WI’GATIGN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SANTA

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Hi Santa! Thanks for chatting with me, I know you’re incredibly busy this time of year!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Of course! I always have time for people on the Nice List!

How have you been preparing for Christmas this year?

For Christmas this year, everything is so busy right now at the North Pole. The elves are working around the clock, to make sure everything is done right. Myself, I’ve been busy!  Mrs. Claus is keeping me fed with my cookies and milk so I can check the list, you know making sure the naughty and nice lists have been double-checked and everything is good to go!

You get to know so many children around the world! How are the children of Listuguj different than children from other parts of the world?

Children all around the world are the same, they’re all special and they’re all beautiful, but what makes Listuguj so special, is hearing the young ones speak their language. It’s beautiful to see them practice their culture in such a small community.

You must eat a LOT of cookies on Christmas Eve! What is your favourite kind of cookie?

My favorite kind of cookie is oatmeal chocolate chip, but I love anything chocolate chip! Yesterday, Mrs. Claus made me some peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, and they were delicious. But warm chocolate chip cookies are my favorite!

What do you love most about visiting Listuguj on Christmas Eve?

What I love most about Listuguj is the love that many homes have for the young ones. I love seeing the little ones nestled away when I come in and bring the gifts. I’ll catch some sleeping on the couch, trying to get a peek at me, but they always seem to be sound asleep when I arrive for the most part. Sometimes for the ones who are still awake, I’ll use magical elf dust to help them fall asleep. Coming to Listuguj, it always seems like there are Northern Lights in the sky. You can just sense the love in the community.

Tell me about your reindeer. Do you have a favourite?

I love all my reindeer the same. Rudolph is special because he is the youngest one in the group, so we have to keep him in check sometimes, but Rudolph is the joyful one. We’re taking care good care of, Comet, he is the oldest one of the group, but he’s still a strong leader of the team, and we love him.

One last question, I know you’ve got work to do! What would you like to say to the children of Listuguj?

It’s so nice to see you all grow up every year. Always keep in mind, to always be positive and share the love. Help another person who is in need, or who is less fortunate than yourself. Share a smile and a hug. The more of that you do, the higher up you get on my list!

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER SPOTLIGHT – DEBBIE MORRISON

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Debbie Morrison is very passionate when it comes to being the Owner of JB Toys and Novelty. Even though it is still a fairly new business, being in operation since 2021, Morrison always had the dream of having her own toy store.  She said, “Way back when my children were little, I wanted to have a toy store, and I actually registered ‘JB Toys.” That was over 30 years ago. I went back and added, ‘and Novelty’ and started from there.” In the beginning, she was operating out of her back porch and eventually expanded and moved the shop downstairs to the basement.

JB Toys and Novelty consists of a number of educational toys, toys for children with special needs, and sensory toys that aren’t typically sold at big box stores. Morrison sells party supplies and offers helium for balloons. There is a selection of bouncy castles available to rent, that could be used for children’s birthday parties and other events. Some clothing, gifts, and candy options are also available.

Morrison is very involved with the community of Listuguj, offering donations, and collaborating with other organizations, such as CHRQ 106.9 FM and Alaqsite’w Gitpu School. JB Toys and Novelty can also be found traveling on the road in a decaled trailer, stopping in at Pow Wows, where she typically sponsors candy dances for children.

There are plans to expand the company even further.  Morrison is currently working towards having a new building next to her store that can house children’s Birthday parties and other events. The plan is for it to be an open-concept building, with a kitchenette and tables – allowing guests to bring in their own food and supplies.  There would be indoor entertainment for children – bouncy castles, skateboards, plasma cars, etc. She said there is a lack of facilities for party rooms in the area, so it would be a great opportunity.

“You always have to be here on a regular basis, there is always something new. I just love doing it, it’s fun for the community,” said Morrison.

JB Toys and Novelty has gone on to be a very successful and popular shop in the community. People come from all over to visit. Morrison is very efficient when it comes to updating the shop’s Facebook page with new inventory.  It is located at 35 C Riverside West in Listuguj.  Visit them today!

By Ann Marie Jacques