October 22, 2019, Corner Brook—The Qalipu Cultural Foundation celebrated its fifth annual Ketip’nemk Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction this weekend in Corner Brook. The event, featuring fine arts and crafts donated by Indigenous artists, cultural sharing, and a three-course meal using traditional ingredients, was well attended by some 175 people. The guest list included members of the Band and the broader Indigenous community, partners and businesses who all support the Foundation and its mandate of building and sharing Mi’kmaq culture in Newfoundland.
Sherry Dean, Chairperson of the Foundation noted that this has been a banner year for the volunteer led charitable organization. “We’re proud to report that this year, with much support from guests, donating artists and our sponsors, we have raised $16,480.50! This is a significant amount of money that will be put to good use funding community groups and individuals who deliver workshops, programs and initiatives that promote and share our culture and teachings. In the past year many workshops and programs have been delivered in our communities. For the year ahead, we are ready to support more of this good work.”
This years’ Gala featured music by the Spirit Bay Drummers led by Troy Bennett who also shared teachings about the community big drum and a fancy shawl dancing demonstration and teachings were provided by Marcella Williams. Guests enjoyed vying for their favourite pieces in the silent auction presenting dozens of fine art and crafts that were donated by local Indigenous artists. Western Vice Chief Keith Cormier and Elder Odelle Pike, also the Ward Councilor for Stephenville, emceed the event and greetings were brought by Chief Brendan Mitchell on behalf of the Qalipu First Nation.
Dean added, “I would like to thank my co-chair Lorraine Stone, and lead staff support Nicole Travers and, on behalf of all of us who serve the Qalipu Cultural Foundation, I extend a sincere thank you to all of those who purchased tickets in support of our gala, participated in the silent auction, made donations or came on board as sponsors. It is only through your help that we can continue doing the good work that we do. See you next year!”
Sponsorship
Mountain Level ($1500 or greater): Barry Group
Tree Level ($1000-1499): Tract Consulting Inc., Kruger Inc., Cox & Palmer
River Level ($500-999): BCJ Tax Centre
Brook Level (up to $499): Brendan Mitchell and Sheila Lasaga, Sherry and Mervyn Dean, Western Lock, Humber Motors Ford, Data Atlantic Systems
Art and Craft Donations:
| Blomidon Beadwork Bunchberry Beadwork Ruth Travers Dawn Sampson Dawn Baker Pauline Gilley Marcella Williams Todd Neil Eileen Simms Patricia Brockway Marilyn Matthews |
Duncan Chisolm Brian Lasaga Reg Locke Marcus Gosse Phyllis Cooper Cora Butt Doug Stone Eileen McKay Scott Butt Florence Pinhorn Yes B’y Beading |
Jenny Beadz Brenda White Michelle Rowe Autumn Gale Bronson Jacque Margie Benoit Wheeler David Strickland Bonny W Messervey Leigh-Ann Maxwell |
Click here to apply for a cultural support grant with the Qalipu Cultural Foundation.