Council Meeting Report March 2024-1-March 22

Council Meeting Report – March 22, 2025

Posted by Qalipu on March 26, 2025

The Qalipu Chief and Council met on Saturday, March 22, for their regularly scheduled meeting in Corner Brook.

Budget Approval for 2025-2026

The focus of the meeting was to review and approve the Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) and budgets for all departments, aligning with the 10-year Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP).

The proposed budget was approved, and the motion was carried.

Read the Comprehensive Community Plan here: https://qalipu.ca/comprehensive-community-plan/

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Annual Operating Plan

Health & Wellness:
- Expand staff and resources for NIHB services.
- Improve membership access to mental health counseling.
- Provide mental wellness programs and on-the-land experiences.
- Explore housing options for members.
- Support infrastructure development, including Wigwam Point and other traditional sites.
Education, Training & Community Development:
- Continue the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.
- Provide youth with opportunities to enhance their career development and employment goals through career exploration, job placements, business creation, and workplace skills training.
- Pursue partnerships and initiatives to support training and employment opportunities.
- Increase the frequency of targeted training in traditional and high-demand sectors.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key funders and stakeholders.
- Continue to support tourism businesses through Experience Qalipu.
- Provide learning opportunities and training sessions for members.
Environment & Natural Resources:
- Conduct patrols under the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy program.
- Continue research and monitoring around species at risk, including little brown bats, piping plovers, and pine marten.
- Work with groups focused on species and habitat conservation.
Finance:
- Ensure all pertinent staff are trained on the new accounting software.
- Provide monthly reports to directors and managers.
- Conduct a budget planning session with key stakeholders.
- Create a Compliance Officer position.
Executive Office:
- Review QFN by-laws and policies.
- Develop an infrastructure plan pending available funding.
- Investigate the possibility of a tax exemption for members.
- Continue discussions regarding fishing rights for members.
- Strengthen relationships with other First Nations across the country.
- Identify funding for a communications strategy and website redevelopment.
Operations:
- Strengthen IT security and develop online member forms.
- Implement cybersecurity training for staff.
- Provide in-person Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) application assistance.
- Engage summer students in updating KINU profiles.

Organizational Chart Updates

Aligning with the AOPs, several new positions have been created, including:

Assistant Director of Health & Wellness
Cultural Wellness Facilitator
Compensation & Benefits Officer
Compliance Officer

To expand capacity, an additional Mental Wellness Outreach Officer and Early Childhood Educator have been added, as well as an NIHB Administrative Assistant. Some roles have been renamed to better align with the evolving needs of the departments.

Additionally, cultural staff have been reassigned to the Health & Wellness Department, integrating wellness and cultural practices. Community development staff have transitioned to the Education & Training Department, emphasizing learning and career development opportunities.

QFN now employs nearly 90 full-time staff, exceeding 100 with seasonal and contractual employees.

The organizational chart was approved as presented, and the motion was carried.

Band Manager Update

The Band Manager reported that policy reviews are ongoing, and he provided an update on the 2023-2024 audited financial statements.

The delay in the 2023-24 financials is due to the implementation of a new accounting software that caused several challenges. The glitches in the software have been identified, and the system is now stable and working as it should. The audit is ongoing, and work is also being done on the current year’s audit. The goal is to have the 2024-2025 financials ready for Council’s approval on time in July.

Next Council Meeting

The next Council meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2025, in Corner Brook.

Congratulations to Mackenzie Long – 2024 Bernie Hanlon Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Posted by Qalipu on March 14, 2025

Qalipu First Nation proudly congratulates Mackenzie Long on being awarded the 2024 Bernie Hanlon Memorial Scholarship.

Bernie Hanlon was a passionate advocate for Indigenous communities in Newfoundland, dedicated to breaking down barriers for Indigenous students and fostering cultural outreach and community engagement. This scholarship honors her lifelong commitment to supporting Indigenous education and cultural growth.

Mackenzie, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at Memorial University, has demonstrated a deep commitment to advocacy and cultural outreach. She played a key role in organizing Indigenous People’s Week at Grenfell Campus and served as the Speaker for the Indigenous Student Caucus, where she championed the needs of fellow Indigenous students. Additionally, as a Student Assistant at the Indigenous Resource Centre, she provided vital support to her peers, helping foster their cultural and spiritual growth—work that truly reflects Bernie’s legacy.

Mackenzie has maintained a strong dedication to academic excellence while ensuring cultural outreach remains at the heart of her efforts. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and are certain that Bernie would be as well.

Applications for the 2025 Bernie Hanlon Memorial Scholarship are now open, with a deadline of November 30. For more details, visit our website: https://qalipu.ca/education-and-training/scholarships-and-bursaries/

About the Bernie Hanlon Memorial Scholarship

Bernadette “Bernie” Hanlon dedicated her life to supporting and uplifting Indigenous people in Newfoundland, both culturally and academically. Through her many years with the Federation of Newfoundland Indians and later with Qalipu First Nation, she went above and beyond to help students achieve their educational dreams. Bernie worked tirelessly to encourage personal, cultural, and spiritual growth in those around her. This scholarship was created to continue her legacy, supporting Indigenous students in college or undergraduate studies as they pursue their own dreams.

Council Meeting Report March 2024-3-Expression of interest (1)

Qalipu First Nation Seeking Members-at-Large for Standing Committees

Posted by Qalipu on March 6, 2025

Qalipu First Nation is seeking members-at-large to serve on the following Standing Committees, which consist of Qalipu First Nation staff, Ward Councilors, and members at large:

Finance and Audit Committee
The Finance and Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial health of Qalipu First Nation. This includes reviewing financial statements, ensuring proper financial controls are in place, and providing advice on budgetary planning and expenditure. The committee works to ensure accountability and transparency in financial operations and supports the development of sound fiscal policies and practices.
Operations Committee
The Operations Committee oversees the implementation of operational plans, ensuring that day-to-day activities and processes are effectively aligned with the needs of the community. The committee focuses on improving operational efficiency and the successful execution of the Nation’s programs and services.
Health and Housing Committee
The Health and Housing Committee is dedicated to improving the health, wellness, and housing needs of members, families, and the community. The committee advises on matters related to Non-Insured Health Benefits, Mental Wellness, Child, Youth, and Family Services, and Housing. By focusing on health and social wellness, the committee aims to address key issues affecting community members, enhance access to healthcare services, and advocate for affordable and safe housing solutions.
Education and Training Committee
The Education and Training Committee focuses on supporting educational opportunities and workforce development for Qalipu First Nation members. This includes providing guidance on funding programs, scholarships, skills training, and partnerships with educational institutions to enhance lifelong learning and employment outcomes.
Environment and Natural Resources Committee
The Environment and Natural Resources 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.

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 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: March 21, 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

Council Meeting Report March 2024-1-Feb15

Council Meeting Report – February 15, 2025

Posted by Qalipu on February 19, 2025

Meeting of Chief and Council

The first official meeting of the newly elected Qalipu First Nation Chief and Council was held virtually on Saturday, February 15^th, 2025.

Beothuk Repatriation Committee Appointment

During the last council term, Central Vice-Chief Andy Barker was the QFN representative on the Final Resting Place Committee with the Rooms NL. A motion was put forward to council to reappoint Andy Barker to this committee.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

Committee Appointments

The first meeting of the newly elected Chief and Council involves the appointment of the Chief and councilors to external committees.

Frank Skeard, Glenwood Ward Councilor will continue his work on the NMCA South Coast Fjords committee. Calvin Francis, Gander Bay Ward Councilor and Ivan White Sr, Flat Bay Ward Councilor were appointed to the MAMKA external committee while Miranda Osmond, Stephenville Ward Councilor was appointed to the Summer Games external committee. The external committee for Off-Shore Wind will be filled by the St. George’s Ward Councilor.

Chief Jenny Brake will sit on several committees within the Assembly of First Nations; the National Fisheries Committee, Economic Development Committee, Chief’s Committee on Charter Renewal and is proxy on the Women’s Committee. Chief Brake is also on the Atlantic Policy Congress Special Working Group, the RCMP Commanding Officers Advisory Committee, and the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee with Proxy Vice-Chief Colleen Paul. She is a Canadian Seals and Sealing Network Ambassador and sits on the Atlantic Seal Advisory Committee.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

Band Council Procedures

The Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Council Procedures has been updated for approval of council.

The updates to this document are to ensure that meetings are conducted in an efficient and respectful manner, ensuring that this new council understands their roles, responsibilities and expectations.

All were in favor and this motion was carried.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

The updated Code of Conduct and Ethics was reviewed by councilors prior to the meeting.

Councilors commented that as elected officials the Code of Conduct and Ethics is holding each other accountable, and they are being respectful of one another, our employees and our members when representing the Nation.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

By-Election Date for the St. George’s Ward Councilor

During the 2024 election of Chief and Council there was no candidate for position of St. George’s Ward Councilor. All were in favor of the motion to proceed with a by-election for this position.

The call for nominations will be on February 24 at 9:00am until March 4 at 2:00pm.

An election will be called if there is more then one candidate running for the position. Voting will be set to open on March 12 at 8:00am until March 26 at 8:00pm.

We strongly suggest members ensure their mailing and email addresses is correct on their KINU membership profile. If members have any issues or need assistance in updating their information, please contact a QFN office and staff will assist you.

Canada Pension Plan Application

A motion was put forward to council to approve the ‘Application to Cover the Employment of an Indian under the Canda Pension Plan whose Income is Exempt under the Income Tax Act’ which is to ensure that all employees within Qalipu First Nation have the option to take Canada Pension Plan upon retirement.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

Band Managers Report

The Band Manager provided an update on the 2023-2024 financial statements. The delay in these financials have been due to the implementation of a new accounting software that has caused several challenges, these issues are not uncommon during this process. The new software is now working correctly with additional monitoring tools in place going forward.

Next Meeting of Council

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held in Corner Brook on March 22^nd, 2025.

New Scholarship with FactR Limited

Posted by Qalipu on February 11, 2025

Qalipu First Nation has collaborated with FactR Limited (https://www.factr.me/) to establish a scholarship for students pursuing post-secondary studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). This scholarship will be awarded to two member students, each valued at $500.

In addition to the scholarship, the recipients will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in AI/ML software solutions development and delivery through a potential work placement at FactR.

Applications for this scholarship is open to Qalipu First Nation high school students that have been accepted into a STEM program at a recognized post-secondary institution. Preference will be given to students accepted into IT and Software Engineering programs.

The deadline for applications is May 30th, 2025. Scholarships will be awarded by a selection committee, considering the merit of each application taking into consideration grades, career goals and volunteer activities.

Qalipu First Nation would like to send a sincere thank you to the team at FactR Limited for their generous support of this scholarship. Thank you for making a difference to the lives and the future of our Indigenous students.

Click here to complete the application

Netukulimk Gathering – Grand Falls-Windsor

Apply to Register Here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5F5YG5T

*Please note that registration Is not guaranteed, as seats are limited. Depending on the response rate, we may have to do a draw. Registration will be confirmed via email next week. REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH.

As we move through the hunting season in Newfoundland, join us for an evening of knowledge sharing and storytelling around the practices of living in harmony with nature and each other.

Key Topics:

Hunting practices as it relates to the Mi’kmaq concept of Netukulimk.
Themes of respect, responsibility, relationships, and reciprocity.
Responsibilities of community members and the emotional, spiritual, and physical gifts that we can all bring.
Mi’kmaw legends and storytelling as it relates to our relationship with the land and all beings.

Locations:

November 18th at The Saltbox, Benoit’s Cove (for Corner Brook area)
November 19th at Knights of Columbus, Stephenville
November 21st at Corduroy Brook Nature Centre, Grand Falls-Windsor

Netukulimk Gathering – Stephenville

Apply to Register Here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5F5YG5T

As we move through the hunting season in Newfoundland, join us for an evening of knowledge sharing and storytelling around the practices of living in harmony with nature and each other.

Key Topics:

Hunting practices as it relates to the Mi’kmaq concept of Netukulimk.
Themes of respect, responsibility, relationships, and reciprocity.
Responsibilities of community members and the emotional, spiritual, and physical gifts that we can all bring.
Mi’kmaw legends and storytelling as it relates to our relationship with the land and all beings.

Locations:

November 18th at The Saltbox, Benoit’s Cove (for Corner Brook area)
November 19th at Knights of Columbus, Stephenville
November 21st at Corduroy Brook Nature Centre, Grand Falls-Windsor

Netukulimk Gathering – Corner Brook

Apply to Register Here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5F5YG5T

As we move through the hunting season in Newfoundland, join us for an evening of knowledge sharing and storytelling around the practices of living in harmony with nature and each other.

Key Topics:

Hunting practices as it relates to the Mi’kmaq concept of Netukulimk.
Themes of respect, responsibility, relationships, and reciprocity.
Responsibilities of community members and the emotional, spiritual, and physical gifts that we can all bring.
Mi’kmaw legends and storytelling as it relates to our relationship with the land and all beings.

Locations:

November 18th at The Saltbox, Benoit’s Cove (for Corner Brook area)
November 19th at Knights of Columbus, Stephenville
November 21st at Corduroy Brook Nature Centre, Grand Falls-Windsor

Message from the Chief – August 9th, 2024

Posted by Qalipu on August 9, 2024

Recently, statements made by Donald Trump regarding children with disabilities have surfaced, and they are deeply troubling. Such ideas serve only to marginalize and harm those who already face significant challenges. As leaders of Qalipu First Nation, we stand firmly against any form of discrimination or demeaning language directed at children with disabilities or their families.

At the heart of our values as a Nation lies the belief that every child deserves to be treated with respect, care, and fairness, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. Our unwavering commitment to the well-being, dignity, and rights of all our children, especially those living with disabilities is something we support through programs such as Jordan’s Principle.

Jordan’s Principle is a program that ensures First Nations children have equitable access to the services and supports they need without delay or discrimination. Named in honor of Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation who was denied necessary care due to jurisdictional disputes, Jordan’s Principle is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the rights and lives of our most vulnerable.

First Nations children under the age of 19 are eligible for services under Jordan’s Principle. Services or supports that can assist and advance an Indigenous child’s quality of health and life may be covered, such as mental health care, special education, dental care, physical therapy, medical equipment, physiotherapy and more. Each situation is different, and all requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Qalipu First Nation has a Jordan’s Principal Service Coordinator available to answer any questions or assist with the application process.

We urge our community members and allies to continue advocating for the rights and dignity of all children. Let us use our voices to uplift and support those who need us most, following the example set by Jordan’s Principle. Together, we must work to create a world where every child is seen, valued, and given the opportunities they deserve.

Resources & Additional Information:

Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator – Brigitte White (Phone: 709-634-2234, Email: brigitte.white@qalipu.ca)

Application Form: https://qalipu.ca/jordans-principle/

Making a request through Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative: Making a Request Through Jordan’s Principle (pdf)

Accessing Jordan’s Principle, Handbook by Assembly of First Nations: Jordan’s Principle Handbook 2019_en.pdf (afn.ca)

housing application support appointments

“I’tesnen: We Are Staying” Emergency Housing Support Program expanding to all Qalipu First Nation members who reside in Canada.

Posted by Qalipu on July 5, 2024

The Housing Division of the Department of Health & Wellness is expanding the Emergency Housing Support Program “I’tesnen: We Are Staying” program services through a partnership with The Atlantic Policy Congress (APC). The program is expanding to all members who reside in Canada and who require assistance with the following:

Emergency Housing Set-Up – Provide rental startup assistance such as first/last month’s rent and damage deposit.
Housing Placement – Time- Limited rental assistance to support individuals or families being placed into housing.
Prevention and Shelter Diversion – Assist with rental and/or utility arrears to prevent eviction.
Emergency Housing – Provide short term placement for a maximum of five (5) nights.

Emergency Housing Support Application