Kwe’

I hope this message finds you well.

We recently held our Annual General Assembly (AGA).  We like to move these meetings around so that our meetings are accessible to different communities throughout the regions.  This year, we held the AGA in Deer Lake, a community of the Benoit’s Cove Ward.  The AGA was an opportunity for us to review the activities and finances of the last fiscal year, and to talk about where we are going next.  A number of members were in attendance and there were some great questions asked.  To view the Annual Report, please click here

I am pleased to share that the Qalipu First Nation has partnered with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to bring the Moose Hide Campaign to our communities in Newfoundland.  This is a grassroots movement, that started in British Columbia, of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men who are standing up against violence towards women and children.  Wearing the moose hide pin signifies a commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in one’s life and to work together with other men to end violence against women and children.  Also, this program will be expanded in conjunction with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Western Newfoundland.  For those who would like to wear the pin, please visit one of our office locations where the pins are available, free of charge.

In the coming months there will be more opportunities to get together as Ward Councilors arrange Town Hall meetings in their communities.  Please keep an eye on our events calendar for updated information on dates and locations for Ward meetings.  https://qalipu.ca/events/

We can soon expect to start receiving the results of the appeals process.  The first batch of letters is expected to be sent out at the end of October, and at the end of every consecutive month thereafter until the process has been completed.  We have compiled a number of questions and answers that should help everyone to understand the details of the process and how outcomes are determined.  Please click here to view the Question and Answers.

I would like to remind everyone that October is Mi’kmaq History Month.  In 1993, Nova Scotia Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaw Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy declared October as the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage. Each October, community activities, events, sharing and showcasing the Mi’kmaw history takes place.  (http://mikmaqhistorymonth.ca/about/) .

Let this be an opportunity for all of us to learn something more about our history and culture, and share with each other what we have learned.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the executive and employees of the newly established People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre on their official opening at their locations in Stephenville and St. George’s.  I attended the official opening in St. George’s and, as usual, received a warm welcome and witnessed positive cultural sharing.  This is the ideal for Friendship Centre’s across Canada and is a natural fit for the Bay St. George area.  We can expect positive initiatives and good things from the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre.  Find out what’s happening by visiting their new website here: http://pdifc.com/

I wish you all a pleasant fall season.  Be sure to spend time outside enjoying the fall colours before the snow comes.

Wela’lin

Chief Brendan Mitchell