Qalipu First Nation

Qalipu (Pronounced: ha-lee-boo, Meaning: Caribou) is a vibrant Mi’kmaq First Nation established in 2011 as an Indigenous Band under the Indian Act. With some 24,000 members spread across many communities both on the island and abroad, we are one of the largest First Nation groups in Canada.

Qalipu has no reserve land; it is made up of 66 traditional Mi’kmaq communities, spread out over 9 Electoral Wards. An elected Chief and Council govern the Qalipu First Nation. Ward Councilors are elected to represent each of the nine Wards. Additionally, two Vice-Chiefs represent western and central Newfoundland and the Chief is the official spokesperson and leader of the Qalipu First Nation as a whole.

Qalipu has three satellite offices located in Glenwood, Grand Falls-Windsor, and St. George’s and its central administrative office is in Corner Brook. These offices give representation to the regions of our dispersed Mi’kmaq communities.

Core programs and services are delivered by a growing body of staff. Our service offering includes education and training, tourism development, health benefits and services, employment programs, registration assistance, environmental monitoring, culture and heritage and community economic development. Qalipu also conducts a variety of special programs which vary from year to year.

Economic and Corporate development are led by the Qalipu Business Trust Committee which is comprised of representation from Council, senior staff and members at large. The Committee, along with the Qalipu Business Network, and the Mawio’mi Business Forum, represent some of the avenues where relationships are built and partnerships are formed with industry and other stakeholders to foster Band prosperity and growth.

Get to know us better by exploring our website, Qalipu.ca, or spending time with us at National Aboriginal Day and other celebrations.