Funding provided through the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Seafood Development Program is supporting the launch of WASPU, a new Indigenous brand seal oil capsule developed by the Qalipu First Nation.
Funding up to $25,200 will be provided to the Qalipu Development Corporation – a business subsidiary of the Qalipu First Nation – to help with the launch of WASPU brand seal oil capsules into the domestic market by supporting the development of social media, a website and marketing materials.
The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Skills and Labour and MHA for Corner Brook attended a product launch hosted by the Qalipu First Nation today in Corner Brook on behalf the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and the Honourable Lisa Dempster Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, to extend congratulations on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, identifying and accessing new opportunities for the seal fishery. This investment by the province will provide valuable support to help advance this seal oil capsule venture and demonstrates the seal fishery remains an important component of our province’s fishing sector. I applaud the Qalipu Development Corporation for their efforts to create new jobs and opportunities for growth in this sector.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
“I congratulate the Qalipu Development Corporation for successfully developing and introducing a natural product that is derived from seals. Indigenous peoples have hunted seals for centuries and know well the value of this marine mammal to their health and wellness. I am especially pleased that the Qalipu Development Corporation is going to market with this product.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“The seal fishery continues to have an important cultural significance for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people throughout the province and still offers opportunities for economic benefit. I commend the Qalipu First Nation for recognizing the value and health benefits associated with seals and taking the initiative to pursue the development of seal oil capsules.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Skills and Labour and MHA for Corner Brook
“Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries is extremely happy to launch its new ‘WASPU’ brand seal oil capsule into the marketplace. We believe this First Nation branded health product will find a consumer niche not only here in the province, but in national and export markets as well. We are excited to be selling a locally sourced, indigenous branded-product here in the province through the Coleman’s grocery chain.”
John Davis
Manager of Qalipu Development Corporation
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Media contacts
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca
Allan Bock
Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-4449, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca
Alison White
Qalipu First Nation
709-647-3009
awhite@qalipu.ca