Nov 7 (1)

Message from Chief Jenny – November 7, 2025

This year’s federal budget brings a mix of good and challenging news for Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. We know the government is working to manage spending, which has led to a small two per cent decrease at federal Indigenous departments, a much smaller reduction than the 15 per cent cuts seen in other areas. Our key programs remain fully supported, giving our members peace of mind.

These reductions are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing duplication, not eliminating essential services. There are encouraging signs that future decisions will involve Indigenous governments more directly, giving us greater input on how priorities and outcomes are set.

While this budget signals a time of change, it also offers a chance to strengthen relationships, enhance accountability, and ensure Indigenous-led outcomes guide the path forward for our Nation.

Separately, we want to address recent rumors about a re-application process. Some members have reached out with concerns about information circulating online. Please be assured that these claims are not true. As always, we encourage everyone to rely on official Qalipu communications for accurate updates, and we will continue keeping our members informed directly.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to our members and our communities. By working together and staying engaged, we will ensure that the decisions made today lead to lasting benefits and opportunities for our Nation.

Expression of interest - Housing

Call for Members-at-large: Housing Standing Committee

The Housing Standing Committee is focused on addressing the housing needs of members, families, and the community. The committee advises on matters related to affordable, safe, and culturally appropriate housing solutions. By advocating for housing initiatives and improvements, the committee aims to ensure that all community members have access to secure and suitable living environments.

Each committee meets at least four times per year to discuss and guide decisions that impact our community. This is a valuable opportunity to share your skills, knowledge, and perspectives to support the growth and success of our Nation.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a member of Qalipu First Nation.
  • Should possess relevant skills, experience, or interest related to housing and community development.
  • Previous experience serving on a board or committee for a non-profit or government organization is preferred, but not mandatory.
  • Knowledge of Policy, Partnership Building, Quality Management and Strategic planning.
  • Must be available to attend quarterly meetings (virtual or in-person) or as needed.
  • Must undergo a Criminal Record Check.
  • Must sign a Code of Confidentiality and Code of Conduct.
  • Must maintain engagement and involvement between meetings by responding to committee emails and staying actively engaged in ongoing discussions.
  • Must perform duties in an objective, fair, and impartial manner.
  • Must work collaboratively with committee members to ensure team-based and positive outcomes that advance the objectives of the Band.
  • Must serve on a volunteer basis, with travel and per diems provided within Qalipu Ward locations.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

  1. A cover letter indicating your interest in the Housing Committee and highlighting your relevant skills, experience, or qualifications.
  2. A current resume.

Deadline for Applications: Monday, November 10, 2025

Submit Applications To: bjanes@qalipu.ca

Please Note: Qalipu First Nation reserves the right to refuse any and all applications.
For more information, please contact: bjanes@qalipu.ca
We encourage all interested members to apply and thank you for your willingness to support our community.

 

Wela’lin

Education and Training Updates

Updates from the Education and Training Department

The Education & Training Department is pleased to announce that a new post-secondary funding application form is now available for students.

Please note that the deadline for Fall 2026 semester applications has changed to May 31 ⏰. This adjustment provides additional time for our team to carefully review all applications and notify students about funding decisions well before the semester begins.

We encourage all current and prospective students to review the eligibility criteria and ensure their applications are submitted before the new deadline.

👉 Access the updated application form here: qalipu.ca/forms/#educationtraining

New Application and Deadline Date

Aging in Place

Qalipu First Nation Announces Financial Assistance for Accessibility Home Modifications (Deadline extended until September 19th)

Qalipu First Nation Housing Division is pleased to announce the launch of the “Aging in Place”: Accessibility Home Modification Program.

This program will provide financial assistance to members up to a maximum of $5,000.00 to support housing retrofits and modifications to improve accessibility, functionality, and sustainability, ensuring a safe living environment for those who have mobility challenges.

The program is open to Qalipu First Nation members living in Atlantic Canada. Applications will be accepted from August 5 to September 19, 2025. It is strongly recommended that applicants and/or co-applicants review the application thoroughly to ensure that all necessary documents are included. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed or processed.

To be eligible, applicants must have a combined annual household net income below $88,674.00.

Once the application submission window has closed on September 19, 2025, all applications will be reviewed and due to limited funding, only successful applicants will be notified.

Applications can be found here: Accessibility Home Modification Program Application

If you have any questions or require assistance completing your application, please get in touch with Jason Park, Housing Program Officer, at (709) 634-0411 or email: jpark@qalipu.ca

 

Aging in Place Accessibility Home Modification Program

Important Notice

Important Notice: Home Energy Efficiency Initiative

To better support the application process for the Home Energy Efficiency Initiative, members are no longer required to submit contractor quote(s) with their application.

The application submission window will remain open until July 31, 2025.Once the window has closed, all applications will be reviewed.

Please note that due to limited funding, only successful applicants will be notified, no later than August 29, 2025.

We appreciate your understanding and continued interest in this important initiative.

Application Annoucement

Council Meeting Report March 2024-1-May 21

Council Meeting Report – May 21, 2025

Meeting of Chief and Council

Chief and Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, May 21 in the Qalipu Community Room in Corner Brook.

Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy

Council brought forward the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy for adoption. This policy aligns with the Canada Labour Code and reflects the national standard. It will form part of the ongoing review and update of the Human Resources Policies.

Motion was carried.

Standing Committee – Appointment of Members-at-Large

Qalipu First Nation’s standing committees include staff, Ward Councilors, and member-at-large who provide independent oversight and support. Appointments were made for several committees with reference checks ongoing for others. The call for members-are-large for the Environment & Natural Resources Committee has closed and applications are being reviewed.

Motion was carried.

Housing Wellness Counsellor

The Department of Health and Wellness proposed a new Housing Wellness Counsellor role to assist members facing housing and mental health challenges.

Motion was carried.

Amendments to Council Policy

The Finance and Audit Committee proposed changes to update the Council Policy to better suit the growing duties of Ward Councilors.

The first change allows Councilors to hold ward meetings in communities at least 60 km away from their home base. This aims to improve representation and community engagement in remote areas.

The second change revises the per diem policy. It increases the rate and introduces tiered compensation for Councilors attending multiple meetings in one day, up to three meetings.

Motion was carried.

Financial updates

An update was provided on the 2023-2024 financial statements. Review and approval of the April 1, 2023, opening balances are pending as part of regular oversight. Statements will then be brought to council for approval. Once approved, the 2024-2025 audit can begin, with completion expected by end of July.

Once this process is complete, all outstanding audits will be fully up to date. This marks a significant step forward in maintaining strong financial reporting and transparency.

Service member agreement update

Chief Jenny reported that Canada has reached out post-federal election to resume discussions. She emphasized that Qalipu remains eager to finalize the agreement, a sentiment that was strongly supported by Councillors.

Band manger update

Wigwam Point

The Town of Peterview has officially approved moving forward. Planned work in the area includes site cleanup, the creation of walking trails, and capturing drone footage to assist in identifying potential grave sites, some of which may include buried or underground headstones.

Performance Review tool

A new system is being developed to better monitor employee performance and support continuous improvement.

New Director of Finance

A new Director of Finance has been hired and is quickly getting up to speed. He has contributed valuable insight into the financial audit process. Charles and Council offered a warm welcome and expressed their confidence in his abilities.

Council remarks

All members of council have been actively engaged in their roles, including Chief Jenny and our Vice Chiefs, who have been attending various meetings and conferences regionally and nationally. Participation helps build relationships, keeps us informed on emerging developments, and ensures Qalipu has a voice at key decision-making tables where the interests of our members can be represented.

You can look forward to seeing your Councilors at events throughout the summer, as well as at upcoming Ward Councilor meetings. Councilor Holly Muise will be holding a meeting in the St. George’s Ward on June 26, and we encourage members in her ward to attend and take part in the conversation.

Next Meeting of Council

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held virtually on July 30, 2025.

Coming Soon

Qalipu First Nation Announces Home Energy Efficiency Initiative

Qalipu First Nation (QFN) Housing Division is excited to announce the launch of the “Home Energy Efficiency Initiative” on June 24, 2025.

This program will provide financial assistance to existing homeowners for the purchase and installation of heat pumps, aiming to lower home heating costs and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. While funding is limited, data collected throughout this initiative will be carefully analyzed to evaluate the need for similar programs in the future.

This initiative will focus on members requesting a reduction in their reliance on oil and wood as their main home heating sources.

Applicants MUST submit all required documentation by July 31, 2025.

It is strongly recommended that applicants and/or co-applicants review the application thoroughly to ensure that all necessary documents are included. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed or processed.

To be eligible for funding, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicant must be a registered member of Qalipu First Nation
  • Applicant and/or Co-Applicant must be a current resident of Newfoundland and Labrador and live in the home requesting assistance.
  • The home must currently use either wood or oil as a heating source.
  • Applicant MUST not have previously received support under NRCan, Greener Homes Grant, or TakeChargeNL for heat pump installation.
  • Combined household income must not exceed:

 

Number of Persons in the household Combined Income Eligibility
1 person $51,000 or less
2 persons $88,674 or less
3 persons $120,966 or less
4 persons $148,474 or less
5+ persons $154,454 or less

 

Once the application submission window has closed on July 31, 2025, all applications will be reviewed, and due to limited funding, only successful applicants will be notified no later than Aug 29, 2025.

 

If you have any questions or need help with your application, please email housingproject@qalipu.ca.

You can also contact:

  • Paul Brake, Housing Project Facilitator, at 709-634-5472
  • Corey LeCoure, Housing Program Officer, at 709-634-5042

Please note, due to the anticipated volume of applications, not all applicants will receive funding, and only those selected will be contacted.

ECCC Official Lauch Poster

Council Meeting Report March 2024-4-Expression of interest ENR (2)

Call for Members-at-Large: Environment & Natural Resources Standing Committee

The Environment & Natural Resources Standing Committee is responsible for advising on matters related to the stewardship and sustainable management of natural resources. The committee works to protect traditional lands, waterways, and wildlife, ensuring that environmental practices align with Mi’kmaq values and community interests. A key focus is the preservation of the natural ecosystem for future generations, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The committee meets at least four times per year to discuss and guide decisions that impact our community. This is a valuable opportunity to share your skills, knowledge, and perspectives to support the growth and success of our Nation.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a member of Qalipu First Nation.
  • Should possess relevant skills, experience, or interest related to the committee’s focus.
  • Must have previous experience serving on a board or committee for a non-profit or government organization (preferred, but not mandatory).
  • Must be available to attend quarterly meetings (virtual or in-person).
  • Must undergo a Criminal Record Check.
  • Must sign a Code of Confidentiality and Code of Conduct.
  • Must maintain engagement and involvement between meetings by responding to committee emails and staying actively engaged in ongoing committee discussions.
  • Must perform their role in an objective, fair, and impartial manner.
  • Must work collaboratively with Committee members to ensure team-based and positive outcomes to advance the objectives of the Band.
  • Must work on a volunteer basis, with travel and per diems provided within Qalipu Ward locations.

To Apply:
Please submit the following:

  • A cover letter indicating the committee you are interested in and highlighting your relevant skills, experience, or qualifications.
  • A current resume.

Deadline for Applications: June 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Submit Applications to: Allyson Robbins at arobbins@qalipu.ca

Please Note: Qalipu First Nation reserves the right to refuse any and all applications.

For more information, please contact Allyson Robbins at arobbins@qalipu.ca.

We encourage all interested members to apply and thank you for your willingness to support our community.

Wela’lin

scholarship

New scholarship with Brenntag Canada Inc.

Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity in partnership with Brenntag Canada Inc. This $1,000 scholarship supports Qalipu First Nation students pursuing post-secondary studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

The scholarship is open to Qalipu First Nation high school students who have been accepted into a STEM program at a recognized post-secondary institution. Preference will be given to applicants entering programs in Chemistry or Engineering.

The recipient will be selected by a committee based on academic performance, career goals, and volunteer involvement.

Qalipu First Nation extends sincere thanks to the team at Brenntag Canada Inc. for their generous support in creating this opportunity for our youth.

Application deadline: July 31, 2025 Click here to complete the application

STEM Scholarship

Qalipu first Nation “Ites (3)

“I’tesnen: We are Staying” – Qalipu Emergency Housing Relief Program

The Qalipu Emergency Housing Relief Program is here to help prevent and reduce homelessness among our members.

We currently offer the following supports:

  • Emergency Housing Setup: Help with rental startup costs like first month’s rent and damage deposit.
  • Prevention and Shelter Diversion: Help with rent or utility payments to avoid eviction.
  • Emergency Housing: Short-term emergency stays for up to five (5) nights

Who Can Apply?

  • You must be a registered member of Qalipu First Nation.
  • You must be currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
  • You must live in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • You must not be a homeowner (including rent-to-own arrangements).
  • The program is intended as a one-time support.

Important Information

  • If your rental agreement is in the name of a non-member spouse or partner, you can still apply. You will need to provide extra paperwork to show you live together.
  • The maximum funding available per applicant is $3,000.
  • Your landlord cannot be an immediate family member.

Emergency Housing Support Application Available Here