Council Meeting Report – March 22, 2025

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Council Meeting Report March 2024-1-March 22

The Qalipu Chief and Council met on Saturday, March 22, for their regularly scheduled meeting in Corner Brook.

Budget Approval for 2025-2026

The focus of the meeting was to review and approve the Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) and budgets for all departments, aligning with the 10-year Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP).

The proposed budget was approved, and the motion was carried.

Read the Comprehensive Community Plan here: https://qalipu.ca/comprehensive-community-plan/

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Annual Operating Plan

  • Health & Wellness:
    • Expand staff and resources for NIHB services.
    • Improve membership access to mental health counseling.
    • Provide mental wellness programs and on-the-land experiences.
    • Explore housing options for members.
    • Support infrastructure development, including Wigwam Point and other traditional sites.
  • Education, Training & Community Development:
    • Continue the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.
    • Provide youth with opportunities to enhance their career development and employment goals through career exploration, job placements, business creation, and workplace skills training.
    • Pursue partnerships and initiatives to support training and employment opportunities.
    • Increase the frequency of targeted training in traditional and high-demand sectors.
    • Develop and maintain relationships with key funders and stakeholders.
    • Continue to support tourism businesses through Experience Qalipu.
    • Provide learning opportunities and training sessions for members.
  • Environment & Natural Resources:
    • Conduct patrols under the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy program.
    • Continue research and monitoring around species at risk, including little brown bats, piping plovers, and pine marten.
    • Work with groups focused on species and habitat conservation.
  • Finance:
    • Ensure all pertinent staff are trained on the new accounting software.
    • Provide monthly reports to directors and managers.
    • Conduct a budget planning session with key stakeholders.
    • Create a Compliance Officer position.
  • Executive Office:
    • Review QFN by-laws and policies.
    • Develop an infrastructure plan pending available funding.
    • Investigate the possibility of a tax exemption for members.
    • Continue discussions regarding fishing rights for members.
    • Strengthen relationships with other First Nations across the country.
    • Identify funding for a communications strategy and website redevelopment.
  • Operations:
    • Strengthen IT security and develop online member forms.
    • Implement cybersecurity training for staff.
    • Provide in-person Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) application assistance.
    • Engage summer students in updating KINU profiles.

Organizational Chart Updates

Aligning with the AOPs, several new positions have been created, including:

  • Assistant Director of Health & Wellness
  • Cultural Wellness Facilitator
  • Compensation & Benefits Officer
  • Compliance Officer

To expand capacity, an additional Mental Wellness Outreach Officer and Early Childhood Educator have been added, as well as an NIHB Administrative Assistant. Some roles have been renamed to better align with the evolving needs of the departments.

Additionally, cultural staff have been reassigned to the Health & Wellness Department, integrating wellness and cultural practices. Community development staff have transitioned to the Education & Training Department, emphasizing learning and career development opportunities.

QFN now employs nearly 90 full-time staff, exceeding 100 with seasonal and contractual employees.

The organizational chart was approved as presented, and the motion was carried.

Band Manager Update

The Band Manager reported that policy reviews are ongoing, and he provided an update on the 2023-2024 audited financial statements.

The delay in the 2023-24 financials is due to the implementation of a new accounting software that caused several challenges. The glitches in the software have been identified, and the system is now stable and working as it should. The audit is ongoing, and work is also being done on the current year’s audit. The goal is to have the 2024-2025 financials ready for Council’s approval on time in July.

Next Council Meeting

The next Council meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2025, in Corner Brook.