Qalipu Housing Division to Meet With Clients in Stephenville at our Qalipu Satellite Office

Please be advised that Qalipu housing division staff will be in Stephenville on Wednesday, May 22nd, and Wednesday June 5th, 2024. Housing staff are currently arranging appointments for members who would like to discuss the existing Qalipu housing program(s) and additional housing resources. to receive assistance with completing the application for Qalipu’s Emergency Housing Relief Program.

To make an appointment and/or to receive assistance with completing the application for Qalipu’s Emergency Housing Relief Program on May 22nd or June 5th in Stephenville, please contact Jason at 709-634-0411 or Paul at 709-634-5274

Qalipu Housing Division to Meet With Clients in Stephenville at our Qalipu Satellite Office

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

FNI Update

Posted by Qalipu on May 7, 2024

Acting Chief Jenny Brake and Central Vice Chief Andy Barker have filed an application in the Court of Appeal seeking standing as former members of Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) Board of Directors. Their request is scheduled to be heard at the Court of Appeal in St. John’s at 10 AM on May 21st.

Addressing concerns about the involvement of QFN directors or local chiefs in the process, Acting Chief Brake stressed the significance of unity and cooperation towards a common objective. The former FNI directors actions were driven by a sense of duty to the community and their legal obligations.

“We understand the potential perceptions, but fulfilling our role as former members of the FNI board was necessary to ensure the process proceeds appropriately.”

“Our efforts are geared towards reinstating disenfranchised members. This was our responsibility as FNI directors, and one we wish to continue. Our focus is to ensure that the veterans file has an opportunity to be completed , and those who will gain membership in the Qalipu Band under that agreement are not delayed in any way. We wish to ensure that we have further opportunities to work with Canada to support the reinstatement of the members of the FNI including the many family members that are still seeking membership.”

“We remain dedicated to assisting families,” stated the former directors. “The determination of who is eligible for membership is not the exclusive role of QFN or FNI. As directors of the FNI, we had an opportunity to advocate fully for those seeking reinstatement and we wish to continue to do so.”

The Qalipu First Nation continues to emphasize its steadfast commitment to upholding justice and ensuring equitable processes for all community members.

Council Meeting Report March 2024_edited

Council Meeting Report – March 23 2024

Posted by Qalipu on March 26, 2024

Meeting of Chief and Council

The Qalipu Chief and Council met on Saturday, March 23 for their regular meeting. Originally scheduled for Corner Brook, the meeting went ahead virtually due to winter storm warnings on the west coast of Newfoundland.

All members of the Council were in attendance except for Jasen Benwah, Ward Councilor for Port au Port and Bobby White, Ward Councilor for Flat Bay.

2024-25 Budget Approval

The main objective of this meeting was to review and approve Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) for all Departments and associated prepared budgets for the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year. Council approved the budgets with the condition that typos be corrected, and more specific details be provided on the allocated spending for two new projects in the Health and Wellness Department.

Band members can listen to the discussion around the new budget and its particulars on spending by logging in to their KINU membership profile (recordings of meetings can be found under the “Communications” tab and clicking on “Previous Live Streams”)

Highlights from QFN Annual Operating Plans:

Health and Wellness Department

Increase staffing and resources required to deliver Non-Insured Health Benefits.
Marketing and outreach to increase awareness of mental health counselling services that are available to Band members.
Finalize the five-year strategic plan.
Grow the Housing division and pursue additional housing support for Band members.

Education and Training Department

Continue delivery of funding programs for students.
Develop a Youth Strategy focused on assisting young people with career exploration opportunities, finding jobs, creating businesses, and gaining workplace skills.
Pursue partnerships and targeted training opportunities that help Band members gain employment.
Support small businesses hiring Indigenous students through the Youth Summer Employment Program.

Environment and Natural Resources

Patrols on St. George’s Bay, Bay of Islands, Glenwood and Gand Bay areas under the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy program.
Participate in consultation related to Environmental Impact Assessments.
Continue research and monitoring around several species at risk including piping plover, pine marten and little brown bats.
Work with provincial working groups focused on species and habitat conservation.

Culture, Tourism and Community Development Department

Support tourism businesses entering the industry.
Explore potential retail and wholesale opportunities for Indigenous artisans.
Develop a digital resource manual for Entrepreneurial Support Program.
Host a Qalipu Business Forum.

Finance

Implement new payroll software.
Work with staff to train on new policies under Financial Administration Law.
Regular meetings with the Finance and Audit Committee to provide financial reports on all QFN expenditures.
Identify budget and funding to develop and issue a Request for Proposals for a salary review.

Operations Department

Cybersecurity training plan for staff at QFN.
Work with the infrastructure team to map out needs for 2024-25.
Provide in-person assistance in key locations to help assist members with SCIS applications and renewals.
Provide passport-style photo service for SCIS applications and renewals.

Change to Finance Policy – Credit Card for the Chief

Management, including all the Directors and the Band Manager, at Qalipu First Nation have band-issued credit cards to cover the costs associated with business expenses or travel on band business. Directors have a limit of $5000 while the Band Manager has a $25,000 credit cap.

Band-issued cards eliminate the need for the individual to bear a burden on their personal credit cards and make it easier for the Finance Department to reconcile expenses and match charges to appropriate budgets.

The Finance and Audit Committee brought forward a recommendation to amend the finance policy to improve efficiencies and remove unnecessary barriers by also making a credit card available to the Chief at the Senior Management level.

A committee member explained, “Sometimes there are multiple nights stay at a place where the band doesn’t have direct billing, and it’s all going on her own card. Charges like this along with taxis, meals and incidentals…before an expense claim can be made and settled to recoup the costs…these charges can add up to a large sum very quickly. It’s inefficient and unnecessary.”

The Council voted to accept the recommendation of the Finance and Audit Committee.

Election Update

2024 is an election year for Qalipu First Nation and in October, Band members will have the opportunity to vote for their leaders for the next four years.

A tentative schedule for the election was tabled.

The call for nomination of candidates will occur on September 27 and close on October 4. The voting window is expected to open on October 19 and close on October 25.

Voting will be conducted online or over the phone and members should be sure to list their email with the Band to receive their secure voter PIN.

The details and dates surrounding the election will officially be announced and set into motion with the appointment of an Elector Officer later this year.

Next Meeting of Council

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Chief and Council will be on May 25, 2024.

Clarification, Residential Home Heat & Energy Program

Posted by Qalipu on March 4, 2024

*No new application process, disbursement of available funds to existing applicants*

In the fall of 2021 and again in June 2022, Qalipu First Nation announced funding under the Covid-19 Residential Home Heat & Energy Rebate Program. Band members were invited to submit an application to be eligible for a one-time payment of up to $350 to help with their home heat and energy costs. Available funds were allocated by random draw and the application process was closed.

This year, based on existing available funds, Qalipu revisited this original pool of applicants to award payments to those who had not yet been selected (approximately 700 applications).

There is no new application process. Funds are being awarded to those who previously applied and were unsuccessful.

If you received a phone call or an email from our housing division, it is because you previously applied, and you have now been selected to receive the one-time payment.

Please check your email and voicemail and be sure to respond if your mailing address or direct deposit banking information has changed.

To discuss this, please reach out to the Housing Division.

Contact:
Jason Park, Housing Development Officer
tel. 709-634-0411
email housingproject@qalipu.ca

Financial Support Available for Band Members: Emergency Housing Support Program

Posted by Qalipu on February 27, 2024

You may be eligible for financial support from our Emergency Housing Support Program if you fall into one of the following situations:

Are you currently renting but have received an eviction notice?
Are you overdue on the rent and don’t have the money to pay it?
Are you homeless and trying to get into a place but need financial support to get you started?
Have you received a utility disconnection notice due to non-payment?
Are you on a fixed income and coming up short for rent?

Please reach out to our housing team to discuss your situation and start the application process to receive support.

Contact:
Jason Park, Housing Development Officer
t. 709-634-0411
e. jpark@qalipu.ca

Apply Now for Summer Employment with the RCMP

Posted by Qalipu on December 4, 2023

Qalipu and the RCMP are working together to offer a unique work experience for Indigenous youth who are interested in a career in policing and/or justice. This job opportunity will give youth an insightful look at the RCMP and may help them decide if this is a career opportunity they wish to pursue.

These summer jobs are nine weeks in duration, running from June to August 2024.

Successful applicants will attend a one-week training session at the RCMP Headquarters in St. John’s, (all expenses paid) before being placed at the RCMP detachment closest to their location. This program is a great stepping stone for individuals interested in pursuing a career with the RCMP.

Visit our Youth Programs page for more information and to find the application form: https://qalipu.ca/youth-programs/

Scholarship Application on a table and dollars.

Apply Now: Marathon Gold – Qalipu First Nation Scholarships

Posted by Qalipu on December 1, 2023

Applications are now being accepted for the Marathon Gold—Qalipu First Nation Scholarship. There are five (5) scholarships available, and each is valued at $1,000.00

The Marathon Gold – Qalipu First Nation Scholarship is designed to encourage and support Qalipu band members with their career development and growth as they attend post-secondary education institutions.

Please click here for further details and to complete the application

Applications are due by January 31, 2024.

Message from the Chief – November 24, 2023

Posted by Qalipu on November 24, 2023

Update on Veterans and Service Members Agreement

Kwe’

By now most of you have heard that I am saying my goodbyes at Qalipu First Nation as I prepare to begin a new journey as Regional Chief for Newfoundland with the Assembly of First Nations. While I will no longer be serving you as Chief of Qalipu, I will not be going far. I will continue to work on behalf of Qalipu as it is one of the four AFN affiliates in this province.

It has been my privilege and my honour to serve you as Chief and I thank you for affording me that opportunity.

Before I go, I am pleased to provide an update on the Service Members Agreement, an initiative that has been very near and dear to my heart and an accomplishment of which I am very proud.

This is an update to members following the positive support for the Agreement that the Government of Canada, Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians reached last year on December 22, 2022. The Agreement establishes criteria for accepting former and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as Qalipu Founding Members. Acceptance is based on the special place of honour these new members hold in the Mi’kmaq culture due to their service as protectors of Canada and their communities.

Applications Process

The Enrollment Committee has completed its initial review of all applications for Founding Membership with Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.
An appeals process will follow for those who wish to exercise this option.

Founding Membership List

The review of applications under this exercise will result in over 580 additions to the Founding Membership list.
Decision letters to all applicants and requests for additional information in some instances will follow.
It is anticipated that this phase of enrolment will be completed in 2024 following the regulatory process by Canada to officially add new members to the Founding Members list of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. For more information on the Order in Council process, please visit Orders in Council – Canada.ca.

Individuals who are recognized as Founding Members will immediately be registered as Status Indians under the Indian Act, thus becoming eligible to receive benefits such as those from the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.

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).

Wela’lioq, thank you all.

Chief Brendan Mitchell

Expression of Interest Member-at-Large Culture, Tourism and Community Development Standing Committee

Posted by Qalipu on November 16, 2023

Qalipu First Nation is currently seeking a Member-at-Large to join their Culture, Tourism, and Community Development Standing Committee. This committee provides a unique opportunity for Band Members to contribute their knowledge and expertise and have hands-on access and input into the operational plans of the Department. Your contribution to this Committee can help our Nation reach success in building stronger communities through cultural and language initiatives, tourism, craft development, and entrepreneurial support.

The ideal candidate is a Band member living in the province with a background in Culture, Tourism, and Community Development or related fields of experience. If you are committed and want to contribute your knowledge as a volunteer on this committee, please see below for details and submit your application by Friday, December 15, 2023, at 12:00 pm NST.

Overview

The Committee consists of a minimum of two (2) Ward Councilors, two (2) departmental staff support and one (1) Member-at-Large.

The Committee meets a minimum of six (6) times per year, either in person or by video conference (Microsoft Teams).

When travel is required, the Band will cover the cost.

Per diems are provided for meeting participation.

Our Mandate

“To reach great successes in building stronger communities through cultural initiatives, tourism and craft development, and our entrepreneurial support program.”

Roles and Responsibilities of a Member-at-Large Committee Member

Participate in Committee Meetings in person or by video conference.
Maintain engagement and involvement by responding to Committee emails between meetings to weigh in on decisions, programs, and activities.
Work collaboratively with the Committee to ensure team-based and positive outcomes of the Annual Operating Plan and strategic objectives of the Band.
Establish and identify priorities of programs and projects, evaluate effectiveness, and relevance to the department’s current policies and procedures as applicable.
Monitor the provincial landscape concerning the department, and report concerns or opportunities to the committee.
Represent a membership perspective while demonstrating respect for Mi’kmaw and community values.
Contribute skills, knowledge, and experience toward accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Committee.
Adhere to a Commitment of Confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate:

Has a background in an education-related field and five years of experience
Is a member of the Band
Is a resident of Newfoundland
Must be able to travel within Newfoundland
Must be willing to sign a Commitment of Confidentiality
Must have an understanding of Indigenous culture and ceremony
Must undergo a code of conduct check

If you are interested in this unique opportunity to work with the Band, please send your resume and cover letter to Suzanne Park at spark@qalipu.ca by Friday, December 15, 2023, at 12:00pm NST.

If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Charles Pender, Band Manager at 709-634-8059