The tipi glows red on the Majestic Lawn, standing peacefully under the calm of a spring evening. Photo Credit: Ernest Green

On May 5, 2025, members and the public gathered at the Qalipu Community Room in Corner Brook to observe the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). It was an emotional ceremony, highlighted by musical sharing provided by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Group and the Men’s Fellowship Circle, promoting a strong sense of connection and healing. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness and honor the memory of those lost to violence.

The ceremony was led by Annette George, Manager of Mental Wellness, with Marlie Smith, a member of her team, reading a beautiful poem to the crowd. Quinn Jesso spoke on behalf of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, sharing important words of support, and Sherry Dean, a member of the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association (CBAWA), delivered powerful words that resonated deeply with all in attendance. Chief Jenny shared a song, with others joining in to support her in singing and drumming, creating a heartfelt expression of solidarity.

Chief Jenny emphasized that this day marks a new chapter in the fight against violence, reminding everyone that there will be no more stolen sisters or stolen lives. She urged the community to unite, recognizing that together, we can be the change needed to stop violence.

Reflecting on the importance of the gathering, she shared, “Today is crucial because it brings us together in solidarity. We support one another, and we raise awareness about this critical issue.”

She also stressed the importance of collective responsibility in ending violence: “We must stand tall together. Women need to lift up other women, Two-Spirit people must be supported, and men must understand their role in this. Everyone has a part to play.”

The gathering continued with a walk around West and Park Streets, symbolizing the journey of remembrance and solidarity. The walk ended at the Mikwite’tm Garden, where participants shared songs and expressions of support for the victims and their families.

A special thank you was given to the Men’s Fellowship Circle for taking the time to set up and the take down of the tipi on the Majestic Lawn, adding a meaningful cultural element to the event.

In addition to the event in Corner Brook, Qalipu First Nation also held a gathering in Grand Falls-Windsor, where community members came together in remembrance and support.

This day serves as a call to action for continued advocacy and change, ensuring that all Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals are protected and valued in their communities. The day also highlights the importance of supporting families and communities in their efforts to seek justice and healing.

From September 16, 2024 to October 6, 2024, Parks Canada will be seeking your feedback on the proposed national marine conservation area (NMCA) in the South Coast Fjords of Newfoundland and Labrador and the proposed redesignation of Sandbanks Provincial Park under Parks Canada protection. We invite you to participate in our online survey during this time to share your views. Your input will be instrumental in shaping the proposal for this region.

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June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day where we recognize and celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of Indigenous communities across Canada. To celebrate, the Qalipu First Nation hosted events in several of our communities.

The office in Glenwood hosted a community breakfast which was catered by Allison’s Catering, a local Glenwood business. Staff from Glenwood and Gander were on hand to support the event and without their help, breakfast would not have been possible. During the event, Audrey Doyon performed a smudge ceremony while a prayer was provided by Delphine Richards, Glenwood First Nation council member. Also in attendance was Frank Skeard, QFN Glenwood ward councilor for Glenwood and Calvin Francis, QFN Gander Bay ward councilor. All of those in attendance provided positive feedback and everyone enjoyed a delicious breakfast.

The office in Grand Falls-Windsor also hosted a community breakfast at the QFN office.

In Stephenville Crossing (Meski’k Tui’tn), staff were present for a flag raising ceremony at the cenotaph. Hayward Young, Ward Councilor for Stephenville assisted Frank Russell in raising the Grand Council Flag while Mutchie Bennett provided an opening prayer. Mayor Lisa Lucas was in attendance to bring greetings on behalf of the town council. Troy Bennett did a community smudge ceremony, and the Spirit Bay Drummers performed the Honor song and social songs to end the gathering. There was also tea, coffee and muffins for everyone.

In Corner Brook, the day started with a sunrise ceremony at Margaret Bowater Park hosted by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association (CBAWA). The attendance for this event was fantastic with over 75 people who joined the CBAWA for a smudge, prayers and drumming. Around 9am, a crowd was starting to gather on the Majestic Lawn for the celebrations hosted by QFN. The morning started off with song sharing which was led by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association and followed by a grab-and-go breakfast in the community room which was provided by Qalipu First Nation. The tipi was set up on the lawn for photo opportunities which caught the attention of all ages. Chief Brake was in attendance participating in drumming and she brought greetings on behalf of staff & council.

“The goal is to raise awareness and encourage education for both indigenous and non-indigenous people; the more we know about our past, the brighter our futures can be. By learning from each other’s diverse backgrounds and experiences, we become better neighbors and more compassionate individuals”.

The morning continued with activities for children including face painting, rock painting and a scavenger hunt. Artisans were also set up on the lawn with their crafts for sale. The event concluded around 12pm.

Parents and Guardians, are you looking for something fun for your children to do this summer?

Qalipu First Nation in partnership with Parks Canada is holding land-based learning camps in Central and Western Newfoundland. We’d love to have your kids join us. Camps are open to status, non-status and youth allies! Please note that priority is given to QFN band members.

Children will be outside connecting with nature while also learning life skills, interacting with elders and knowledge keepers, traditional crafting, and much more!

Staff are trained in wilderness first aid, have all clearance checks and are super fun and friendly.

Youth between the ages of 6 and 11 are invited to register. Everything is FREE! Camp dates are as follows:

Western:
Corner Brook – July 8-11
Benoit’s Cove – July 15-18
Stephenville – July 22-25
Port Au Port – July 30-August 1
St. Georges – August 6-8

Central:
Grand-Falls Windsor – July 16-18
Gander- July 22-25
Botwood – July 8
Wings Point – July 9
Springdale – July 11
Lewisporte – July 30
Point Leamington – August 1
Badger – August 5
Glenwood – August 7-8
Norris Arm – August 19
Gambo – August 22
Robert’s Arm – August 26

To register, please fill out the following form:

Qalipu Summer Camp – 2024

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Monica Companion at mcompanion@qalipu.ca or Kimberly Butt at kbutt@qalipu.ca.

Please note that space is limited and only those accepted for the camp will be contacted.