LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER SPOTLIGHT – DWAYNE WARD

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Dwayne Ward is originally from Metepenagiag (Red Bank) and has been living in Listuguj for the past 18 years. He has held many job titles throughout his life: MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter, motivational speaker, addictions counselor, clothing line entrepreneur, and more, but the one thing that always remained consistent was his love for combat sports and an active lifestyle.

Back in 2012, Ward opened his MMA training club, “The Vault” in Campbellton on Roseberry St. where the old National Bank was located.  “We called it ‘The Vault’ because it was in an old bank,” laughed Ward. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with encouragement from his wife, Ward felt it was the right time to move the club to Listuguj. The Vault is located at his home on 26 Mi’gmaq Drive. It is in a separate building adjacent to Ward’s home and is fully equipped with mats, nine punching bag stations, and other specialized training equipment and gear.

Ward has competed in and won numerous fights in MMA and boxing over the years. His last fight was in 2015 when he decided that he felt more inspired to teach and train others when it comes to the sport. Ward brings his expertise and intensity when it comes to training, but also offers his compassion and encouragement to those who attend his classes. There are a variety of training classes available at The Vault, such as boxing/kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. There are co-ed classes, newly introduced ladies’ classes, and even classes for kids. The kids’ age groups run from ages 6-9, and ages 10-15. The size of a class varies and is usually between 8-16 people per class, with a limit for the kids’ classes. There are a few membership options to choose from, such as monthly memberships or day passes.  Ward specified that these training classes are not just for fighters, but for people who would like to come train and just get a good sweat on. He believes this type of fitness can be seen as an art form and is all about creating a safe and welcoming place for people to come in and feel good about themselves. People from all over the province come to train at the club, and it is also home to several regular Gesgepegiag club members.  It should also be noted that when the club was in Campbellton, there were roughly 20-25 regular members, and in Listuguj, The Vault now has 80-100 members. The club has really thrived and succeeded here in Mi’gma’qi territory.

Ward has been very vocal about his past drug and alcohol use and can often be found speaking at public events on his sobriety. He has been completely sober for 23 years and has used this experience and drive when it comes to being an addictions counselor and when it comes to training others. Ward left his job as an addictions counselor last year to solely focus on his club and clothing brand. Ward said, “I can listen to people’s problems, and I can parlay that into either addiction or taking it out on problems, It’s so important for mental health.”

Alongside the club, he also owns a very successful clothing line that consists of very bold, cultural pieces that really represent Ward’s passion.  “My clothing line was to promote Native Pride and fitness. Two things I’m really proud of,” said Ward.  His clothing can be found at various events and Pow Wows and people have been spotted representing The Vault clothing in different parts of the world.

Ward plans on continuing his classes at The Vault, and says eventually he’d like to expand his club, and possibly offer Elder’s training classes in the future. He says he feels the outpouring of love in the community and is so grateful that he’s able to help progress combat sport in Listuguj. “I’m very fortunate to be able to make a living off something that I love to do, and that’s my passion,” said Ward.

If you are interested in more information, or attending classes at The Vault, you can find Dwayne Everett Ward on Facebook and send him a message. He will be able to assist you and answer any questions you may have about any available classes.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – April 2023

/0 Comments/in , /by

Spring has sprung in Listuguj! Even though we had a tame winter, we welcome the warm weather and sunshine. This month, our fishers departed for the 2023 crab fishery season. The Fisheries Send-Off Ceremony was a special event that allowed community members to express gratitude for the hard work done by the fishermen and fisherwomen. On behalf of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, we wish them a safe and prosperous season. Their service and contribution to the community are greatly appreciated and do not go unnoticed.  Wela’lieg usgewinu’g

Showing Gratitude to Msit No’gmaq…All my Relations

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Before daybreak, on April 11, the Newport Wharf is busy as captains and crew are getting ready to leave for the new 2023 snow crab season. The opening is set for 5:00 a.m. and no vessels are allowed to leave before that time. 

On this Easter weekend, Chad Gedeon volunteered his time to visit our vessels at the wharfs of Ste. Therese, Grande Riviere, and Newport to conduct a Send-Off ceremony. “It’s nice to be with captains and crew. They gathered in a circle, and we smudged and prayed for their safety, and we gave thanks to the Water Spirit. It was a moving moment when I was singing the Honour Song and heard the voices of the children of Captain Franklin Brisk joining us,” he said. 

It’s the second year that the Natural Resource Directorate organized the Send Off ceremony and Chad enthusiastically got involved. On March 31, a group of 70 people gathered for the ceremony at the AGS. “Today, we have a vibrant fleet of vessels with our captains and crew. That was unthinkable 25 years ago, but times are changing and this afternoon we are celebrating the launching of a new commercial fishing season,” said Saqamaw Scott Martin.

The Send-Off ceremony is based on cultural and spiritual teachings and it highlights Ta’n telmi’watmg goqwei (Giving Thanks), one of the Seven Mi’gmaq principles which are essential to maintaining a balanced relationship with Creation and the use and occupancy of our territory. The event was supported by the LMG and the AGS.

For Denny Isaac, NRD Associate Director, “it’s significant to take the responsibility to revitalize and integrate this principle and teachings into our activities and foster opportunities for Mi’gmaq youth to witness and be part of it and to reconnect with our traditions.”

The one-hour event started with a prayer and a minute of silence for the fishers who have gone to the Spirit World. People attending the event went to the AGS Ceremony Room to make their tobacco offering and their prayer. Elder Eunice Metallic gathered the offerings and divided them into eleven pouches, one for each of the LMG vessels. The key moment was when eleven students, from Miss Karen Martin and Miss Mandy Belliveau’s classes, carried the bundles to the stage to hand them to the fishers.

“The Send-Off ceremony was intended to bring together the community, Elders, youth, NRD, LMG, C&C, Rangers, AGS, Captains, and crew members to show gratitude to the sea that provides for our people and to the commercial fishers and their support staff. It was also meant

to honour the ancestors who signed the Treaties and exercised our Aboriginal rights and the fishers who left for the Spirit World”, emphasized Denny Isaac.

Saqamaw Martin also had words for the staff working at the fisheries. “I would like to acknowledge all of them and say, “Thank you” to the fisheries department who are decisively at the wharf and their offices making sure that fishers, vessels, allocations, processing plants, and our vision are supported. 

Councillor Chad Gedeon conducted the Ceremony with great respect and Jacob Gale, LETE Treaty Education Coordinator shared the teachings about the Treaties and Netukulimk. The ceremony was live streamed by Justin Caldwell of CHRQ with almost 500 views.

The ceremony was also a teaching opportunity that Miss Mandy Belliveau’s class appreciated. In a group conversation about the ceremony “they highlighted the song sung by Mi’gmaq immersion class, the speech and stories and especially they felt good to attend the ceremony and felt honored to give the fishermen their sacred bundles”, said Miss Belliveau. 

Before ending his speech at AGS, Saqamaw Martin had a message for the fishers. “I saw people making their offerings and I know that Elder Chris Wysote also prepared tobacco ties for this event. I would like to ask our fishers, to be our messengers and before you start fishing, make an offering to the sea on our behalf.  We wish you a good fishing season. Come back safe, take care of each other, and support each other. Go back to the sea in a good spirit, honouring our families, our people, and the species that sustain us.”

Eleven days later, captains and crews were offering the tobacco to the Water Spirit. Chad Gedeon and the crew of the Migwite’tm 81 and the Harry Frye were praying and smudging at the wharf of Newport.  There are around 105 vessels all together fishing snow crab on Zone 12, including 21 First Nation vessels.

As the firework was signaling the departure of the fishers they certainly started the season based on the principle of Ta’n telmi’watmg goqwei (Giving Thanks) and along the way, the song and prayers of our community will reach the sea that provides its bounty.

By Felix Atencio-Gonzales

Inside the Creative Mind of Ivy Grenier Wysote

/0 Comments/in , /by

Ivy Grenier Wysote is originally from right here in Listuguj, but now resides in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where she is attending the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. She received a certificate in Foundation Visual Arts and then moved on to the Photography/Videography Program, which she is currently enrolled in.

Grenier Wysote found her creativity at a young age and became interested in photography. She said, “I remember running around my neighborhood with a disposable camera and taking pictures of everything with my digital camera I got for Christmas.” Her love for photography grew while she was in high school, and it was then she knew she wanted to pursue her passion. Grenier Wysote said that she is often inspired by her own life experiences and stories, and she uses photography and art to deal with grief and sadness.  She traveled to Europe on a school trip and took several photos of the European sights – the landscape, architecture, and her friends. Using these photos, she created a portfolio, which led to her acceptance into the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design.

Grenier Wysote is an intern at the George Fry Gallery in Fredericton, where her photography was recently displayed at a gallery showing called: PHOTOGRAPH – FOTOGRAFIA – LITRATO – – תמונה – – NAPUIʼGIGN. “The exhibition title represented the six languages spoken by the talented group of photographers: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Hebrew, and Mi’gmaq,” said Grenier Wysote. Her photo series called; “Superstition” was in the show. The vibrant photos consisted of anonymous models in various acts of superstition. For example, one photo titled, “Under the Umbrella” has a model with her back turned facing a bright yellow wall while having an umbrella opened indoors. Grenier Wysote has been researching different superstitions from all over the world and plans to bring them to life and grow her Superstition series.

When asked about a favourite piece of work she has done, she answered, “In the Mourning” which is a series of photographs she made as a tribute to her mom titled, “Trina Marie Wysote: A Tribute to my Mother.”  Each image represents a collection of items her mother would use to get ready each morning.

In Grenier Wysote’s own words, here is what she said about this meaningful piece:

“Throughout my childhood, whenever my mother was in the bathroom with us we would

have to run away, with the taste of hairspray in our mouths while she enthusiastically

sprayed her curly hair for what seemed like five minutes at a time. She always had hoop

earrings around, and they were also covered in hairspray. There is an engagement ring

in the photograph that she refused to give back to my father after they split up. I would

often find Q-tips all over the house, both clean and used, and would have to lecture her

to throw them out. She told me I would cry if she died one day when I found the Q-tips.

And of course she was right!

Her scent was Pear Glacé by Victoria’s Secret. She found out it was being discontinued

so she bought as much as she could. She often did this with her favorite products. Now,

my siblings and I, all own a bottle of Pear Glacé. It’s very special and close to my heart.”

Grenier Wysote plans on continuing her creative journey and has applied to the Advance Studio Practice graduate program at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. While she’s away in Fredericton, she misses her family, her cat Leo and being surrounded by her culture and community.

When asked what advice she would give to someone starting out as an artist or photographer, she said, “Learn as much as you can from others. Take workshops, go to classes, visit galleries, and ask other artists about their work!”

You can see the passion and love when it comes to Ivy Grenier Wysote’s photos. Not only are her photos polished and bright, but they also contain a deeper message that comes from the heart.  You can find her photos on Instagram @Ivvely_Photography.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) Officially Announces Partnership with PLC Info

/0 Comments/in , , /by

On April 25th, Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) held a press conference in Gesgapegiag to officially announce their partnership with northern New Brunswick company, PLC Info. Many people attended the press conference, such as Frédéric Vicaire, MMBC CEO, Co-Founders and Owners of PLC Info, Pascal Labrecque and Marc Dubé, Chief Scott Martin of Listuguj, and Chief John Martin of Gesgapegiag.

PLC Info is an information technology (IT) company that offers a wide variety of services and products, such as cyber security, video security systems, cabling and fiber optic, point of sales solutions, and more. PLC Info is a well-established company that is located in Eel River and Bathurst that has been providing its services to Listuguj for a number of years now.  

The Mi’gmaq Communities of Listuguj, Gesgapegiag, and Gespeg are now shareholders in PLC Info after purchasing 51% stake in the IT company. “It’s a win-win partnership,” said Frédéric Vicaire, “It will enable us to work together to expand Indigenous clients, but also other markets in other provinces. It also means to maximize employment and build capacity for our Mi’gmaq workers in our communities.” The partnership is a new source of revenue that will benefit the three Mi’gmaq communities. Vicaire expressed full confidence in the success of this partnership and stated that PLC Info is a company with a great track record with Indigenous clientele.

Co-Founder and PLC Info Owner, Pascal Lebrecque states that the company was eager for the opportunity to partner and grow with MMBC. “Over the past three years, we have experienced tremendous growth and this new partnership will allow us to go even further.” As mentioned, PLC Info has been doing various jobs and providing products around the community of Listuguj for years. “Today’s announcement reinforces the bond we have developed with First Nations over the years,” said Lebrecque.

Chief Scott Martin also expressed his confidence in the success of the partnership. He said, “I am very happy we can go forward with this project; it’s been worked on for three communities for the past couple of years. It’s an opportunity for the three communities to prosper in this. It’s an opportunity for our people to take courses with computers, and further their careers in the IT field.” Chief Scott Martin thanked everyone who worked hard to make this project and partnership happen.

For more information on Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC), visit mmcorporation.ca.

For more information on PLC Info, visit plcinfo.ca.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Sapawsultieg Victim Services – To Guide & Assist Victims of Crime

/0 Comments/in , /by

Sapawsultieg Victim Services began in October 2022 in collaboration with the Listuguj Police Department. The title of the program means, “We Survive” in Mi’gmaq. The program’s Victim Specialist, Kali Barnaby said she wanted to incorporate the language in her service’s title so that it speaks for itself. When it comes to the program’s development, Barnaby said, “It was initially enacted by the urgent need to address and understand conjugal/domestic violence and sexualized violence victims with their needs and concerns.”

Barnaby graduated from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Psychology. She has vast experience working with the youth in the community and has now moved on to offer her expertise in victim services.

Barnaby works with the Listuguj Police Department to offer assistance, support, and guidance to victims, witnesses, and survivors of crime. These types of services include assessments, crisis intervention, de-escalation and safety planning, provision of information, emotional support, and/or referrals to organizations if needed. It’s important to add that these services are confidential, bias-free, and culturally appropriate. This program also offers aid in understanding the criminal justice process and inquiries.

Listuguj is very fortunate to have a resource like Sapawsultieg Victim Services offered to those who are in need. It allows individuals to feel as though they aren’t alone after they’ve experienced a traumatic event in their lives. Barnaby said, “These types of support services are very important in our Indigenous community as we have historically experienced many forms of trauma, so with knowledge of our culture, history, and issues, we will better accommodate the needs of our people into the criminal justice system.”

When someone is a victim of a crime, they might not know how to process it, and what steps are needed to take care of themselves afterward. People may not have the support system that is very much needed during a difficult time. This program is available to point them in the right direction to healing. “Some advice I would like to pass along to others that may be going through a difficult time, or needing emotional support would be to be kind to yourself. To put yourself first by taking a step back and allowing yourself to be supported by someone,” said Barnaby.

Since this resource is still quite new in the community, individuals might not be fully aware this is a resource that is available to them at any time. If you would like to get in contact with Kali Barnaby regarding her services with the Listuguj Police Department, there are several ways to do so. You can contact the Listuguj Police Department at 418-788-2334 (Non-Emergency line) and 418-788-2003 (Emegency line.) You can also contact her directly at her email, Kali.Barnaby@listuguj.ca or you can message her via Facebook on her page, “Kali Sapawsultieg VS.”

By Ann Marie Jacques

Boot Drive Appreciation

/0 Comments/in , /by


The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government would like to express their gratitude to Annette Barnaby and Mabel Gideon for their boot drives and fundraising efforts in the community.

The donations received during these boot drives go towards funeral expenses for beloved community members.

Thank you, ladies!

Listuguj Students Perform Ta’n Wetapegsulti’gw – Where we come from

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The Listuguj-CBU Community Studies students have completed their L’nu Culture in Media course. As a final project, students prepared and performed a theatre play entitled “Ta’n Wetapegsulti’gw,” written by Peter Vicaire. Students from the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School and Sugarloaf Senior High School were also invited to star alongside them. They performed three shows: March 24th for AGS staff and students, March 25th for invited guests, and March 26th for the community. Their final performance was even live-streamed on LMG’s YouTube channel.

Ta’n Wetapegsulti’gw tells the story of two sisters, Anissa and Nahla, who are lost in the forest and are trying to find their way home. They stumble upon two tricksters, Apli’gmuj and Giwnig, who are seemingly put on their path to waste their time. However, this playful duo leaves them with valuable teachings about our Creation Story and way of life. The director Shane Leydon shares, “In this story, Apli’gmuj says to the two lost girls, “How do you expect to know where to go if you don’t know where you came from?!” Out of all the bickering and fighting and one-upping Apli’gmuj and Giwnig do amongst each other, this is one line that has a lot of wisdom in it.” The teachings help Anissa and Nahla further along their journey, but you’ll have to watch their performance on YouTube to hear the whole story.

The atmosphere this group created in the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School gymnasium was extraordinary. The sets, designed by Jonathan Barnaby, immersed the audience in the story. The structure of Gulug’s nest towered over the characters, making us, as the audience, worried for them and their encounter with Gulug. The costumes, designed by Claudia Gray and Oakley Gray, and masks, created by Duane Isaac, were stunning and enhanced the overall look of each character.

The sound and lighting provided by S.R. Sound were on point. As you may already know, bolts of lightning are an integral part of our Creation Story. S.R. Sound did an excellent job of portraying their intensity on stage.

The Listuguj Education Directorate congratulates these students on their outstanding performance and work behind the scenes. Thank you to everyone who made this play a success. All your hard work has paid off.

Production Credits

Shane Leydon                Director

Troy Mundle                   Acting Coach

Michael Rossi                 Videographer

Duane Isaac                   Mask Design

Claudia Gray                   Costume Design

Oakley Gray                    Costume Design

Jonathan Barnaby          Set Design

Peter Vicaire                   Screenplay Writer

Jonathan Labillois          Artistic Director

Doug Pictou                   Music Coordinator

Ryan Parker                    Producer

Jacob Gale                     Stage Manager

Sound and Lights provided by S.R. Sound

Special thanks:

Sheila Christie

Gordon Sparks

Darryl Stevens

Everest Johnson

Cast List

(In order of appearance)

Glusgap                          Jeanette Henry

Anissa                            Anissa Metallic

Nahla                             Nahla Barnaby

Apli’gmuj                         Sandy Bulmer

Giwnig                            Ashley Barnaby

Na’gu’set/Nisgam           Kara Metallic

Nugumi                           Talia Caplin

Apistanewj                      Scarlett Vicaire

Netawansum                  Jacob Bernard

Ni’ganaptegewi’sgw        Myrna Isaac

Gulug                             Tanya Simonson

Crew List

Connie Moon

Jennifer Isaac

Jessie Moffat

Kaylea Germain

Mali Wysote

Meredith Bernard

Miranda Caggiano

Tori Condo-Metallic

By LETE

Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation and Innergex Team up for New Wind Project

/0 Comments/in , /by

On March 15th, Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) issued a press release announcing their partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. for the 102 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Facility (MU2) in the MRC d’Avignon. This is the second project between the three Mi’gmaq communities – Listuguj, Gesgapegiag, and Gaspé, the first project, the 150 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Facility (MU1) has been operating successfully since 2016. The project will be covered by a 30-year “take-or-pay” power purchase agreement (PPA) with Hydro Quebec.

“We knew this project was going to be quite competitive with others,” said MMBC CEO Fred Vicaire, “it’s different from the MU1 – the MU1 we negotiated PPA with Hydro Quebec. For this one, we came up with a price with our partner Innergex – a competitive price, because we were competing with all other projects in the province of Quebec. We were quite happy we were selected as one of the seven projects for this call for proposal.”

With this new green energy project comes the installation of 17-19 new wind turbines, with progressive technology since the first project was completed. This project will also create employment opportunities for all three Mi’gmaq communities on the territory of Gespe’gewa’gi. “We are looking to maximize Mi’gmaq employment,” said Vicaire. The company expects 200 jobs to be generated from the project’s construction. The first MU1 project generated roughly 150 Mi’gmaq employers, and MMBC and Innergex are hoping to go above and beyond that target for phase two.

When it comes to the project’s revenue, Vicaire said, “Revenue is at the shareholder’s discussion. Shareholders are the three community’s Chief and Council.” MMBC is the general partner, who helps manage and facilitates these types of affairs on their behalf but ultimately does not make final decisions.

Construction for the 102 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Facility is expected to begin in 2025, lasting roughly a year.  Its commissioning is expected in 2026.

By Ann Marie Jacques

This article will be featured in April’s issue of the Wi’gatign.

Ollson Sports Group Comes to Listuguj

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Over the March break, Ottawa organization, Ollson Sports Group came to Listuguj host to a weeklong power skating and stickhandling hockey camp. The camps were held for youths ages 5-15 and took place at the Civic Centre in Campbellton. These young hockey players were coached by former professional hockey player, John Ollson and Logan Buchanan. Michael Isaac, the Communications Manager for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, arranged for the hockey camp to come to the community with the support of Recreation, Brighter Futures, and the Office of Chief and Council.

With over 35 years of hockey training and coaching experience, Ollson has also played on a number of teams such as the Ottawa 67’s and the Canadian National Team, and has worked with the Chicago Blackhawks Organization. When it comes to holding these hockey camps, John Ollson said he loves traveling and visiting new places and communities. He was very impressed with Listuguj and the cohesiveness of Pointe-à -la-Croix and Campbellton. “I also love working with the kids you know, it’s fun to see them learning, from our standpoint,” said Ollson. The hockey camp also consisted of youth in our community and surrounding areas, who volunteered their time to help assist with the camp. When asked what advice Ollson could give to young Listuguj hockey players, he mentioned the work ethic and values that come along with the sport. The youth participating in the sport will learn diligence and teamwork. “If you don’t get it right away, it doesn’t mean you should give up on it, it takes a lot of repetition to be good at it,” said Ollson.

Michael Isaac has always had a passion for hockey and runs the Listuguj Pugtew, a weekend hockey program in collaboration with the Listuguj Youth & Family Centre. Isaac felt the camp would be a fun and beneficial experience for Listuguj athletes. “I seen this as an opportunity to give the kids of Listuguj a higher-level experience to help their development and Ollson Sports Group didn’t disappoint,” said Isaac. It’s no secret that Listuguj is home to some very talented and skilled athletes, including hockey players. Isaac said, “This community has produced QMJHL players, Junior players, Senior players with some even drafted to the NHL.  Although these dreams may be a few years down the road for the youth that took part in the Ollson Sports Group camp over the March break, the significant improvement that the kids showed just over a week was significant. This gives me great pride to say that if these youth stick with it, Listuguj will continue to produce good hockey players in the future.”

By Ann Marie Jacques