Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, October 8, 2026.
President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed Rotarians and guest Mike Spencer and prospective Rotarian Mark Lamswood.
Guest Speaker
After lunch was enjoyed, Kathleen introduced the two guests from the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, Kellie Clark, Communications Officer and Brad Evoy, Chief Administrative Officer who gave the presentation
Brad’s very interesting and instructive talk was about connecting with the Qalipu First Nation and the work that is being done.
He began by talking about the Mi’kmaq territory in Eastern Canada showing a map of the 7 Mi’kmaq districts, which are the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. Mi'kma'ki encompasses Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, the island of Newfoundland, and parts of New Brunswick and Quebec.
He continued by speaking of his own heritage, which is Elmastukwek, Ktaqmkuk and Mi’Kmaki. He spoke about his present role and the different areas in which he is involved. The Qalipu was formally recognized in 2011 and is made up of 67 traditional MI’kmaq communities over 9 electoral wards. An elected Chief and Council govern the Qalipu First Nation with two additional Vice- Chiefs representing Western and Central Newfoundland. The Qalipu has 4 satellite offices in Glenwood, Grand Falls – Windsor, St Georges and Stephenville with its central administrative office in Corner Brook.
Brad continued by looking at the core programs and services that are offered by different teams. These include
- Lands and Environment which includes environmental monitoring and assessment and native resources,
- Health Benefits and Community Services which has a wide mandate including housing, health services, and community outreach, cultural and mental wellness
- Education and Training, in which the team visits schools to give support, provide land activities for children and youth and more
- Tourism Development,
- Employment Programs and Career Exploration which is becoming increasingly important. The Qalipu team works closely with Memorial University, Grenfell Campus, College of the North Atlantic as well as offering cultural and employability workshops.
- Registration Assistance
- Culture and Heritage
- Community Economic Development
Brad concluded by speaking of the Qalipu Development Corporation, QDC, whose function is that of a holding company for all business operations and investments.
Its aim is to ensure the Band’s long term economic growth and sustainability.
To conclude his presentation Brad was thanked by Olaf on behalf of the club for his extremely interesting and well researched, informative presentation.
