Kwe’,
It is my pleasure to greet you today from my office in Corner Brook where the fall colours are so beautifully on display. I hope that you all are finding ways to enjoy the season whether it’s lighting your first fire in the woodstove, getting the kids ready for Halloween, or taking walks in the cool air.
The fall is an important time for our people in terms of special days. October 1st marked Treaty Day, and the beginning of Mi’kmaq history month. Today is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. I look forward to seeing the women gathered outside as we do every year, wearing their red colours in honour of lost and stolen sisters.
Friday, September 30 was the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This year marked the first time that this day was nationally recognized, a statutory holiday, for all Canadians to take the time to reflect on the tragedy of the residential school system. Across Ktaqmkuk, Qalipu and many grassroots organizations and volunteers held community events that aimed to raise awareness while honouring the families and communities who continue to be impacted.
Trauma has ripple effects that touch upon the lives of many generations; it is important that we remember this and continually move toward reconciliation.
This year, Qalipu held a logo contest for children in grades K-12 inviting them to create images that represented what the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation meant to them. I had the opportunity to look at some of those images, including the winning artwork by Kali Gill, a grade 9 student from Corner Brook Intermediate. I have to say, they were beautiful. The way the children are learning about these important topics, this tragic part of our history, is incredibly valuable. I’m proud of all those who took part in this contest, and proud of the many community events that took place.
A couple of weeks ago, we saw one of the worst storms ever to land in Newfoundland. People on the south coast were in some cases severely impacted. I wish to remind our members who had their homes lost or damaged that we do have some support available through our housing division. There are several programs available, and I encourage you to make yourself aware of those.
As we complete year one of the term of this new Council, I wish to take this opportunity to thank our Council for their dedication and hard work and our staff for the important services they provide to our membership. I would also like to thank Keith Goulding our Band Manager who is headed for a new career opportunity. Keith led our staff in the administrative aspect of Qalipu First Nation for the past four years and contributed greatly to the development of our Band. I wish Keith and his family all the best.
Wela’lin,
Chief Brendan