Latest news with #QalipuFirstNation
CBC
16-05-2025
- CBC
Why a moose hide pin is a sign of solidarity with Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people
Qalipu First Nation member Keith Cormier explains why a simple lapel pin made of moose hide is another way to show a commitment to end violence against Indigenous women and girls. The CBC's Amy Feehan learned more at an event in Corner Brook.
CBC
05-05-2025
- CBC
Qalipu marks Red Dress Day with emotional ceremony
Members of Qalipu First Nation gathered for an emotional ceremony in Corner Brook to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. It featured drumming, songs and messages of hope.
CBC
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Qalipu artist the latest to unveil artwork at Confederation Building
Marcus Gosse's work, Unity, was unveiled Wednesday Artwork by Qalipu First Nation artist Marcus Gosse is the latest painting to hang on the walls of Confederation Building, part of a series of pieces from Indigenous artists to decorate Newfoundland and Labrador's legislative home. Gosse revealed his work, a painting titled Mawo'ltimk — Unity — on Thursday. The artwork depicts eight whales swimming around the Mi'kmaq star. He told the crowd gathered at Confederation Building that he hoped to capture the themes seen in his others works: Togetherness, joy, love and support. "This one in particular here is about strength, togetherness, support and unity," Gosse said. "[The star is] a symbol of pride amongst Mi'kmaq people. It not only shows unity amongst all the cultures, but it also shows the eight districts of the Mi'kmaw territory. Which is cool, because the eighth one is actually Newfoundland." Gosse said whales also symbolize peace, compassion and family, and are important as good communicators in the environment. "It goes to show you that, you know, our nations need to be together, communicating, learning about each other together," he told CBC Radio after the announcement. Gosse's work is the fourth of five paintings procured by the province from Indigenous artists selected to decorate the east block of Confederation Building, along with the creation of a statue to honour the Beothuk. Paintings from artists representing the Nunatsiavut government, Innu Nation and Miawpukek First Nation have already been unveiled. Qalipu First Nation Chief Jenny Brake said showcasing the art is important representation of Indigenous peoples. "Art gives us an opportunity to tell a story. A story that is ours to tell as Indigenous people of this place and this unceded land where we live," Brake, an artist herself, said.
CBC
25-04-2025
- General
- CBC
Company needs to take action in tackling grounded vessel, says Qalipu chief
MSC Baltic III has been aground for over two months The chief of Qalipu First Nation says the owners of a cargo ship run aground in western Newfoundland need to take immediate action in advancing its cleanup — and make the Indigenous group part of the process. "We need to be included in this conversation," Jenny Brake told CBC Radio's Newfoundland Morning on Wednesday. "They need to understand that our traditional knowledge can guide a process like this in a good, meaningful way." The MSC Baltic III has been grounded near Lark Harbour for more than two months. It still holds nearly 1,600 tonnes of heavy fuel. The Canadian Coast Guard reported earlier this month that tar balls the size of tennis balls have been appearing on the shoreline near the grounded vessel. The vessel also sits in a hard to access area. Lark Harbour Mayor Wade Park had requested a nearby ATV road be fixed up to allow easier access, but the town has learned that the ship's owner, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), won't commit to helping build it. A request for proposals to build the road was issued over a month ago, Brake says, but no further movement has happened. "We're really confused as to why they're not doing that," she said. "There's boats coming and going and they're checking on it, but really it just feels like everyone's waiting for something really bad to happen and then respond to it." Image | Jenny Brake Caption: Jenny Brake, chief of the Qalipu First Nation, says MSC needs to take immediate action to further the clean up efforts of the run aground ship. (Jeremy Eaton/CBC) Open Image in New Tab Following a post on the Qalipu First Nation website on April 18 about the concerns of the negative environmental impact of the grounded MSC Baltic III, she says MSC contacted her earlier this week. In an email, she says MSC told her it saw her message and wanted her to know the company is doing what it can and would like to meet with her. "We're really hoping that they will put everyone's mind at ease, and they will do the right thing and allow us to be a part of this process. And they will do things, and get it done quickly. Because waiting is not an option," she said. CBC News has requested an interview with MSC but hasn't heard back. Speaking on behalf of Brake, on Thursday Caron Hawco told CBC News that MSC is going to call Brake soon to open up a dialogue with Qalipu First Nation and the company is considering a visit to the region in the near future. Calls for stricter guidelines Brake says Qalipu First Nation has been engaged in talks with the provincial Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Coast Guard since the ship ran aground — but feels the group can bring more to the table. "We have to have oversight of this as the First Nation… These are waters that my family have fished in for generations, and I want my children to fish in, for, you know, generations to come," she said. Brake says she also wants to see stricter federal guidelines in place for future incidents like the MSC Baltic III, adding any company who can't act responsibly on the water shouldn't be allowed on it.
CBC
23-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
N.L. government looking to sell idle Buchans energy plant
The Newfoundland and Labrador government is looking to offload a long-idle power plant in central Newfoundland, and says it's hearing interest from a renewable energy company that plans to double the plant's former output. Industry, Energy and Technology Minister Andrew Parsons said the Buchans generation station, which hasn't been operational since 2014, can be put to better use. "It's sitting there idle and the conversation we're about to have is what we intend, or hope to see, done with it," Parsons said. Last week the province issued a non-binding letter of intent to a consortium, which includes Qalipu First Nation, Qalipu Holdings LP, Angler Solutions and St. John's-based renewable power company Growler Energy. Growler Energy CEO Robert Woolgar says he's worked in the energy sector for 30 years and is familiar with many of the province's assets, but Buchans stands out in particular because it's the community where his wife is from. "Growler — being a renewable energy company and this being a smaller plant — there could be a spot there for us to help support and basically get the plant back operational," said Woolgar. Taking over a plant with existing infrastructure is enticing, he adds: these days, there's more interest in decarbonization and electrification, especially at a time when the public utility is looking to increase its energy capacity. "Having these resources there that really just need somebody to come in and basically get them operational again, that adds value," said Woolgar. Much of the necessary plant infrastructure is already in place, he said, including the dam and reservoir. "You're not creating that new asset more than just basically getting an aging asset back to operations." Woolgar said the company could double or even triple the plant's energy generating capabilities, which was previously 1.8 megawatts. It will still take time before Growler Energy and the government make a deal, said Woolgar. Before they shake hands, they'll need to complete a feasibility study and carry out community engagement. If they strike a deal, first energy could be produced in late 2028, which would be sold back to the province through a power purchase agreement. 'Big win here' Parsons called the possible deal a "win-win," as Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro doesn't have plans for the Buchans plant. The Buchans community is supportive of the plan, he said, adding that the Qalipu First Nation are involved in the proposal. "What we're doing is allowing [Growler Energy] to start the feasibility study to figure out what this will entail. So again, I think it's a great move all around," Parsons said. Parsons added the province is always going to be looking for more power for residential growth and commercial growth. "This is a big win here. And the work itself will be undertaken by a private company using their funds, and then they'll work out to see if there's an affordable power-purchase agreement with Hydro. Hydro is not going to pay just anything for this. It has to be reasonably priced." "That's why I'd like to see the site become operational again and bring all the benefits that these things do," he said.
