Reflect on 2024 with the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative

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It’s no secret that the holidays are a busy time of the year that comes with added pressure and stress.  The Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative (LWRI) wants to help you keep your wellness in check during the holidays with these tips:

  1. Maintain healthy habits (mentally and physically) – Do not overdo it and burn yourself out over the holidays. Do not focus on being the perfect host or buying the perfect gifts. Make sure to set boundaries and limit expectations. Remember to eat healthily, stay active, prioritize sleep, and take time for yourself.
  2. Stay connected with loved ones or reach out if you are feeling lonely or sad – You do not need to be alone this holiday season. Reach out to your loved ones, or support group and let them know how you’re feeling.
  3. Stay positive – The holiday season is about traditions, joy, and spending time with the people you love. Be present and be kind to yourself.

This year the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative continued to educate the community with information on ongoing programs and services offered in Listuguj relating to health and wellness. This information was provided at various events, and on the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s social media channels.

Here’s what the LWRI were up to in 2024:

  • February 21 and 22nd – A Wellness Symposium was held at the Listuguj Community Development Center. This event consisted of many guest speakers and presenters focusing on the topic of overall wellness. Several booths were set up inside with a variety of information and resource materials.  A sacred fire was held outside for the duration of the event by John Paul Lavigne. 

Guest speakers: Glenda Wysote LaBillois, Dr. Stéphanie Marsan and RN Johanna Sincére of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Universite de Montreal (CHUM), Christine Metallic, Michael Martin, Kali Barnaby, Melissa Bryan and Mitchell Syvret-Caplin of Mawiomi Treatment Center, Codey Martin, Patrick Wilmot, and Jacob Gale. A speech was given on behalf of Chief and Council, and from the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s CEO and Directors.

  • April 24 – A Career Fair was held for high school students at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School. This event consisted of guest speakers, breakout sessions, and a trade fashion show. The LWRI had a booth set up and provided information to youth on wellness programs in the community.
  • November 18-22 – The LWRI honoured National Addictions Awareness Week by assisting with a number of events. A Wellness Walk to Alaqsite’w Gitpu School was held. Guest speakers included: Diane Bernard, Michael Isaac, and a speech on behalf of Chief and Council. A craft night and drum making event was also held during this week.
  • The LWRI conducted multiple focus groups over the year, collecting data, and speaking with different age demographics on the importance of wellness in the community.
  • The LWRI held several prescription drop off events, in collaboration with the Listuguj Police Department, Listuguj Community Health Services, the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate, and the CLSC. Community members could drop off expired, unused/used prescriptions for a chance to win a prize. Disposal of medication is important, because fewer medicines in the home means fewer safety risks.
  • Several Holiday events: a Jingle all the Way Christmas party, annual Christmas parade, and a house decorating contest.

At any time during the holidays, if you need support or assistance, there are numbers available 24/7 to support Listuguj community members. We recommend using these numbers to ensure that emergencies are dealt with in a prompt and efficient manner.

  • For all emergencies – 911

  • Listuguj Police Department/Listuguj Fire Department Emergency Line – 418-788-2003

  • For Listuguj Community Social Services:

Contact information regarding any youth protection matter or concern during business hours, community members are encouraged to reach the Child and Family Services Social Worker or respective team members at 418-788-3039 from Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30 (exceptions are statutory and designated holidays).

In the event of an after-hour youth protection emergency, community members may call Youth Protection Services for out-of-province calls or cellular calls 418-368-1803 OR 1-800-463-0629 Evenings/Weekends. Additional contacts: emergency calls may be made during the day at 1-800-463-4225.  

  • Listuguj Haven House 24-Hour Crisis Line – 418-788-5544
    www.listugujhavenhouse.ca
    Facebook – Listuguj Haven House

  • Mawiomi Treatment Centre in Gesgapegiag – 418-759-3522
    https://www.mawiomi.org/

  • 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is now available nationwide in English and French, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative wishes you all a safe and happy holiday season and looks forward to bringing you more information on wellness in the new year!

Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative – Our Journey to a Healthier Community Starts Here!

By Ann Marie Jacquesz

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A Recap of the 2024 Justice Symposium

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On December 3rd, the Restorative Justice Directorate held its annual Justice Symposium. This year’s theme was, “Building Mi’gmaq Cultural Competence in the Judicial System.”


The Master of Ceremony for this event was Donna Metallic, a Native Court Worker and fitness instructor in Listuguj. The opening prayer was done in Mi’gmaq by Sugarloaf Senior High School student, Ella Vicaire. Macy Metallic spoke on behalf of Chief and Council. The event was catered by Diane Bernard.


Ella Vicaire was invited back up to speak about learning the Mi’gmaq language and how important it is to connect to your culture. She said, “Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith, and learn about your culture.” She spoke about the late, Joanne Vicaire as her mentor, who provided her with teachings. She also spoke about her Aunt Bella Caplin, and the impact she left on the community.


Justice Transformation Initiative Director, Mary Bradstreet delivered opening remarks and talked about the services that the Justice Transformation Initiative houses: Haven House, Youth Leadership Program, Mediation Processes, and the Restorative Justice Program. Bradstreet also talked about her work over the years to get Listuguj its own court system right here in the community. Bradstreet also stressed that it is important to always keep your contact information up to date in order to receive Restorative Justice services in Listuguj.


The first keynote speaker of the event was Listuguj’s own, Houston Barnaby. Barnaby is an Indigenous Rights Lawyer who has represented the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chief’s. He spoke on the importance of land acknowledgments, reconciliation, and on jurisdictions amongst Turtle Island. He stated that 1/3 of Indigenous people are incarcerated in our systems, and there is still a long way to go when it comes to healing, but he will continue to raise awareness on Indigenous issues throughout Canada.  


The next speaker was Lawyer and President of the Bas-St-Laurent-Gaspésie- Îles de la Madeleine, Alexis Deschenes. He works for legal aid in New Richmond and has represented several clients in Listuguj. He also taught penal law to the Listuguj.Rangers. He revealed that beginning in February, Listuguj court cases will be done in Carleton, rather than New Carlisle. 20% of court cases in New Carlisle come from Listuguj, and this is a way to prioritize Listuguj clients without having to do the extra travelling for their court cases. He also mentioned that ceremonies, Eagle feathers and medicines are welcome and available in the court room, and that English will now be spoken in the court room for Listuguj clients.

The next keynote speaker was Associate Director of the Natural Resources-Fisheries, Denny Isaac. Isaac spoke on the rights and reconciliation in Fisheries, and its evolving relationship with the government


The final keynote speaker of the day was Dwayne Ward. Ward is originally from Metepenagiag (Red Bank) but has been living in Listuguj for several years. Ward has worked an addictions counselor for 12 years, and runs the Mixed Martial Arts club, The Vault in the community. He has been sober for 25 years. He said, “My whole story today is about addictions, recovery, being sober and trying to make a difference.”  Throughout his life, he has worked alongside Restorative Justice.


If you would like more information on the Justice Transformation Initiative, you can contact Mary Bradstreet at 418-788-0351.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – December 2024

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I’d like to take this time to thank everyone in the community of Listuguj for a wonderful 2024! We had several great events throughout the year – Graduation ceremonies, Migwite’tm, our annual Pow Wow, the grand opening of the new police station, and much more! It’s a pleasure seeing everyone out and taking part in these events and taking in the beauty of Listuguj. I’d also like to acknowledge all our community members we lost over the year. I offer my sincere condolences to everyone affected by these losses. Our community is resilient, and I know 2025 will be a great year. The Listuguj Chief and Council wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!