Archive for month: February, 2017
Listuguj takes ownership of group home
Soon, the Gignu Group Home will be run entirely by the community. On January 19th, Integrated Health and Social Services Centres (CISSS) signed over the responsibility to the LMG. The transfer has been in the works for over ten years.
Nearly 20 people gathered at the newly constructed building to witness the official signing. There is no exact opening date as of yet, but job advertisements for the new positions have been posted.
“What I really like about this agreement is the fact that we’ve been able to work out a way that we as Listuguj, will – over time – take over the running, the administration, the direction of the services that will be provided to our youth, by our people,” said Chief Darcy Gray.
Connie Jacques, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said the project started out simply to construct a new building, and along the way everyone decided that it was a good time to start the transfer of ownership. There had been discussions before she got involved, 10 years ago. The entire program will eventually be developed out of Listuguj.
“We’ll have a transition step where the center will be run by the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government and with support from our services,” Jacques said. “But eventually, the goal is that we’re not here anymore.”
The event also took the opportunity to honor some of the long standing employees of the Gignu Group Home, like Dolly Barnaby.
“I initially thought that this was for recognition of Susan’s retirement,” Barnaby said.
Susan Basque retired on January 11th. But four others were recognized for working more than 25 years. Barnaby has been there for 31 years, since the beginning. She said the center was their baby, right from the start.
“We were all very young,” she said. “The whole team was very young and we had never worked in a readaptation, rehabilitation center before. And so it took quite a while to establish ourselves – for the community to recognize us and to believe in us and trust their youth with us.”
Barnaby admits that there’s been bad times along with the good, but if they’ve helped just one kid, then they’ve succeeded, she said. With the new building, and new ownership, she doesn’t see much changing.
“The way we work with the youth is not going to change,” she said. “We’re just going to have the space to be able to do the work that needs to be done.”
One change however – which excites her – is the steps to indigenize the programs more. Chief Darcy Gray echoed this vision.
“I would like to see more cultural knowledge, traditional practices, Mi’gmaq ways of healing and working together and bringing about healthier people,” he said.
For many, seeing exactly how this will all develop is exciting, and a source of pride.
“I feel we’ve just put a child forth in the world,” said Jacques. “Now we’re gonna watch it grow up.”
Helping a friend in need
Almost immediately after hearing the news about their friend, Dylan Montgomery, several students jumped into action.
Montgomery was recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Montgomery and his family have been travelling back and forth from Halifax every week since Christmas.
“We wanted to make him happy,” said Embrey Isaac.
Isaac and her classmates organized a bake sale in their school to help out financially, however they can.
“He was always nice and giving to us,” said Amelia Rioux. “We just wanted to give something back to him.”
Two tables were set up along the main entrance of the school. They were filled, front to back, with cookies, cupcakes, banana bread, and more.
Anna Smith teaches Grade 7 & 8 French Immersion.
“Right away, Monday, they started planning,” she said.
Smith helped organize and supervise the bake sale.
“I just think it’s a really nice thing to see that the kids from both communities coming together and caring about each individual, and doing something special, no matter who it is and where they’re from,” she said.
The following week it was announced that the bake sale had raised a total of $900.
There are no closets in tipis
The HIV/AIDS workshops at AGS opened the door for a broader conversation about acceptance and inclusion. Gina Metallic spoke to the students about two spirit issues.
“It is recognized in our tradition, and the fact that two spirit people were always part of the community and always part of the circle,” she said later in an interview with the Nujignua’tegeg. “It was really colonization that changed … the talk about that.”
Gina spoke of the traditional understanding of LGBT two-spirit people, and the respected position they held in the communities.
Some First Nations, like the Navajo people, had eight different types of genders, she said.
“When we were colonized, we were instilled with this homosexual, heterosexual, male and female – this binary system,” she said. “In our community, we didn’t have this.”
For Gina, receiving Listuguj’s 2013 Role Model of the Year was the starting steps to bringing this this discussion forward in the community. She’s been speaking about these issues elsewhere, but this was the first time talking about it on a reserve, or for children. She was nervous.
“We have LGBT two-spirit kids in the school for sure,” she said. “We need to create a safe space to make sure that they’re not turning to self-harm behaviour because they’re told that it’s not right and that’s it’s wrong. So, you know, in order to do that, you have to put somebody at the forefront of it.”
To her surprise, Gina noticed for some of the students that were present were engaged in this discussion. “We could learn so much from our kids – if adults were to just hear them speak – they would learn so much from them” she said. “Growing up – it’s so normal and if becomes normalized it’s not a conversation we need to be having, and that’s my goal.”
While Gina says these conversations weren’t happening 10 years ago, there still a lot that needs to be done, She would like to see events like the pride parade organized in Eskasone last summer happen in Listuguj. She would like to see more discussions, film screenings, sweats, feasts, anything to make LGBT two-spirit people just simply another normal part of a community.
“It’s a very simple, easy thing. Like we’re just asking people to accept people for who they are,” she said. “The fact that we even have to explain that is a little bit crazy but we have to and it’s a process right?”
It’s a process that goes hand-in-hand with decolonization, and rethinking ideas that have been instilled over generations.
“Our culture is so rooted on the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Respect, Humility, Bravery, and it’s like we just need to uphold the Seven Grandfather Teachings. It’s very simple.”
HIV/AIDS workshops at AGS
The annual HIV/AIDS workshop at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School focuses on more than safe sex. It uses the opportunity to discuss other important aspects of growing up – recognizing what an unhealthy relationship actually is, and self-acceptance.
“What we’re really trying to do, is create that network with our students,” said Lynn Labillois. “So growing up, you know, [the kids will think] ‘hey, that’s the nurse. I can go and speak to her.’”
The workshop is organized by Listuguj Community Health Services (LCHS), and was separated into several stations. A station for condom and dental dam demonstrations; a station on HIV/AIDS and what it is, how it’s transmitted and how one can lessen the risk of transmission; and a station explaining situations of risky and non-risky behavior with Drugs and Alcohol.
The Haven House was also present, talking about healthy and unhealthy relationships, how to recognize it and what can be done.
“We talk about ‘no means no’ healthy relationships, so that students are aware,” said LaBillois. “It’s not always as clear as we think … I guess they need a role model in the community sometimes to say ‘this is appropriate and this is inappropriate behavior in a relationship.’”
A lot of the day was focused on preparing the students should they end up in certain situations.
“We talk about abstinence of course,” said LaBillois. “It’s the same as drugs and alcohol. We don’t want them to drink, we don’t want them to use drugs. But if they do, how are they to be safe in doing so.”
Small change to the food bank
The Listuguj Community Social Services has an active program (initiative to fight poverty) for community members in need. The initiative is funded by Quebec and Labrador Social Services Commission, and through this, the community food bank was created in April 2016. The food bank is typically held on the third Tuesday of every month, however dates still can be subject to change.
For those who come to the food bank, they would be given an assortment of fresh foods and non perishable items. Basic food items such as eggs, milk, bread, pasta, potatoes, breakfast cereals and much more.
With the amount of recipients the food bank gained over the past few months, this has brought a few changes. Starting February, they are implementing an evaluation process in order to avoid abuse of the services and to provide to those truly in need.
“They just meet with me once. They have to provide their proof of income & proof of expenses (Hydro, Telephone) and we’re going to create a file for them here,” said Jessie Gallant “Once you meet with me, then you’re good to go. Your always welcome every month.”
For more information, call Jessie Gallant at the Listuguj Community Social Services. (418-788-3039
2016 In Review
NEWS
AFN National Chief Visits Listuguj
Issue 26, Aug. 2016
The Assembly of First Nations National Chief, Perry Bellegarde, visited Listuguj during the Powwow weekend last year. It was his first time in the community.
Bellegarde met with people from the community, and heard the concerns of various organizations. He spoke at the Powwow, and sat down with Nujignua’tegeg for a video interview that can be found online.
In-Community University Graduates
Issue 24, July 2016
The first-ever university course offered in Listuguj graduated 19 students on June 30th. The Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (BACS) was offered through the Cape Breton University. It began in 2013.
“This program was truly a collective achievement,” said Dr. Fred Metallic, at the convocation at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School.
Many classes were taught by Listuguj teachers, and was for the community in a variety of ways.
The high percentage of graduates is proof that the model works.
Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm at full capacity
(Issue 30, Dec. 2016)
A celebration on December 1, 2016 marked the opening of the wind warm, and Troy Jerome’s resignation from the MMS.
Read More
FEATURES
‘Nnui’sultinej Let’s speak Mi’gmaq
Excerpt:
There is a red line at the Listuguj Education Complex that can’t be missed. The line divides three classrooms from the rest of the building, creating the only English-free zone in Listuguj. Anyone crossing that line has to speak only in Mi’gmaq.
The line is more than red tape on the floor. It is a compelling symbol of the protection of the Mi’gmaq language that evolved on this territory for thousands of years, but is now vulnerable.
There was never such a “language line” in Listuguj. Maybe that’s the reason why in the last 50 years the English language had entered the homes, stayed there and with time, displaced Mi’gmaq as the main language. Those were the times when Canada’s assimilation policies forced Aboriginal peoples across Canada into Residential Schools and they were pushed to believe ….
Read More
Passing on Traditions
(Issue 25, Aug. 2016)
Excerpt:
Tanner Sage Barnaby, the son of Tara Barnaby and Robby Ouellette, has been salmon fishing for the last six years and he’s only twelve. He leaves the quarry in the middle of a rainy afternoon and when he arrives to the fishing area he slows down the motor to set the net. A very attentive boy, Tanner drives the boat with the seriousness that his tasks require.
As the rain continues to fall, he stops the boat and initiates a conversation with Aurele Isaac, his mentor. They talk about the places where other fisherman set their nets. “We have to respect them,” he says. “If you see that one person has a good catch on his place you just can’t come the next time and occupy his location. We have laws and we have to respect them,” he says to Tanner…
Read More
Women’s voices of Mi’gwite’tm
(Issue 23, June 2016)
Excerpt:
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…
Best Photo Page
Echoes of Powwow – Issue 26, Aug. 2016
ARTS
Painting: A Healing Journey
(Issue 22, June 2016)
Excerpt:
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…
Don Burnstick
(Issue 30, Dec. 2016)
Don Burnstick was invited to Listuguj for National Addictions Awareness Week in November. He gave a few shows, and sat down with the Nujignua’tegeg for a video interview and a story.
COMMUNITY
Listuguj Mourns death of Chief of Police Henry Vicaire
(Issue 21, May 2016)
Excerpt:
Listuguj Chief of Police Henry “Hank” Vicaire was rushed to the Campbellton Regional Hospital on Friday the 13th under emergency circumstances, but was unable to recover. He passed away several hours later. He was 50.
On May 18, at around 10.30 a.m.. various delegations of Police, SQ, RCMP, Firemen, Ambulance technicians from around Listuguj, and a representatives of Henry’s Bike Club, gathered in front of his house. A solemn march to St. Anne’s church followed, where political banners were covered and painted with the number 21, in respect to the badge of the Chief of Police.
The Church was packed and the mass started with the Spirit Bear singers chanting the Mi’gmaq Honor song. Native and non-natives families and friends of Henry “Hank” Vicaire gathered to pay respect to a person that the eulogies described as a humorous, sensitive, respectful and a talented human being.
Henry Vicaire was born in Campbellton, N.B. in 1965. He attended the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) where he earned his policing certification in 1994. He served as a Listuguj K-9 officer from 2002 to 2010 with detector dogs Echo and then Bonzai. He became Listuguj Chief of Police in 2012…
Fire Fighters graduate from first course in 15 years
Firefighters from the first course offered in Listuguj in 15 years graduated just before the new year. The graduation was held on Dec. 16 at the Bingo Hall.
The 10-week course began in September. They could be seen running various training exercises throughout that time.
Some of the new firefighters, like 18-year-old Cody Duguay tried getting in early, but didn’t hear back. He recieved a call the day the course started. Someone had dropped out. Duguay was there five minutes later.
“What have I gotten myself into,” Duguay quickly thought.
“I would just start, take a step back, think why I’m doing this, and is this really what I want to do,” he said. “As I read through the course books and looked at and everything, I found this would be something I would really love to do, so I kept going with it.”
The training did it’s job – it taught Duguay how to keep a level head in a stressful situation.
He remembers one time during training when he was under a firetruck, practicing how to conserve air when an air tank is low. He rolled over, and didn’t realize his air was off. Then he got stuck.
“That scared the hell outta me right there, I was ready to quit the course,” he said.
His instructor pulled him out, and he decided to go back the next day. Now he has five different certificates qualifying him as firefighter.
“We earned this and it was a hard road,” said Duguay. “While I will – and always shall – be happy that we have completed this course, I will miss this training. I will miss doing this everyday.”
ABOUT WI’GATIGN
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Formerly titled the Nujignua'tegeg - The Wi'gatign is a multi media community newsletter for Listuguj First Nation.
Find our printed issues within the community. We print once a month.