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The Second Annual Ke’tipnemk Dinner and Silent Auction

On October 22th, 2016 Qalipu Cultural Foundation (QCF) hosted its second annual fundraising gala, the Ke’tipnemk Dinner and Silent Auction. Jennifer’s Restaurant was radiating with the soft light of the candles, as the tables were dressed with the traditional Mi’kmaq colours of the medicine wheel; red, white, black and yellow. In addition to an elegant three course dinner, guests enjoyed a warm atmosphere that included story telling, songs, and over 40 pieces of art and craft donated by local indigenous peoples for auction at the event.

Sherry Dean, Chairperson of the Foundation, was pleased to report that again this year, the Foundation surpassed its fundraising goal.  She said, “Through individual and business sponsorship, sale of the beautiful works of art and craft donated by local indigenous artists and craft people, and ticket sales, we raised over $17,000!”

The event attracted more than 100 guests from throughout Qalipu territory, including Frank Skeard, Ward Councilor for Glenwood.  He said he was more than happy to travel in for the event which he and his wife Deneka had been looking forward to for some time.

“We are all on our own journey,” he said. “While I was pleased to attend to represent the people of the Glenwood Ward, I also attended for the cultural discovery that is part of my own personal journey.  This event was a great balance of social get together, and cultural sharing.  I’m so glad I got to be a part of it.”

With the funds raised at this event the Cultural Foundation will able to advance their mandate and continue to support the following:

  • Outdoor Education Program, and other cultural events
  • Provide workshops and cultural teachings on: tobacco ties, medicine bundles and pouches, talking sticks, rattles, moccasins, medicine walks and drum making.
  • Provide cultural teachings and sharing within the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District.
  • Host Mini Powwows
  • Provide cultural teachings and sharing for seniors.

On behalf of the Qalipu Cultural Foundation Board of Directors, and the Qalipu Chief and Council, Thank You to all the artists/craft persons and sponsors who supported the event, and to the hard-working volunteers who Chairperson Sherry Dean said “brought the event to life.”

Artists & Craft Persons Sponsorship
Audrey Wells Mountain Level
Brian Gillam Cox & Palmer
Brian LaSaga Tract Consulting Inc
Dru Kennedy Tree Level
Georgina Payne Bonnell Cole Janes Chartered Accountants
Golden Gifts Plus Dr. Pamela Elliott
Harry Skinner Fougere Menchenton Architecture Inc
Jenna Osmond H.J. O’Connell LTD
Joanne Brake Bennett The Hebron Project
June Farnsworth River Level
Kelly Anne Butler Areco limited
Mala Barnes Sporting Goods
Marcus Gosse Dr. Mervyn & Sherry Dean
Marie Eastman Humber Motors Ford
Marilyn Bruce Marblewood Village Resort
Marilyn Matthews Western Lock Industries
Marlene Farrell Yield Communications
Melinda Hiller
Melissa Tremblett Joint Sponsorship: Broad Reach Strategies Ltd & Conach Consulting Ltd.
Mildred & Mac Lavers Brook Level
Nicole Travers Accurate Construction Ltd
Pauline Gilley Doris Hicks
Ralph and Blain Ford Michelle Patrick
Ralph Eldridge Mike & Jennifer Broadbent
Reg Barry State of the Arts
Ruth Travers
Trudy Campbell

 

Did you miss the Gala? Search #QCFgala on social media, and experience the amazing event through the eyes of dinner guest!

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Artist Paul Pike sharing the “Gathering Song”

 Matching Butterfly earrings and necklace by Marilyn Matthews.

One of the beautiful items up for auction
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Foundation Director Kevin Barnes sharing a story at the Gala

 

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Seniors Mentoring and Leadership Project – A Cultural Approach

On October 20-23 at Killdevil Camp eighteen Qalipu First Nation members the retreat allowed senior Band members to become engaged in cultural sharing activities such as medicine identification, smudging, ceremonies (sunrise; water), talking circles, oral history and storytelling, crafts and games, and other cultural Mi’kmaq teachings. This project provided seniors with the opportunity to be more actively involved in their communities, build cultural capacity, and support their communities through sharing their traditional knowledge expertise with others.

The retreat will begin with a traditional meal, followed by an evening of networking and cultural sharing. The next two days will be followed with cultural leaders sharing their knowledge and engaging seniors in cultural teachings. The final day will begin with breakfast, followed by a debriefing (in the form of a talking circle) before seniors return to their respective wards.

In addition to allow the participants sharing the treat provided an opportunity for the seniors to meet and experience cultural knowledge from cultural leaders. Everyone had the chance to experience cultural teaching sessions and ceremonies, as well as other invited guests who will engage in activities like medicine walk, teachings on sacred practices, the sweat lodge, working on a wampum belt, medicine wheel, sunrise ceremony, traditional game – waltes, Mi’kmaq language and information on the Qalipu Cultural Foundation

Objectives which are anticipated to be covered during the retreat through various teaching sessions and activities include:

  • Creating leadership amongst Band members,
  • Engaging seniors in culture and heritage,
  • Inspire more seniors to become engaged and build capacity within their community,
  • Promote inclusion for seniors who are geographically isolated, and
  • Promote sharing of seniors’ knowledge to other generations.

The retreat was a great success and we hope to be able to continue to offer such great experiences.

“It was the experience that I will carry in my heart. The education, teachings, I love all of the program. Great to feel being part of my heritage.”       -Retreat Participant