Qalipu Myths

 

MYTH 1: I have an Indigenous ancestor in 1600s. That makes me Indigenous.

In order for anyone to claim an Indigenous identity, you need a community to claim you. Being Indigenous is not something you can choose one day. If you have one ancestor from the 1600s that was Indigenous, that does not make you Indigenous.

MYTH 2: Newfoundland and Labrador had no residential schools.

Labrador had residential schools. In fact, Inuit and Innu were put in residential schools. They had no choice but to attend.

MYTH 3: Qalipus do not know their culture because of colonization.

Colonization is what brought white settlers to Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada, for that matter. But the reason a Qalipu does not know their own culture is because they are white settlers. A very small minority has a minute amount of Mi'kmaq DNA. But it isn't just DNA that makes one Indigenous. The Indigenous community and Nations decide who belongs.

MYTH 4: Qalipus have had to hide.

Hide from who? They are white settlers. Who would they be hiding from?

MYTH 5: Qalipus have reserves.

There has been an attempt to turn 67 white towns into reserves.