continue to address with Canada the issues and concerns being raised by our members and applicants.  Moreover, efforts to find solutions, within the parameters of the agreements, are being explored.  While this process is unfolding, and there are no assurances these exploratory discussions will be fruitful, the FNI encourages those individuals with the right to appeal to utilize that process.  Appeals must be submitted by March 31, 2017, and they must demonstrate how the Enrolment Committee made an error or mistake when assessing your application.  The appeals process provides an important opportunity to rectify errors that members and applicants feel were made in the assessment of their files.  For more information regarding the appeals process, please visit Qalipu.ca.

Further updates will be provided as the process unfolds.

webinar word on notepaper with cork background.

Register Now! Qalipu’s 6th Annual Aboriginal Business Forum

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The Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce that registration is now open for its sixth annual Aboriginal Business Forum, Mawio’mi 2017: Resource Innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year the Business Forum will include an evening social followed by an  informative full day event to be held at the Albatross Hotel in Gander, NL on March 22nd.

The theme of this years’ Forum, Resource Innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador, will provide opportunities for delegates to gain insight into Natural Resource development in our province, network with industry, and strategically align to capitalize on opportunities.

Remember, registration is free and the Forum is open to everyone.

Space is limited, please get in touch with Kelly or Nicole to book your spot:

Kellie Kerpan
Economic Development Officer
kkerpan@qalipu.ca
709-489-2898

OR

Nicole Companion
Administrative Assistant
ncompanion@qalipu.ca
709-634-8043

Employee and employer balanced cooperation concept. Businessman (human resources officer) draw scheme with hand shaking of employee and employer.

Hire a Qalipu Student this Summer and We’ll Pay their Wages

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The Qalipu First Nation is now accepting applications from employers or organizations who are interested in our Youth Summer Employment Program (YSEP).

The YSEP, now in its eleventh year, has provided employability skills and work experience for hundreds of aboriginal youth.  At the same time, employers benefit from an enhanced workforce during the summer months while the Qalipu First Nation takes responsibility for the financial management of the student.

To learn more about this program including responsibilities of the employer, and how to apply, please visit www.qalipu.ca/youth-programs or contact Vickie Macdonald, Employment Coordinator by email at vmacdonald@qalipu.ca

The deadline for employers to apply for the Youth Summer Employment Program is April 7, 2017. Click here to apply.

Live lobsters caught in Bar Harbor, Maine

New Fishing License Available for 2017 Season

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Qalipu First Nation would like to announce the availability of a Communal Commercial Fishing License.
Details are as follows:

Area 13B – One License Available

Includes:  Groundfish, Lobster and Bait

Successful applicant will be designated to fish this license by paying an annual administration fee to Qalipu First Nation Band.  The purchase and maintenance of all fishing gear is the responsibility of the designated fisherperson.  This designation will be renewed annually on the basis that the fisherperson meets the following criteria:

  • Member of Qalipu First Nation Band
  • All regulations of governing agencies of these licenses are followed
  • Licenses are utilized annually
  • Administration Fees are paid on time

Any member of the Qalipu First Nation Band interested in such a designation is encouraged to print and complete this application.  Printed applications are also available at the Corner Brook and St. George’s offices.

Please submit applications by e-mail to mmacdonald@qalipu.ca or mail to:
Please note that the deadline to apply is: Friday March 3, 2017 @ 4pm

Qalipu First Nation
3 Church Street
Corner Brook, NL  A2H 2Z4
Attn:  Mabel MacDonald