Archive for year: 2024

The Listuguj Community Health Services has partnered with the National Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) and the Quebec Integrated Health and Social Services (CISSS) to deliver a two (2) year in-community cancer screening pilot project.  The overall objective of Mawlugutinej – “Let’s Work Together” is to provide information, medical care and a path to resources on the prevalent cancers impacting Listuguj community members and their families.

The LCHS is proud to introduce Ms. Tanya Webster as the Mawlugutinej Project Manager.  With her medical background, she brings both a wealth of experience in the field, and a strong skill set with program management.  She will continue to foster the partnerships between Listuguj, the CISSS and Maria Hospital when it comes to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatments.

Through the continuum of care, the project will implement strategies that will positively impact wait times for medical appointments, referrals and results.  Mawlugutineg will bridge the existing gap in cancer services through the Province, and advocate for community members as they navigate the medical channels to receive the most appropriate care.

The LCHS hosted a ‘Lunch N’ Learn’ in early September to introduce the Mawlugutinej Project to our community members.  The focus on the discussion centered on Cervical Cancer Screening moderated by our own Nurse-In-Charge, Ms. Jennifer Caplin, R.N. and Tanya Webster.  The session was well attended by women of all ages from our community, and the feedback and interest on the information provided was very positive and encouraging.

With this Mawlugutineg Project, our Medical Team will be developing a free vaccination program for school age children (Grade 4) to 20 years of age.  A small fee will be required for female community members over the age of 20 who wish to get the vaccine.  The Team will also be looking into self-screening kits, and in the meantime, Listuguj Community Members can receive cervical cancer screenings here at our own Community Health Center.

To be eligible for in-community cervical cancer screenings, individuals must:

• Be a Listuguj Community Member
• Be between 25 to 65 years of age
• Have a cervix
• Have been sexually active
• Have a valid Quebec Medicare Card

To obtain more information on this new resource, or to schedule your cervical cancer screening, contact the LCHS at 418-788-2155.

By Listuguj Community Health Services

The Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate (LCSSD) offers a Post-Majority Program which was started to help youth who are aging out of Foster or Kindship care services. Lydia Barnaby is the Post-Majority Care Coordinator since May 2023, she said, “When I first heard of the program being implemented in Listuguj, I was excited and knew I wanted to be part of it.”

The Post-Majority Program is available to young adults from the time they turn 18, until their 26^th Birthday. Barnaby said, “We recognized that there is a gap in support services and want to find ways that we can help individuals thrive on their journey into adulthood.” The services that are offered range from safe housing, educational support, financial support, physical, mental and social well-being support and cultural supports.

The program really takes into consideration the individual and works with them to create plans based on their needs, goals, and plans. It also recognizes that some of the individuals may face inter-generational trauma due to the hardships of being raised in care.

If you would like more information on the Post-Majority program, please contact Lydia Barnaby at 418-788-3039, or lydia.barnaby@listuguj.ca. You can also visit LCSSD at 2 Gef St.

By Ann Marie Jacques

On August 14th, a water ceremony and monument unveiling were held on the wharf on Marshall Way to honour the late Lloyd Jacques and Vincent Martin. Both men who lost their lives on the water practicing the Mi’gmaw’s inherent rights to fish.

The event began with an introduction from Dr. Cathy Martin. A prayer and water ceremony were done by Elder Roseann Martin. Seven tobacco offerings were placed on a tree. Followed by smudging the waters, and the Mi’gmaq Honour Song.

Chief Scott Martin thanked everyone for making the monument and event possible in the community. He said, “It’s an honour to be here. I want to thank all the fishermen who fish and exercise their rights – whether it’s commercial – it’s the way of our life. We want to keep it traditional.”

Director of Natural Resources, Dr. Fred Metallic reflected on Vincent’s infectious smile, saying, “When he would smile, you’d have to smile with him.” He also spoke about Lloyd’s peaceful presence.

Marcy Jacques spoke on behalf of the Jacques family and honoured her father, Lloyd, who passed away in 2014 on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. She also spoke about how it is important to continue to respect the waters, as it provides us with food and medicine to help sustain our lives.

Joanne Martin spoke on behalf of the Martin and Jacob family and honoured her brother, Vincent. Vincent passed away in 2004 while salmon fishing. Martin said, “It has been many years since he has left us in 2004, but the pain of that feels like it was yesterday.”

Both Marcy Jacques and Joanne Martin unveiled the monument, which consisted of photos of both the late fishermen along with epitaphs, and a Mi’gmaw transcription in the center that reads:

apjiw
gepmite’lmanej aqq angite’lmanej
‘ms’t usgewinu’g
O’ Gisu’lgw, etamuleg angweiwan
ta’nig elta’jig etlinsanoqonig
apaqtug, ‘gta’nug, aqq ta’n te’s’g sipu

English translation:

Let us forever honour and remember all fishers. Oh creator, we ask that you watch over those who head to the risky waters of the ocean, the sea, and rivers.

By Ann Marie Jacques