Final results for Qalipu election, counting advance polls and mail-in ballots

Another Qalipu

- October 28, 2012 at 20:42:27

My personal opinion is that if there didn't have to be an election until march 2013. There are still many people going through the application province so had the election not been until march there would be more members eligible to vote by then. Would it have made a difference in the results. I myself think so.

Submit a comment

Mr Corner Brook

- October 25, 2012 at 09:34:11

It's laughable actually, to see the infighting amongst these "brothers and sisters"over a few positions in the "band". What happened to the unity and brotherhood? All out the window now for some reason!!! Lol! You can talk about "mother earth" and try to look as stoic as possible for photo ops and even change the spelling of your name(urging!!!) Most of you are no more native than those without their status card and only got involved when you discovered there were benefits associated! I know this sounds harsh but I beieve it to be accurate and so do many others.And yes, I have my status too, you would be a fool not to pursue it if you can, but I don't go overboard with it either...It's insulting i feel. I know there are those that have embraced their culture for many years, and my hat goes off to them, but there is a greater majority who sees this as a cash grab or a chance for a band position, nothing more!!! Disagree or hate me if you wish but many people will agree with me and just not speak up.

Submit a comment

• 

  West Side Girl

  - October 26, 2012 at 11:53:16

  I agree with your comments wholeheartedly.

Paul Pike

- October 25, 2012 at 05:59:18

I just want to say that I regret my way of expressing the hurt and disappointment that I feel for the way this election has happened. I am really not a negative person, I just have watched for decades as tribal citizens have been manipulated and screwed over by our representatives. I was truly hopeful that for once we could see real change. The only way I can stay sane is knowing that just as 20 years ago, the FNI could never take credit for the cultural growth of our people. The QFN cannot either. The traditional people will continue to grow in our cultural ways no matter who is elected Chief. It is in the Mi'kmaq people that I have the utmost faith in and respect. I want unity like most of us, and I hope that someday we can sit among the Grand Council and be recognized as being a part of our Mi'kmaq Nation,instead of them not even knowing who the Qalipu First Nation is. This non recognition is not the fault of the Grand Council as they were not even invited to participate in our negotiations. We are the ONLY Mi'kmaq band to not include our Grand Council in Govt. to Govt. negotiations. Prayers going out to us all.

Submit a comment

harold

- October 25, 2012 at 02:08:23

Seeing both sides of the debate here with the representatives elected, let's move forward and hold the representatives responsible for the reasons they were elected. Growing pains everywhere.

Submit a comment

Paul Pike

- October 24, 2012 at 20:46:57

I have vented for the past 24 hrs. and just want to say this. The current leadership has not at any point contributed to the cultural growth of the Mi'kmaq people. It has been purely a corporate experience. Anyone who thinks otherwise must be brand new to the movement. The Mi'kmaq people will continue to grow culturally with or without the QFN. If it weren't for traditional elders, especially the women, and Conne River, We would not have the growth we have now. If you need proof, look at the fact that up till the QFN formation we have had splinter organizations such as the KMA, and Kitpu First Nation, that had to be formed out of desperation to be heard and validated. They would not have been formed had their needs been met. This band is not a tribal council, it is a corporation. The entire Mi'kmaq Nation has historically made all decisions for such things such as status and treaty's with the Grand Council. Not Brendan Sheppard. He did not follow any of the traditional protocols. Ask the Grand Council who the QFN is, they will tell you that they do not know. There has been no respect shown for our elders, or traditions in the band. So yeah, we have a status card.....now what??

Submit a comment

• 

  Juz Sayin

  - October 25, 2012 at 01:14:51

  Congrats to all successful candidates...now for those of you who are not aware of the history of Mi'Kmaq people please look to the History Books. 1. Mi'Kmaq 's were brought to Newfoundland and Labrador to fight off the Beothucks . They never owned land so land rights should never be an issue. As for those bitchin about their taxes going to the Aboriginals ..duh ..they pay taxes like everyone else. Give your heads a shake ..Be proud of Your Status and Thrive in your Culture.

Sunshine Girl

- October 24, 2012 at 20:43:24

I can't believe people think it is a good thing that Brendan Sheppard received an award for his work in the negoiation process. Isn't it ironic to anyone that INAC who screwed us out of millions of compensation sent Brendan a thank you for allowing it to happen. Dear God! To all the people who really believe this election was run fairly and honestly, I have a Santa Suit you can wear to your next job. I personally saw someone open someone's ballot at the advance poll and read the ballot. Everyone who voted in the advanced poll in Stephenville were not allowed to deposit there own ballots in the ballot boxes. They also had to hand their individual ballots to a clerk who held them in her hand until you voted three times. I sent applications for mailin ballots all at the same time. Two of them were received the third one wasn't even tho my fax machine showed it was. I wonder was it because the person's they "didn't" receive was a vocal support of another candidate??Hmm. If this was a provincial election, the re-election would already be started. And as to the smug person above who said people should have checked the voters list! Maybe you live in a community where everyone has a car, a telephone, a computer and the internet and you should be grateful because the majority of people don't. I saw at least 6 people with their status cards turned away from the advance polls. Why couldn't these people be sworn in? Was the process of preparing for this election to complex for the interim council? God help us because they were just re-elected. Even today people are just getting notice that there is an election on. Brendan Sheppard won nothing because he does not have the support of the people he continually disrespecting. If any of you who voted for these people think they care about you, just try to ask them a question. Good luck! There's a gate at "our" band office and you better be a family member if you think you are getting in. Other than Bern White in Benoits Cove the likelihood any of them will ever answer a question is slim to none. These people only care about themselves and being elected will not change that. Ego Ego

Submit a comment

daniel

- October 24, 2012 at 20:38:13

good job brendan if i would of been a voting member and was undecided up to the last hour i would have voted for you . it was nice to see that you ran a clean campaign and never spent your time on facebook running down people as others did this guy wade on facebook helped you get elected big time, also this sheldon guy if you didnt give him a job each year banging on a drum it would be social services for him. also the oliver guy lost votes right up to the last minute just by speaking anyway i hope when the next election i will be able to support brendan

Submit a comment

Lillian

- October 24, 2012 at 17:49:55

Know That I have my card......know that Im not stupid ,I checked my computer to make sure my name was there, that my polling station was inCB......I maybe a proxide blonde, but not a stupid one.......I would never have tried to vote if i Didnt have my card and my indian status number....... :)

Submit a comment

• 

  Suzanne Sheppard

  - October 24, 2012 at 20:09:59

  Lillian and all who had this problem call Indian affairs and lodge a complaint. You had the right to vote. Something stinks about this whole election and if you stand by and do nothing then you will never get anywhere.

• 

  Suzanne Sheppard

  - October 24, 2012 at 20:11:24

  All who had this problem call Indian affairs and lodge a complaint. You had the right to vote. Something stinks about this whole election and if you stand by and do nothing then you will never get anywhere.

Lillian gillard

- October 24, 2012 at 17:43:42

Yes folks I did have my card, checked website my name was on the list, also my voting station was in corner Brook, when I showed the lady my card and license, she said your name is not here,and said bull crap, i checked the site my name was there I had to have my name there, my sons was there, but mine and my husbands wasnt, how many more did this happen to,........The lady said if your name is not on this list you cant vote,.....come to find out they had my name down in Beniots cove another 30 mins away....sooooooo, why would they say ihad to vote in corner brook only to find out it was in BC.......by the time of standing in line for almost 2 hours, I never would have made it in time to vote, errors on others part not mine.Shame I didnt get a chance to vote,By the way found this out this morning that my name was on the voting list in BC.....SHAME SHAME

Submit a comment

Lillian gillard

- October 24, 2012 at 17:40:35

Yes folks I did have my card, checked website my name was on the list, also my voting station was in corner Brook, when I showed the lady my card and license, she said your name is not here,and said bull crap, i checked the site my name was there I had to have my name there, my sons was there, but mine and my husbands wasnt, how many more did this happen to,........The lady said if your name is not on this list you cant vote,.....come to find out they had my name down in Beniots cove another 30 mins away....sooooooo, why would they say ihad to vote in corner brook only to find out it was in BC.......by the time of standing in line for almost 2 hours, I never would have made it in time to vote, errors on others part not mine.Shame I didnt get a chance to vote,By the way found this out this morning that my name was on the voting list in BC.....SHAME SHAME

Submit a comment

Lady Hawk

- October 24, 2012 at 16:03:00

Unfortunately everything is a first for us & therefore a learning lesson. I would like to congratulate the people who had the courage & was brave enough to run in this election knowing that they would be in constant scrutiny by members who will always find fault. I congratulate Mr Sheppard, Mr Mitchell, & Mr Barnes plus all the other winners, this road that we have travelled has been long & I look forward to the exciting times ahead of us as we take baby steps into this new chapter of our lives.

Submit a comment

Dave from NL

- October 24, 2012 at 14:32:21

I suspect "Stormy Times Ahead". In almost every case, more people voted against the eventual winner then voted for them. If there were not so many candidates cluttering up the ballet and splitting the votes, we would have seen different results.

Submit a comment

Talkiing Smoke

- October 24, 2012 at 11:37:19

Well here we have it!!!! Same old stuff..... As it stands so far, Brendan Sheppard 1 and the Mi'kmaq of Newfoundland outside his cirlcle ZERO....Liddie MacDonald 1 and the Mi'kmaq people who are not connected to her ZERO. I fail to see how people can continue to elect those who are so far removed from mainstream issues and deep rooted rights as those of the Mi'kmaq people in this province. In comparison to other agreements across Canada, the one which was negotiated was and is a slap in the face to all of us claiming aboriginal status. But there is still some hope. We must stand together as "ONE UNITED VOICE" and ensure that those who are elected create an environment of unity with all members and provide total clarity and transparency to all members. If we accept anything less, then we are shirking our responsibilities as memebers of a proud MI'kmaq culture.

Submit a comment

Gerald

- October 24, 2012 at 11:33:08

Yes, Mr. Sheppard was the man responsible for gaining our status. Kudos to him (and his counterparts) as that journey was long. This is probably the reason why people who have never dealt with him on a professional basis, especially new members, voted for him and why he won the leadership. But those of us who followed him for the past years and know the harm he has caused the band in the long run are not supporters. At least now, with thousands having a vested interest, Mr. Sheppard will finally be held accountable for his actions.

Submit a comment

qalipu member

- October 24, 2012 at 09:38:44

It was the leadership and skilled negotiations of our Chief Brendan Sheppard that got us our Indian status. He was awarded the Deputy Ministers award and also the 60th anniversary Queens award. We are fortunate to have such a great leader. Sheldon, its time to think positive and start working for a common goal for the benefits of all band members.

Submit a comment

• 

  Paul Pike

  - October 25, 2012 at 05:38:45

  I respectfully disagree with some of what you say. It was not Brendan's leadership and skilled negotiations that got us our Indian status. I was all the elders before him that provided true leadership and accountability to it's tribal citizens. Namely Calvin White. Please take a moment to talk with some of the people who had joined the KMA, or other Mi'kmaq groups in NL, they did so because they was /is a lot of injustice going on. A serious lack of transparency,etc. I think we have always wanted unity, we have just felt stuck having the same secretive representation. They have had absolutely no elder input, and have not done squat to support cultural growth. Call QFN and ask how much$$ they plan to put towards cultural activities,etc. They will tell you to have a bake sale. In 2000, the FNI would not support in any way the Elmastukwek Mawiomi in Corner Brook. Talk to the other communities, you will not find much support for this council. So how did the same council get re-elected?? Makes me wonder..

Qalipu

- October 24, 2012 at 09:02:40

Congrats to all candidates. Glad to welcome Chief Brendan back and looking forward to the future of Qalipu.

Submit a comment

lc

- October 24, 2012 at 08:58:02

its a shame though people could not vote , i dont think theres a understanding that not ALL have a computor to have access to check lists or update thier info yes it was very confusing here in corner brook poll u went in stood in line then u were told wel a to m is here and m to z is there no signage up , and im sure it was hard on seniors and others to stand for more then a hr on thier feet ,there should have been more then one place to vote as it is when the reg voting goes on well just hope this is a learning experience and next voteing will go more smoothly but please change the way people can get info besides a computor have a great day

Submit a comment

Eagle Eye

- October 24, 2012 at 08:33:28

Anyone thinking that the first initial kickoff of this election was going to go off without issues is kidding themselves. I have no doubt that ours didn’t make it back through the mail in time as it only had a couple of days to get there before the election, so there’s no way it got counted. This is also a learning process folks, one that we will all adapt to in time and as elections go forward we’ll learn from them on how to improve it. If the results stand as is, lets figure out how to help our elected officials in making our place in the world better now instead of reacting and behaving like we don’t deserve to be where we have gotten so far, the world is watching.

Submit a comment

• 

  Paul Pike

  - October 25, 2012 at 05:41:04

  Sorry bro, but this is the same stuff as we've seen the past 20 years. It's almost predictable.

Tony Young

- October 24, 2012 at 00:38:28

Lillian, if you had a status card i.d. why would there be a reason you couldnt vote. If you are not the only one this happened too today, I bet there will be a re-election done the right way. I think this was all announced and done in far too short notice anyway.

Submit a comment

sheldon

- October 23, 2012 at 20:08:52

if mr.sheppard get's in ... it's bacause it sure was rigged for him to do so shame on the people on the west coast who voted for him in the first place

Submit a comment

• 

  btdas

  - October 24, 2012 at 18:11:04

  Sheldon, People are tired listening to complainers. If you're not happy with the way things are done, get off your high horse and get involved to make things better. And if you can't improve things then stand back and let the people who are improving matters do their job! Implying that this election was rigged is plain stupidity and ignorance.

Lillian Gillard

- October 23, 2012 at 20:08:41

Drove 45 mins, stood in line for 1 hour and a half...... only to be told I COULDNT VOTE< MY NAME WASNT ON THE LIST NOR MY HUSBANDS,Disgusted, upset is putting it mildly, here an historical moment for me a a first nation reconized indian ..........to be told sorry you cant vote this evening. Had all my info but becuase my name wasnt on there my oppununity to vote was null and void, and apparently I wasnt the only one today, there were many other who were told the same as I was.......Well I refuse to take this lying down ....I will get my chance to vote come hell or high water..... My voice will be HEARD.....I wont be rejected as We were in the PAST.......I AM A VOICE for myself and all the others who could not cast a ballot......SHAME SHAME SHAME

Submit a comment

• 

  Qalipu Member

  - October 23, 2012 at 23:20:36

  I know that some people weren't aware that their name wasn't on the list, but if you visit the Qalipu site it stated names on lists from every area. Maybe it's a responsibility one should take to ensure their names were on the list who were entitled to be. There's a lot of people trying to gain status, but you have to have all documents to support your claim. I know that I've been swamped with relatives coming out of the woodwork looking for my help. Now, that some have it, they don't know that I exist. Just saying.

• 

  Qalipu Member

  - October 24, 2012 at 10:00:34

  I agree with Lillian Gillard. It is to my knowlwdge that this election did not have to be held yesterday, they had until March 2013 to hold this election therefore I think that approperiate measures should have been taken to ensure that EVERY Qalipu member had the opportunity to vote and know what polling station they had to vote at. Not everyone has access to the internet! I think we should push for a re-election, we are the people who make this BAND and we have been swept under the rug for far too long. It's time to take a stand and be heard once and for all.