Random Draw Process for Residential Home Heat & Energy Rebate Ended

Posted by Qalipu on September 16, 2021

Following the closure of applications for the Residential Home Heat and Energy Rebate that was announced August 11, 2021 and ended on September 1, 2021 a total, near 1100 applications, were submitted by members.

Our Health and Wellness department would now like to let our members know that the Rebate Draw for the Program that occurred September 8th has neared the end of its process review. Successful applicants are beginning to be contacted and will continue throughout the upcoming week.

An extended thank you to all members who took the time to apply and we look forward to delivering further support programs to our members as they become available.

Message from the Chief – September 2, 2021

Posted by Qalipu on September 2, 2021

Kwe’

I look forward to meeting with our membership during our Annual General Assembly (AGA) scheduled for Sunday, September 26, 2021, to be held at the Greenwood Inn in Corner Brook, NL. This Assembly is an opportunity to provide to our members a review of the activities of the past year and present our year-end financials. The AGA also provides an opportunity for our Council to hear directly from our members. Again, our AGA is being live streamed to enable involvement by members who can’t attend the meeting in person. Separate AGA events are planned in Western and Central Regions.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank our Council members and staff for their support and commitment to Qalipu First Nation (QFN) and our members during the past year and particularly, for their efforts in dealing with the impacts Covid-19 on operations. During 2021, Covid-19 continued to interfere with carrying out normal activities, however, we managed to provide an acceptable service level to our people. We must continue to take the necessary precautions to protect our staff and our members. We will continue to take this Covid reality seriously by following prescribed measures. We must be vigilant given the new Covid variants that are appearing in our Province.

In addressing the impacts of Covid-19, QFN has been able to secure to date, Federal funding in excess of $4.3 Million to support our members. We will continue to lobby Government for additional funds to support current and future needs.

We now approach the end of Council’s three-year term and prepare for a Council election on October 22, 2021. For those Councillors leaving Council and not seeking re-election, I thank you for your service to our people during your term in office and wish you well in your future endeavours.

QFN continues to be an active member of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). The AFN election this summer established Roseanne Archibald as the new National Chief. I look forward to working with Chief Archibald and our ongoing positive relationship with the AFN both as an AFN member Chief and as the Newfoundland representative on the AFN Chief’s Committee on Emergency Management.

We continue to build on our relationship with the Atlantic Policy Congress Chiefs Secretariat and the Mi’kmaq Grand Council. In the Fall of 2020, Qalipu obtained a seat at the Atlantic Health Partnership for the first time. These are significant milestones in advancing our relationship with other First Nations and associated organizations.

Despite the impediments created by Covid-19, Qalipu has accomplished several new initiatives during the past year. These include the introduction of a Mi’kmaw Language program, construction and official opening of Mikwite’tm Garden to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and their families, the permanent flying of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council Flag at City Hall and Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, collaboration with AFN Regional Chief PJ Prosper and Chief Mi’sel Joe of Miawpukek First Nation to create a representative office of the AFN in Newfoundland and support for repatriating Beothuk remains to Newfoundland from the Museum of Scotland. Also, during the past year, Qalipu Council approved a 10-Year Strategic Plan based on input from our membership.

Further to new initiatives, as promised by Qalipu Council in 2018, Qalipu submitted an application to the Federal Fisheries Minister for fishing access for Qalipu members. This application is awaiting approval by the Minister. Additionally, QFN Housing Committee has been working diligently to develop a housing program which can benefit Qalipu Members.

In addition to these initiatives, ongoing Qalipu programs provide $12 million annually for needed health benefits to members and a further $8 million annually in education support for those pursuing post-secondary education and other types of training.

Enrolment in Qalipu continues to be an area of concern for Council. We’ve witnessed too many Founding members and their families impacted negatively with loss of status and former FNI members not having gained the recognition they deserve.

Our conversations with the Government of Canada have led to a potential Agreement which will be put forward and ratified by our membership, pertaining to military personnel, RCMP and veterans of both gaining Founding Membership. We continue to press Government to resume exploratory discussions related to former FNI members as identified in the November 2018 announcement by the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations.

The urban reserve file is still active and an alternative to establishing an arrangement under the Indian Act is being pursued.

On September 22, 2021, we will celebrate our 10^th Anniversary as a First Nation. We’ve accomplished much during our short journey. I thank those who came before us and laid the groundwork and persevered to create the foundation of what QFN is today. We can look forward with optimism about our future.

The next three-year term for Council is expected to see the successful conclusion of outstanding initiatives and will be a period of solid growth. I encourage all of us to work in peace and harmony as we move Qalipu forward together on behalf of our Nation.

Wela’lioq

Chief Brendan Mitchell

Educational Opportunity for Indigenous Students in Grade 9 through 12

Posted by Qalipu on August 30, 2021

A virtual camp for students in grade 9 through 12 to begin exploring various health careers and learn more about indigenous cultures and medicines will begin September 14 to October 5, 2021. The deadline for applications will be 5:00PM on Friday, September 3, 2021 and a fee of $25.00 will apply.

It is encouraged to complete application forms via online – Click Here for Student Application Form

For more submission options please visit Healers of Tomorrow Gathering or if you have any questions about the application form or application process, please call Carolyn at (709) 864-4938.

Residential Home Heat & Energy Rebate Program (Program Closed)

Posted by Qalipu on August 11, 2021

Residential Home Heat & Energy Rebate Program

As a direct result of the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic and previous multiple stay-at-home orders, Qalipu First Nation recognizes that its members have endured financial hardship due to an unexpected rise in the cost of heating and running their homes. To support its membership through these unprecedented times, Qalipu First Nation is pleased to host a random draw to disperse a one-time payment up to $200 to successful applicants towards their incurred Home Heat & Energy Costs. The draw will extend until funds are exhausted.

Here are the details you will need to know to enter the draw for the Residential Home Heat & Energy Rebate:

Program is open to Qalipu First Nation (QFN) members residing in Canada for a minimum of (12) consecutive months prior to date of the application.
Applicants will be required to provide proof of service charges in the form of a receipt or invoice from a registered home heat or energy provider with a minimum total of $200 charges between April 1st – September 1st, 2021 (ex. NL Power, Irving Oil, Superior Propane etc.).
Online application collection will be open for three weeks: Aug 11th – September 1st, 2021, at 4pm.
Paper/mail in applications will need to be post marked by September 1st, 2021, at 4pm.
Paper/mail in applications will not be accepted after September 7th, 2021, at 4pm.
Limit of one application per member. Duplicate applications will be removed from draw. In the event duplicate applications are received, QFN will consider the first application received as the valid submission.
All applications will require: Name, Accurate Shipping/Mailing address, Street Address (if different from mailing address), Band #, Phone Number and/or email address. Incomplete applications will be removed from draw.
While all member applications will be accepted, only one successful applicant per household is permitted. If additional applications are subsequently drawn from the same household, they will be considered ineligible.
Random draw will take place on September 8th, 2021.
Due to privacy reasons a list of winners will not be posted and only the successful applicants will be contacted.

Complete one of the following form options to apply:

To apply online:
[link removed]

To download and print application:
[link removed]

Please complete all sections of the application. Applications that are unsigned or incomplete will NOT be accepted. Faxed applications will NOT be accepted.
FAQ’s for Residential Home Heat & Energy Program

If you require assistance, please contact a member of our COVID-19 Support Team at 709-634-4577, 709-393-6777 or covidsupport@qalipu.ca

The word NEWS written in vintage wooden letterpress type in a wooden type drawer.

Qalipu Enrolment Process Update

Posted by Qalipu on August 9, 2021

Reassessment Based on Disability

The Government of Canada and Federation of Newfoundland Indians are implementing an initiative to accommodate people:
whose application for founding membership was denied based on the group acceptance criterion (point system);
who had a disability that significantly restricted or prohibited travel for a substantial portion of the period from 2006 and September 22, 2011
who were unable, based on their disability to meet the requirements of the point system because of that travel restriction.
The people affected by this situation received a letter on July 31, 2021, explaining steps to follow to request a reassessment as well as how the enrolment committee will reassess files.

Instructions

The reassessment is based on the following scenarios:

Scenario A: Your disability significantly restricted or prohibited from travel for much of the period from 2006 to September 22, 2011.
Scenario B: Your disability required you to move from in or around one of the 67 geographic locations of the Mi’kmaq Group of Indians on the island of Newfoundland to accommodate your disability within the period from 2006 to September 22, 2011.
Scenario C: Your disability required you to move from elsewhere on the island of Newfoundland to accommodate your disability within the period from 2006 to September 22, 2011.

If one of the above scenarios applies to you and you would like a reassessment, please send us the Disability Declaration form completed by a medical provider and all documentation supporting your request. For details on what documents are required as well as the list of acceptable communities, please visit the instructions page of the Disability Declaration form.

In order for your application to be reassessed, your application must be sent and postmarked no later than September 14, 2021. Any request for reassessment received after the deadline will not be considered by the enrolment committee.

If you have any questions, please call the Government of Canada’s Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation toll-free line (1-800-561-2266; TTY: 1-800-465-7735).

Quick link to print the Disability Declaration form: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-ISC-SAC/DAM-FNDNG/STAGING/texte-text/qalipu-83-181-prt_1627920385741_eng.pdf

Quick link to print the instructions for the Disability Declaration form: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-ISC-SAC/DAM-FNDNG/STAGING/texte-text/qalipu-83-181-instructions_1627920283451_eng.pdf

Canada, Federation of Newfoundland Indians and Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation to work toward a new agreement to reconsider veterans and active service members

Posted by Qalipu on July 6, 2021

News release

July 5, 2021 — Gatineau, Quebec — Indigenous Services Canada

The creation of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation is an important step forward for the Mi’kmaq people in Newfoundland.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, and Brendan Mitchell, Chief of Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, have announced that they are ready to advance a new agreement that will allow for the reconsideration of applications for active service members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP and veterans of these forces who were denied founding membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.

Through the new agreement, those with applications already on file with proof of service prior to September 22, 2011 (the date the band was formed), will meet the group acceptance criterion on an honorary basis. They will still be required to meet the remaining assessment criteria—as set out in the original agreement—of ancestry and self-identification to gain founding membership. Individuals who may be affected by this new agreement will receive information on how to have their application reconsidered.

Although a decision has been reached to reconsider active service members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP, the Government of Canada has elected to pause discussions regarding members of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians and their affiliates, due to active litigation on enrolment.

The Government of Canada, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians and the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation remain committed to working on the nation-to-nation relationship based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

Quotes

“Indigenous Services Canada recognizes and deeply values the meaningful contributions of Indigenous Veterans to the development of Canada and honours the sacrifices they have made in the defence of freedom and the pursuit of world peace. I am pleased to announce that we are ready to move forward with a new agreement for those individuals who were denied founding membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.”

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services Canada

“I am pleased that the Government of Canada is now moving forward to reassess military personnel, RCMP and veterans of these groups for Founding Membership in Qalipu First Nation. Our protectors and veterans deserve this consideration. This announcement is a positive outcome from exploratory discussions between the Federation of Newfoundland Indians and the Government of Canada, which began in December 2018.”

Brendan Mitchell
President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians and Chief of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation

“Progress leading to a new agreement for the reconsideration of founding membership for veterans and active service members in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation is the positive result of discussions dating back to 2018. I am pleased that all parties have been able to reach a draft agreement to proceed in good faith. This is an important step forward for those who did not reside in one of the Mi’kmaq communities because they were bravely serving Canada.”

Gudie Hutchings
Member of Parliament, Long Range Mountain

Quick facts

The Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, a landless band, was officially formed by Recognition Order on September 22, 2011.
The Enrolment Committee (comprised of equal representation from Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians) continued to review applications consistent with the terms of the 2008 agreement. By the application submission deadline of November 30, 2012, 101,000 applications were received.
All applicants were required to meet four criteria to become founding members: self-identification, group acceptance, being of Canadian Indian ancestry and connection to a pre-Confederation Mi’kmaq community on the island of Newfoundland.
An Implementation Committee comprised of officials from Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians was formed to deal with matters relating to the implementation of the negotiated agreement(s).
In 2013, a Supplemental Agreement was signed by the parties to move forward with the assessment of the overwhelming number of applications and to address issues that arose during the implementation of the 2008 agreement.
In 2018, an updated Founding Members list was approved by the Governor in Council following the reassessment of applications, including those that had been assessed previously.
In April 2021, a subsequent update to the Founding Members list was approved by the Governor in Council, adding 302 individuals as a result of the implementation of a federal court decision, administrative reviews and the settlement of litigation.
Individuals who are recognized as Founding Members are subsequently registered as Status Indians under the Indian Act, thus becoming eligible to receive benefits such as those from the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Adrienne Vaupshas
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
adrienne.vaupshas@canada.ca

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

Stay connected

Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:

Twitter: @GCIndigenous
Facebook: @GCIndigenous
Instagram: @gcindigenous

Facebook: @GCIndigenousHealth

Twitter: @Min_IndServ

Election Q & A

Posted by Qalipu on May 28, 2021

The Band holds an Election for Chief and Council every three years.

In the past, voters have requested mail-in ballots or voted at polling stations in each of the nine Wards.

During the 2018 election, Qalipu held a referendum vote to amend the Election Code. 75% of voters voted in favour of changing the way we hold elections; instead of mail-in ballots and polling stations, voters will now be asked to vote online or over the phone.

Find a copy of the Election Code here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu-election-2021/#1611931747908-9b71716b-5ba6

Going forward, voters will receive an information package in the mail containing a secure PIN that they will use to vote either online or over the phone.

We will not be able to reach voters who do not have a current mailing address listed on their ginu membership profile. However, these individuals will have the opportunity to dial a toll-free number and obtain a PIN after verifying their membership identity once the Election has been called.

Question: What can I do to make sure I receive my voter information package in the mail?

Answer: We need your correct mailing address. Please register your current information by completing the Voter Registration Form or by updating your ginu membership profile on your own.

Question: When is the Election?

Answer: A call for nominations will take place in early September 2021. Voting will take place over the course of a seven-day window leading up to end of voting and announcement of winners on October 22.

Question: Who is eligible to vote in the upcoming Election?

Answer: Every Band member who is age 18 + at the date of the election is eligible to vote regardless of their location.

Question: Who will we be voting for during the Election?

Answer: The positions of Chief, Western Vice Chief, Central Vice Chief and Ward Councilors for each of the nine Wards (Flat Bay, St. George’s, Stephenville, Port au Port, Corner Brook, Benoit’s Cove, Grand Falls-Windsor, Glenwood, and Gander Bay).

Question: Can I vote on all of these?

Answer: Voters will vote on the positions of Chief, Vice Chief for their region only, and Ward Councilor for their Ward only.

Question: If I do not live in a Ward, will I still be able to vote for a Ward Councilor?

Answer: If the voter does not live in a Ward community, they will have the opportunity to vote in the last Ward community in which they lived. If the voter has never lived in a Ward community, we will look at substantive community connection to determine your voting Ward. In most cases, this has been previously determined by data provided during the application process. For a small number of others who were more recently accepted into the Band, we will ask about your community connection, or the community to which you tie your Mi’kmaq ancestry in order to determine your substantive community connection.

Question: Can I vote at a polling station or request a mail-in-ballot?

Answer: no, voting will be done using a secure PIN that will be sent to you in the mail. You will then have a seven-day window in which to vote online or over the phone.

Question: Why am I expected to vote this way? Why did things change?

Answer: During the 2018 election, Qalipu held a referendum vote to amend the Election Code. 75% of voters voted in favour of changing the way we hold elections; instead of mail-in ballots and polling stations, voters will now be asked to vote online or over the phone.

Question: What if I have trouble voting online or over the phone? Will there be help available?

Answer: Yes, there will be a toll-free support line you can contact for assistance. We also expect that the Electoral Officer may put people in place for in-person support at our Band office locations.

If you have additional questions, please email them to communications@qalipu.ca

Seniors Essential Travel Benefit

Posted by Qalipu on May 12, 2021

Qalipu First Nation wishes to advise Band members that funds under the COVID-19 Seniors Essential Travel Benefit have now been fully allocated. Processing of electronic funds transfer and checks is ongoing and successful applicants should continue to see their funds arrive within he coming weeks.

Please note, some applications that arrived in May will not be issued payment as funds were exhausted before all applications could be processed. These and any further applications that are received will be kept in the que and will be processed for payment should additional funds become available.

In total, $251,700 was processed for payment with the Seniors Essential Travel Benefit. The COVID-19 Support Team responded to approximately 6866 electronic requests for support, and close to 2500 phone inquiries.

The Band thanks all those who applied and looks forward to further opportunities to offer community support.

Message from the Chief – Passing of Ward Councilor Bern White

Posted by Qalipu on May 3, 2021

On behalf of Council and Staff of Qalipu First Nation, I am extremely saddened to announce that Bern White, Benoit’s Cove Ward Councilor, passed away this morning leaving behind a loving family, many friends and a community that has long known Bern for his leadership and community values.

Bern was an active Councilor, having served three terms as Ward Councilor for Qalipu First Nation. In addition to his work with the Band, Bern was also a Municipal Councilor for the Town of Humber Arm South.

Bern actively participated in all Council meetings and was particularly active in the fisheries file. Bern was steadfast in his support of our members and the applicants throughout the enrolment process. A man of principle, Bern stood up for the rights of those fighting for recognition and was helpful to countless applicants in understanding their Indigenous ancestry and navigating the membership application process. Bern will always be remembered as a man of the people and a voice for the membership of Qalipu. He will sadly be missed by Qalipu Council and our staff.

I would like to extend my condolences to Bern’s wife Leona, his son, Ed, daughters Karen, Christina, Pam, and Diane, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. I ask that you pray with me for strength and comfort for Leona and her family as they say goodbye and fondly remember a loving husband, doting father and grandfather as well as a kind and generous person.

–Chief Brendan Mitchell

High-voltage power lines. Electricity distribution station. high voltage electric transmission tower. Distribution electric substation with power lines and transformers.

NL Hydro – Vegetation Management

Posted by Qalipu on April 23, 2021

NL Hydro will be conducting a herbicide application program on transmission and distribution line right-of-ways, access roads, penstocks and dams Summer 2021. We would like to hear from members if they have any concerns regarding this proposed work. We welcome you to contact our Manager of Environment & Natural Resources at ahunter@qalipu.ca or call 634-1500.

Vegetation Management at Hydro: What you should know about herbicide use | Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro (nlhydro.com)

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