(Pronounced: ha-lee-boo, Meaning: Caribou)
Qalipu First Nation is a vibrant Mi’kmaq First Nation Band established in 2011 under the Indian Act. With membership of 24,000 spread throughout 67 traditional Newfoundland Mi’kmaq communities and abroad, we are among the largest First Nation Bands in Canada.
Newfoundland is part of the traditional Mi’kmaq Nation whose territory extends from Quebec through the Maritime Provinces and into Newfoundland.
Our Values
We seek to engage locally, nationally, and internationally to advocate for the humane harvesting, processing, marketing, and consumptive-use of seal products.
Stewards Of The Environment
One of the guiding principles of all Indigenous people is environmental guardianship and the promotion of a balanced ecosystem. As an Indigenous group whose members and communities are directly affected, we take the position of having a moral responsibility to protect, promote, and celebrate our oceans and the life they sustain. The hunting, consumption, and diversified usage of seals is interwoven into the fabric of Indigenous people’s traditions and culture. We seek to engage locally, nationally, and internationally to advocate for the humane harvesting, processing, marketing, and consumptive-use of seal products.
Waspu is the Mi'kmaq word for seal.
In Indigenous culture, the seal represents imagination, creativity, trust, and integrity. For hundreds of years Indigenous cultures of Newfoundland and Labrador have relied upon seals. A large percentage of the seal was eaten, and the rest of the animal was used for clothing, tools, and crafts. Within the spirit of this Seal, we see the ancient Mi’kmaq Eight-Pointed Star with the four direction colours symbolizing diversity and inclusiveness of all nations on Earth. Mi’kmaq double curve designs are painted on each side of the Mi’kmaq Star representing balance of nature, environmental conservation, and stewardship.
The Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Mi'kmaq Nation:
Nsituo’qn—Wisdom
To cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom. Wisdom is given by the Creator to be used for the good of the people.
Kesaltultimk—Love
To know Love is to know peace. Love must be unconditional. When people are weak they need love the most.
Kepmite’teken—Respect
To honor all creation is to have Respect. All of creation should be treated with respect. You must give respect if you want it back.
Tetpaqa’q—Truth
Truth is to know all of these things. Speak the truth. Do not deceive yourself or lie to others.
Wanqwajite’teken—Humility
Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of Creation. In the Mi’kmaq language, this word can also mean "compassion." You are equal to others, but you are not better.
Mlkna—Bravery
Bravery is to face the foe with integrity. In the Mi’kmaq language, this word literally means "state of having a fearless heart." To do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant.
Koqaja’teken—Honesty
Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in word and action. Be honest first with yourself, and you will more easily be able to be honest with others. In the Mi’kmaq language, this word can also mean "righteousness, doing what is right.
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