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

June 23, 2023, marked a historic day in Burgeo as parties from across the province and across Canada came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on establishing a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in the South Coast Fjords area.  The multipartite collaboration includes the Government of Canada, the Province of Newfoundland, the Miawpukek First Nation, the Qalipu First Nation and the Town of Burgeo.

The South Coast Fjords area, dubbed a biodiversity hotspot, is among the most productive marine environments in Atlantic Canada.  The coastal and marine ecosystems include spruce-fir forests, rocky barrens, sand dunes, flat sandy beaches, estuaries, large granite cliffs and deep, glacially carved fjords.  The coasts and waters are home to dolphins, porpoises and many endangered species.

Coming together to work on this project has been deeply meaningful to the Qalipu First Nation.

Chief Brendan Mitchell noted, “You have only to stand at the ocean’s edge to appreciate the power, beauty, and significance of water. This commitment to collaborate on the establishment of a new marine protected area in the South Coast Fjords region gives great meaning to me in my role as Chief. I look forward to working together in the spirit of protection and preservation of the world’s oceans.”

Following the official event which included drumming by the Burgeo First Nation Ladies Drumming Group, speeches, and MOU signing, participants travelled over to the Sandbanks Provincial Park for a Water Ceremony led by Arlene Blanchard White.

Chief Mitchell noted, “When we gathered at the beach, the importance of the day and the MOU we had just signed really hit home.  As leaders, we are very busy, and things can sometimes get lost in the politics and busyness of it all.  When we stood together in a circle to honour the water in ceremony, when we prayed for the waters that sustain us, that is when I believe we could all really feel the significance of what we were doing.  Water is life, without it, we would be lost.”

Last Friday, May 5th, marked the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirited People (MMIWG2S). Qalipu First Nation commemorated the day with an event at the Mikwite’tm [mig we day dum – I remember] Garden in Corner Brook; “Say Their Name” was a spiritual community gathering featuring smudging, prayer, words of remembrance, poster making and a walk of awareness.

The next regular meeting of the Chief and Council will take place on May 13th at the Community Room in Corner Brook beginning at 10:00 am. Members who would like to attend the meeting can register by contacting Suzanne at 709-634-5111 or by email at spark@qalipu.ca

To watch a live stream of the meeting, please log in to your ginu membership profile.