First-ever in-community university class graduates

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As the month and days to graduation grew closer, panic started to set in,” said Sarah Arseneault, in front of the crowd in the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School gym on June 30th.

Sarah is the class-elected valedictorian of the very first University course offered in Listuguj. The Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (BACS), offered through the Cape Breton University, began in 2013. Nineteen of the original 23 students graduated this year.

“This program was truly a collective achievement,” said Dr. Fred Metallic, at the convocation. “We don’t learn by ourselves, we learn from – and with – each other.”

The number of classes taught by Listuguj teachers is a definite point of pride for those involved in developing the program. There are many points to be proud of.

The program was also tailored specifically for Listuguj. The schedule was meant to accommodate mature students, with all the commitments of adult life. Without saying it outright, the program essentially “Indigenized” mainstream courses. For example  – Mi’gmaq History was offered instead of a standard history course.

“Many students learned for the first time about their Mi’gmaq identity, history, and language,” said Sandra Germain, who assisted in the coordination the BACS program part-time. “All those little pieces help to make the program belong to the students and to the community.”

Germain is also the coordinator of the Mi’kmaq Maliseet Bachelor of Social Work Program (MMBSW) at St. Thomas University. She is passionate about adult learning – having earned her own Masters at 50 years old. Through her experience, she was well aware of some of the obstacles for the community.

“I had been noticing for a number of years that the people in Listuguj had an interest in the Bachelor of Social Work program, however, they did not meet the prerequisites,” she said. The BBSW requires a Bachelor Degree. And earning one use to mean leaving home.

This was part of the motivation to bring a University program to the community, instead of  bringing community members to the universities. And while there was a clear desire to bring in a program – it had to be done right.

“We wanted to maintain control of the program and not simply have them deliver their style of programming in the community,” said Germain. This led to many negotiations, and many aspects still left to improve on.

But Germain calls the BACS program “unprecedented.” The high percentage of graduates makes it clear that the program’s approach has hit on something.

“You can’t compare [traditional programs to] First Nations students working and learning with First Nations students,” Germain said. “I think that’s how we learn best.”

The trend has been set – a second University Degree will be offered in the community, starting this fall. McGill University will be offering a Bachelor of Education. Some of the BACS graduates have enrolled. So clearly the BACS program left a positive impression.

“There might have been times when we wanted to strangle each other,” continued Arseneault, with her classmates in the front rows.  “And we may not have always agreed on things. But when it came down to it, we were there for each other, and always will be.

How amazing is it to have the opportunity of completing a university degree in our own community! Today graduates – we make history. We are showing the people of our community that something like this is possible.”

Another Act of Resistance

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When representatives of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government and the Government of Quebec were talking on the phone, Listuguj loggers were already on the highway 132, ready to defend the exercising of Mi’gmaq rights.

The day before, Quebec had declared the wood harvested by the loggers  “illegal” and closed the market for these logs.  The GDS mill, the first main buyers, was instructed not to buy these logs because no stumpage fees were paid for them.

Listuguj loggers have access to 40,000 cubic feet of forest to cut.  This includes the 15,000, cubic feet from a previous agreement with a provision exempting stumpage fees.  Not really exempted but paid by Quebec itself.  Now, Quebec wants Listuguj loggers to pay the stumpage fees on the other 25,000 cubic feet.

As the meeting started, the politeness faded and strong positions were taken on both sides. Quebec insisted on the payment, and Listuguj defended its Aboriginal right.

Chief Darcy Gray firmly expressed that “it’s not an option. We honor our people and we affirm that this is our territory and natural resources, and you stand in our way. Mi’gmaq people won’t pay taxes to access the resources of its territory.”

Geoffrey Kelly, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs insisted on payment before opening the market to Listuguj loggers.
“For most of the loggers, it’s their only income” said Alexander “Popoff” Morrison, the elected representative of the loggers.  His working crew includes four individuals that support families of three or more.  There are around 64 people working in the logging operations, and they and their families are all impacted by the outcome of the meeting.

As the meeting progressed, Chief, Councillors, the Director of Natural Resources and the logger’s representatives discussed the condition from Quebec — “Pay stumpage fees and we will open the market.”  The meeting was suspended for 20 minutes to deliberate, and when communication was reestablished, Listuguj response was unanimous in a diplomatic tone and very spirited tone from Councillor Wendell Metallic  — “This is Mi’gmaq territory and we don’t pay no fees for our natural resources.”

Quebec was also reminded about Mi’gmaq determination, and the many battles Listuguj has had to reaffirm and exercise its rights, including the 1998 blockade for the same issue.  Quebec requested a pause to the meeting.

Back at the highway, loggers and supporters were waiting and ready to block the road and stand up one more time.  But this time, Chief and Council were supporting the loggers.

The logging operations for the 40,000 cubic feet represents around six months of work, enough time to access the unemployment program for seasonal work.  These operations are mostly non-mechanical. Around 20 timber jacks, 40 guys with chainsaw and 25 guys hauling logs. Most of them went through the training provided by Listuguj Natural Resources and are certified chain saw operators, complying with security and safety regulations.

“In the past Quebec had issues with the security, safety, and harvesting practices.  In the last two years we have improved our standards to follow Quebec regulations”, said Listuguj Natural Resources Forestry Engineer Martin Cummings.
These concerns were resolved and the issue of  “paying stumpage fees as a condition to get a license was never raised in the past,” said Dr. Fred Metallic, Director of Listuguj Natural Resources.

Early in the meeting Minister Kelly insisted that these fees were necessary to cover the cost of fire safety, silviculture, and forestry management.  Listuguj pays between 15 to 20 thousand dollars for fire safety and they pay an engineer to manage the logging operations.

When Quebec called back after their deliberation, their tone was less adamant.  First the Minister insisted on improving the harvesting practices before announcing that Quebec would open the market.  Chief Gray agreed to open discussions, but insisted that any negotiation will be on the basis that this is Mi’gmaq unceded territory and no taxes of any form should be paid by Mi’gmaq loggers to Quebec to access natural resources.

After the meeting Chief Gray went to the highway 132 to tell the loggers about the outcome.  They celebrated, gave hoorays and high-fives.  Not long after the road was cleared, the flags were rolled back and they all went back to their families. Another battle in Mi’gmaq history.

For logger Morrison “we just bought time because the main issue was not resolved. However, I’m glad that the loggers are now consulted and supported” he said. For now, there are no further negotiations scheduled. The loggers are organizing a meeting before the Listuguj Pow-Wow.

In fact Quebec has one more time avoided talks about an important question according to Dr. Metallic.  “The Mi’gmaq tried to bring Quebec and Canada to the table to talk about the fundamental issue of land title.  We need to be able to decide and manage the sustainability of the forest not only for the Mi’gmaq but also for the Birds, the Moose, the Deer, medicinal plants, etc. It’s our home.”

Qospem Family Day

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On July 1st, the Listuguj Community Health Services hosted their 7th Annual Family Day.
In 2008 the Qospem Family Day was privately funded, and a group was created to fundraise for the event. In 2010 the event was brought into the Listuguj Crisis & Life Promotion program to secure funding from year to year.
In the beginning, it wasn’t easy to have a Family Day. It required volunteers to help with fundraising and the event itself. In 2010, when The Listuguj Community Health Services began to host the event, it ensured it would take place each year on Canada Day.
This year it ran from 11 A.M until 1 A.M. The weather was the perfect for being outside. Workers from the Listuguj Youth and Family Center were present, and brought canoes and kayaks for anyone wanting to go on the lake. They provided supervision for swimming around the wharf as well.
“All the workers there have been Water Safety Certified,” said Corey Metallic. “So that’s a relief for me.”
Hotdogs and Hamburgers were cooked throughout the day with pop and water available. Attendance was estimated to be roughly 120, with more arriving later.
It’s the help of volunteers, community programs and organizers that makes this possible each year.
Programs and Institutions helping with Qospem Family Day: Brighter Futures, Community Wellness, Drug Strategy, CHRQ, Listuguj Crisis & Life Promotion and nurse Lori Wysote.

2016 Inauguration

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Women’s voices of Migwite’tm

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This year marks 35 years since the raids in 1981. But even after all this time, there are still “as many stories as there are people who fill this room,” as Victoria LaBillois said before the Salmon Feast at the Bingo Hall on June 11. This year – just like in 1981 – women of the community stood alongside the men.

Images of men standing up to Quebec Provincial Police are close in everyone’s mind, and stories of men from nearby nations coming to help are often retold with pride, but the fact that women came from other nations as well is mentioned less often. They also came to help.

Gail Metallic particularly remembers the Innu women – who came from the north shore to support the Mi’gmaq – who were “use to feeding big crowds, with very little.” She also remembers a little old lady. “My gosh — she just put everything in ship shape, and just started cooking,” Gail said.

When armed police officers blocked the bridge, a plan had already been made. Tensions were rising between the community and the Quebec Government. The Bingo Hall hadn’t been built yet, but the basement of the church was a central gathering place. When the church bells rang, everyone knew their roles. No one knew what would happen, but everyone still had to eat, and the kids still had to be taken care of. Coffee could even be found at all points.

Treena Metallic, Gail’s daughter, remembers the atmosphere and some specific events. But what she definitely remembers her mother’s reactions.

“Her anger sort of gave me pause,” Treena said.

An understanding of injustice immediately gripped the entire community. Gail was visibly angry, and not afraid to show it — to her kids, or the SQ, as she drove passed them. For Treena, this set a clear example.

“I wasn’t allowed to feel ashamed,” Treena said. “That mad was empowering … she might have been scared, but I didn’t see it. I just saw this tough chick.”

To this day Gail doesn’t doubt the appropriate reaction. Neither does the rest of the community, or the generations growing up.

“As a human, you have a choice,” Gail said. “But to do what [they] did to our people. That wasn’t acceptable.”

Fortunately, in 1981, very few even had time to doubt their reaction. As support continued to come in, everyone felt more empowered. And the actions taken by everyone at that time continue to set an example.

“It awakened a lot in us, that’s for sure,” Gail said. “We almost have to say, in a way – thank you. Because it awakened who we were.”

“It really galvanized, and it really defined who we are as a community,” said newly elect Chief, Darcy Gray, on Saturday morning at the Listuguj Wharf, with the dozens of others who gathered before the Peace Walk to the the Bingo Hall, the Salmon Feast and the inauguration of the newly elected Chief and Council. He stood in front of a line of docked fishing boats.

Aboriginal Day in Listuguj

Aboriginal Day

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In Listuguj, Aboriginal Day was also celebrated by the Veterans with a Flag Raising event with participation of Chief and Council.

This was the 20th year that First Nations in Canada celebrates the National Aboriginal Day. Communities across the country organize PowWow, spiritual gatherings, political and other cultural events June 21 was chosen for Aboriginal Day because the Summer Solstice has an important cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples. Because of its astronomical significance, many cultures around the world celebrate on, or around Summer Solstice.

The Sun’s movement would tell Indigenous peoples in different parts of the world, when to plant the crops that sustained them, to keep track of the seasons, to keep a calendar or move to different grounds for seasonal food and resource gathering. Ceremonial sites are built with some type of solar alignment integrated into the structures. The Sun is included into Indigenous prayers as well in many spiritual practices.

The Aymara people of Bolivia celebrate their New Year (5524) gathering on sacred sites at the sunrise to greet Father the Sun. At Stonehenge (a stone structure built over 5,000 years ago in today’s United Kingdom) people gather for a Summer Solstice Festival.

AGS Literacy Day

AGS Literacy Day: The Power of Reading

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With the world literally at our fingertips, we sometimes forget to pick up a book and enjoy what they offer. The Alaqsite’w Gitpu School is hoping to change this with their recent Literacy Day.

The event started off with the school band playing several songs, conducted by Bill Ferguson, the 8th Grade English Immersion teacher.

Members of the band were from different grade levels, with two members graduating this year. After it concluded, Ferguson noted the importance of reading and its uses. His example was with the school band members and being able to read sheet music.

Grade 8 French Immersion students Tristen Condo-Furlotte and Embrie Isaac read a tale of how Sugarloaf Mountain was formed when a Beaver became the Mountain. “It’s good for kids to learn about stories that interests them more,” Tristen said.

Frederick Mundle an author from Campbellton was the special guest for Literacy Day. Mundle was awarded the WFNB Alfred G. Bailey Prize for Poetry in 2014. Mundle was invited to share his children’s story “Sugarloaf Mountain: Legend of the Sweet-tooth Rascals.”

“A long time ago in the 70’s I had started writing children’s stories and having them published in the Tribune,” Mundle said. There was a publisher that was always interested in promoting local talent. I’m impressed beyond belief that such a student population, and somebody told me that in my interviewing people, there are 250 children here. That’s fantastic, I love it.”

As the day came to a close the activities finished and the children

Mi’gwite’tm

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On his first fishing day, Christopher Wilmot caught one salmon. He picked up his net and then continued his day, fishing for lobster in the Miguasha area. “As a kid I learnt to fish with my father” he said. During the fishing season Christopher will repeat his routine without fear of losing his boat, his net or being charged for fishing illegally. Christopher, born in 1989, belongs to a new generation of fishermen, but he knows about the QPP and DFO raid in Listuguj.

Many people in Listuguj remember the raids. “They came three times,” recalls Rene “Cool” Martin. “The first time they came to order late Chief Alphonse Metallic – to stop us from fishing. The second time around 500 police came in, together with DFO, helicopters and boats to take our fishing gear.” The third time, Rene was driving in the community near 5 a.m. He saw the police squad on the bridge. “I blew the horn to wake up people. We organized and we drove them out.”

During these confrontations people were beaten, arrested, and equipment was destroyed or taken away. Rene was handcuffed and taken to New Carlisle’s jail with other Mi’gmaq. One of the charges was to resist authority. In fact, Rene and Listuguj resisted and Christopher Wilmot is grateful. “If nobody stood up we would not have this opportunity to fish today,” Wilmot said.

Resistance is nothing new to Indigenous Peoples and the Mi’gmaq were defending their Aboriginal rights against the diktat of Quebec government. “I remember when I was a kid, non-natives used to come to Listuguj to sell us salmon because we were not allowed to fish. So we had to buy. When we did the same – selling salmon to non-natives – the government didn’t like it.” affirms Gordon Isaac Sr. “There was a time when there were traps from Listuguj to near Maria, on both sides of the Bay. Natives and non-natives had traps, but when the government stopped the commercialization of fish, we continued fishing.”

It was during these times that Quebec set restrictive measures to dissuade Mi’gmaq from fishing. “We were fishing at night and Mi’gwite’tm nobody could smoke because the light of the cigarette would indicate our position to wardens patrolling the river and they would shoot bullets at us and come to destroy our nets” recalls Gordon who was charged 14 times for illegal fishing, fishing with a net, and fishing at night. “I beat all these charges because they don’t have the proof that I don’t have the right” he said proudly. These acts of resistance were strengthening in an unsuspected way. With unemployment rates high many people had to work in the USA often as ironworkers building skyscrapers and bridges. “We saw there how native people were fighting for their rights too and we got information, motivated and politicized” affirms Gordon.

In fact the 60’s and 70’s, the years preceding the raid, North America was witnessing the emergence of the “Red Power”, the militancy for Indigenous rights. When Listuguj was attacked, Native people from different nations showed support and even made the trip here. “ They give us confidence to fight, to resist, to put barricades and to be prepared” said Gordon.

“The lesson I learn from the raid of 1981 is to keep fishing, keep resisting because we have the right to fish,” said Rene. In fact, the long years of denying Mi’gmaq Aboriginal rights or Treaty Rights were challenged successfully many times at different levels in provincial, Canadian and international justice systems. In 1999, the Supreme Court’s Marshall decision recognized the traditional role of fishing in Mi’gmaq culture, and a right to sustain as well as earn a moderate living.

Today Listuguj manages a community owned fleet of fishing vessels creating jobs for natives and non-natives in the industry and generating millions in revenues.

“Two things happens since 1981” said Dr. Fred Metallic, Listuguj Natural Resources Director. “We strengthened our cultural revitalization and we got the recognitions of our political rights. Canada can’t discretionary interpret Indigenous rights and it can’t trample our rights without being accountable. Today we manage 10-12 vessels, with millions of pounds of fish allocations. We have in place a Rangers Program to prevent exploitation or outside interference.”

Nowadays, the Restigouche River is known as one of the bestmanaged salmon rivers in the country and agreements signed with Quebec are based on the Listuguj fisherman Management Plan. Elder Gordon Isaac adds, “Now we have our own Laws and our own wardens. Now we negotiate and sign agreements with governments, and they don’t dictate to us anymore. Now we can fish peacefully without feeling illegal and with no worries about what is going to happen to us, or to our equipment.”

Gordon doesn’t fish anymore. Today he stops at the wharf and talks to the fisherman. “Some of them keep the spirit of sharing and they give me a few salmon for my winter,” he said.

Rene Martin canoe 1

Painting: A healing journey

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When your work is displayed around the continent, attracting the attention of famous artists, and selling within 30 seconds of being posted on social media, some people could probably call you an “artist.” But Tracey Metallic-Barnaby is still getting use to the title.

She’s only been painting for a year, but her work has clearly been resonating with others. She has shipped her work to Alaska, her prints caught the eye of a television set designer while on display in Thunder Bay, and her work has recently been commissioned to be installed in a new health center in Michigan.

All the recognition has definitely been exciting. But it’s all secondary. “I’ll never give painting up,” Tracey said. “It’s way too therapeutic for me.”

Tracey says she’s always been crafty, but she gave up drawing when her daughter was born. She was 18 at the time. She then raised two more children, until she was 31 and decided she needed to go back to school.

Three degrees later, after years of running two separate households in Listuguj and Fredericton, she had a career in social work. This training would prove to be helpful.

Several deaths in the family were tough on Tracey.

“I just kind of shoved everything aside and didn’t deal with it,” she said. “That’s kind of when my depression started.”

Eventually a relatively small set back ended up being the “straw that broke the camel’s back.” She took time off work.

“I decided I need to practice what I preach,” she said. “I taught a lot of classes in healing and self discovery [and] I can’t teach these classes if I’m going through this myself.”

Not long before, Tracey had begun painting. A co-worker asked her to make something for his new house. Even though the thought of painting made her “a little jittery and nervous,” she did it, and other requests soon followed.

Not only were people enjoying her work, but it was good for her too. “It’s a healing journey for me — that’s what it is,” she said.“When I pick up that brush and put that paint on that canvas, I’m lost. I get lost in my paintings, and it’s such a therapy for me.”

And once she started, she had to keep going.

“I wanted to push myself a little further,” she said. “Then I started doing more native designs.”

While she feels she still has a lot to learn and continues to explore new techniques, she tries to not be too hard on herself. She reminds herself that it’s good to have your own style.

“I often don’t ask for an opinion on my work, because it’s something that came from my heart, and my past experiences, and all the pain I’ve suffered throughout the years. I try to put that in my paintings, to become more resilient,” she said. “I want to show people that — you know what, despite where you are in your life, whether it’s good, it’s bad, you have a story to tell.”

A Positive Campaign

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Darcy Gray has been elected Chief of Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation following the results of the June 4th election. Six new Councillors have been elected. 56 people ran for the one of the 12 seats.

Voting was held at the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School on June 4th at 9 a.m. The unofficial results were first posted by the LMG near 11 p.m that evening.

Cathy A. Martin, and John Murvin received among the highest votes, with over 500 each. Listuguj has a voting population of approximately 3,200 people.

Signs began popping up around the community shortly after the nominations in April. However, the signs were temporarily covered – some with the number “21” – in honor of the late Chief of Police Henry Vicaire, who passed away unexpectedly on May13th.

“During the difficult times our community did as it always has and was there to support one another,” said Chief Gray. “The demonstration of respect brings with it a sense of connectedness that makes us who we are as Listugujewaq.”

Several community members noted a new mood throughout the entire election in general.

Aside from a lack of campaigning tactics like hosting election parties, some candidates felt an overall positive approach was taken this year.

“There’s no more mudslinging going on,” said Lloyd Alcon, at AGS Sunday night, after being elected to Council for his first time. “It’s actually been nice. A lot of positive statements going around, and people promoting each other.”

“What stood out was the level of respect shown by the community members and candidates throughout the campaign,“ said Gray, the day after being elected. “There’s a sense of people wanting to work together for the betterment of the community.”