Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, June 19, 2025
President Jackie chaired the meeting.
Adam’s guest Josh Hancott was welcomed as was Rotarian Andre.
Guest Speaker
Rotarian Andre introduced guest speaker Sherry Dean, who spoke about the Qalipu First Nation Band. Qalipu First Nation Band is a Mi'kmaq community in Newfoundland and Labrador that offers programs, benefits and services to its members.
Sherry began by speaking about growing up in Stephenville in a traditional family with 8 siblings and how the recognition officially of being Mi’kmaq affected her and her celebration of her indigenous roots.
She noted that speaking to Rotary during Indigenous History month was important especially as she was giving her talk close to the National Indigenous People’s Day on June 21.
She spoke of the isolation of the island of Newfoundland how because of that the survival and shared knowledge and skills of the indigenous people were kept alive. She noted at school there was no reference apart from the Beothuk people that there was an indigenous population in the island.
In times gone by in traditional households there were no ceremonies or celebration formally of their ancestors but now with the Qalipu Band being recognized indigenous people are part of a community of their own people.
Sherry mentioned that the United Nations states that indigenous bands have a fight to be recognized. She spoke about the history of the official formation of the Qalipu band and the criteria to become officially part of the band and how that has caused problems for family members. Her talk was most interesting, and she covered several topics related to the band and its members.
Sherry finished her talk by talking about the traditional smudge circle which she has set up on a small table and the significance of all the items on the table. She explained how the ceremony is performed and for each direction in the circle who is being thought about and prayed for. The whole talk was most illuminating, and everyone appreciated being able to understand more fully the indigenous life.
Linda thanked Sherry for speaking to Rotary after which she answered several questions before the meeting was adjourned.