Local Business Spotlight – Wasueg 3D Printing

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Wasueg 3D Printing was established roughly two years ago. Interest in this business began shortly after 12-year-old Aliyah Wasueg Bernard received a 3D printer for her Birthday. Her siblings, 10-year-old Anthony Bernard Savoie and 8-year-old Ayanna Bernard Savoie, received 3D printers shortly after.

All three children attend Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) in Listuguj and developed a passion for 3D printing after enrolling in the school’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math) program. Their dad, Gino Savoie, said, “If it weren’t for AGS, we probably would never have gotten into this.”

The business, Wasueg (meaning “flower” in Mi’gmaq), started with one printer and one roll of plastic. The family sold their creations solely on Facebook, and every penny made was reinvested into the business. Eventually, their home was filled with four 3D printers and printing materials that they needed to expand. They moved into their current location at 64 Water St. in Campbellton two months ago.

Wasueg 3D Printing creates various items and products, such as decorations and lamps. They also offer custom-made products, household item replacements, and more. Most of their products use Polylactic Acid, commonly known as PLA, for 3D printing. It is derived from corn and is 100% biodegradable. Regarding the material, Aliyah Bernard said, “If it breaks, you can put it in hot compost, garden, or in the ground, and then it will be gone.”

The children enjoy creating new products and experimenting with the 3D printers and materials. Anthony Bernard Savoie’s specialty is making gaming products, such as controllers and headphone stands. He said one of his favourite things about 3D printing is “Making big robots.”

Be sure to follow “Wasueg 3-D Printing” on Facebook for hours and available products. If you are looking for a custom item, stop into the shop on 64 Water St. or send them a Facebook message.

By Ann Marie Jacques

20 Years of Service Celebration

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At the end of May, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government held a celebration to recognize employees celebrating 20+ years of service with the organization.

Congratulations to the following employees:
Darla Caplin
Christopher Metallic
Bruce Mitchell
Denise Isaac
Karena Condo

Absent from photo: Vance Brisk and Winston Barnaby

Alaqsite’w Gitpu Sports Banquet 2023-2024 Winners

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Soccer
Coaches – Felix Atencio-Gonzales & Omar Louafi

Rookie of the Year – Henry Gibson
Most Improved – Emily Barnaby
Top Defensive – Grace Condo
Golden Foot Award – Alexis Metallic
Most Valuable Player – Alexis Metallic

Gitpugji’jg Basketball
Coaches – Jennifer Morrison, Jonathan Barnaby & Tyler Gedeon

Gitpugji’jg 2

Most Improved – Kiana Anderson-Isaac
Defensive Player – Trenton Morrison
Most Valuable Player – Anthony-Bernard Savoie
Rookie of the Year – Cooper Metallic

Gitpugji’jg 1

Most Improved – Levi Isaac
Defensive Player – Mia Legace
Most Valuable Player – Tucker Barnaby

Gitpu’g Basketball
Coach – Erwin Molley

Rookie of the Year – Henry Gibson
Most Improved – Macy Wysote and Tejay Barnaby
Top Defensive Player – Triton Vicaire
Most Valuable Players – Hawk Barnaby and Alexis Metallic

Gitpu’g Volleytball
Coach – Tyler Gideon

Most Improved – Vaan Barnaby and Anthony Bernard-Savoie
Defensive Player – Mia Legace
Most Valuable Player – Henry Gibson

Alaqsite’w Gitpui’sqwaq Volleyball
Coaches – Miranda Goodfellow & Jennifer Morrison

Junior Varsity

Rookie of the Year – Mila Vicaire
Most Improved – Avery Barnaby-Court
Defensive Player – Mia Legace
Most Valuable Player – Aubrey Wysote

Varsity Rookie of the Year – Kaylee Willett
Most Improved – Nahla Barnaby
Defensive Player of the Year – Alexis Metallic
Most Valuable Player – Macy Wysote

Major Awards
Fan of the Year – Mandy Belliveau
Junior Fan of the Year – Henry Gibson

Paqt’sm Award Winners:
Alexis Metallic
Jeremi Caplin-Lavoie
Levi Isaac
Amelia Isaac
Millie Legacy
Knoxx Vicaire
Emily Barnaby

Gitpuji’jg Female Athlete of the Year – Mia Legace
Gitpuji’jg Male Athlete of the Year – Henry Gibson

AGS Female Athlete of the Year – Alexis Metallic
AGS Male Athlete of the Year – Hawk Barnaby

Gathering of the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi – May 28-29, 2024

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Strategic planning is a valuable management tool that provides strength in alignment while supporting change. The MMS Executive initiated the need for such work with the firm MNP last fall with the MMS staff and subsequently with the MM leadership of the three communities. Ultimately, the leadership and MMS took hold of this opportunity to come together to finalize the goals and priorities through a strategic plan that will guide the work precisely and effectively into the future.

For two days, the MEC Elders and elected officials of the three Mi’gmaq communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg, and Listuguj met to review, discuss and build on the alliance and vision of the MM and MMS. There was plenty of information and review of the current priorities to help guide the discussions and exercise.

The MMS had the pleasure of introducing the different files of MMS and were able to discuss extensively the importance of these priorities. The MMS staff had the opportunity to present the great diversity of files they’re currently working on, often without the required resources made available due to the challenges with the government funding.

After the presentation of the files and priorities of 2016, the MM were able to reflect on the vision and mission of the Secretariat as it’s evolved over time, we identified the need for one that reflects the current landscape. After lengthy discussions, changes were proposed to reflect the aspirations and will of the three communities.

An exercise was conducted to prioritize the issues in terms of importance and capacity resources.

At the end of these very productive two days, MNP will prepare a final MM Strategic Plan with end goals and objectives for the next 3-5 five years.

Another meeting is planned for this summer in July, where the MM will be presented with its final version in principle, to be approved. This strategic plan will guide the work of the MMS and bring us closer to the people and better structured in our approaches, empowering alignment.

We will keep you informed as we move forward with the development of the MMS Strategic Plan and all its work.

For more information, feel free to visit our new website for regular updates at www.migmawei.ca

Have a great summer and make sure to connect with the outdoors.

Welaliog

By MMS

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – June 2024

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June has been a busy month for the community!  On June 11th, Listuguj held its annual Migwite’tm 81 commemorative event. We take this day to reflect back on the salmon raids of 1981 and how the events that unfolded strengthened our community. Thank you to everyone who organized the event and those who participated in the walk. Congratulations to all our graduates from Head Start, Nursery, grade 4 Mi’gmaq Immersion, Grade 8, high school, and those completing post-secondary programs and degrees. I am very proud of you, and so is your community. Lastly, I would like to give my sincere condolences to the families who are grieving over the loss of their loved ones. I wish you all strength and support through these difficult times.

FNEC Inter-School Games

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Congratulations to all the athletes at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School who participated in the FNEC Inter-School Games from May 23 to 26 at the Universite Laval, Quebec.

Boys 16-18 Basketball – 1st Place Champions
Boys 13-15 Basketball – 2nd Place
Boys 10-12 Basketball – 1st Place Champions – Undefeated for a second season.
Girls 13-15 Volleyball – 4th Place

Thank you to all the coaches, parents, chaperones, and volunteers who made this possible. The community is so proud of the athletes and their hard work and dedication to sports.

Listuguj Community Health Services – Medical Transportation

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The Listuguj Community Health Services Directorate offers several different programs and resources to Listuguj community members, including Medical Transportation.

Keetha Metallic has recently taken on the role of Medical Transportation Coordinator as of June 10th this year. She works alongside Christina Gedeon, who is also Medical Transportation Coordinator.

Medical Transportation is available for community members who are attending medical appointments in and out of the community. Metallic said, “If it’s a local appointment, it would be great if they could let us know 72 hours prior so we can make the arrangements. For long trips, it would be good if they could notify us a week or two before because we have to coordinate our drivers.” As of right now, Medical Transportation has three drivers in Listuguj.

Medical appointments that require travel, hotel stays, etc., can be eligible for reimbursement, and individuals may be asked to hold onto their receipts. Metallic and Gedeon will arrange the accommodations ahead of time. There is a set rate for mileage and meals.

If you would like information on this resource in the community, please contact the Health Center at 418-788-2155.

Please note that on July 1st, all Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government offices will be closed for the day. Individuals who utilize Medical Transportation are asked to arrange for other means of transportation on this day.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Coffee with a Cop

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Coffee with a Cop is a Nationwide event that brings Police Officers and the community members they serve together over a cup of coffee and good conversation.

This event was held on May 15th at the Elder’s Lodge!

Turtle Lodge – A Place for Healing

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One of the newest developments in the community of Listuguj is the Turtle Lodge. The Turtle Lodge was created as a place for practicing healing in the ways of Mi’gmaq ancestors.

The idea for the project began a couple of years ago, and a Call for Tender was posted in early March 2023. Construction began in the Spring of 2023.

At the Turtle Lodge, community members will be able to embrace their Mi’gmaq culture and traditions. There will be talking circles, teachings, and storytelling. Workshops for medicine making, drum making, rattle making, and more will be available. The community will invite knowledge-keepers from sister communities to come and offer their services and share their wisdom. It will also act as a safe space for residential school survivors and second generations who feel the impacts of generational trauma. There will be a language room, where various departments will work to help promote and preserve the Mi’gmaq language. The building will be available for ceremonies that will be open to the community.

The Turtle Lodge will also be equipped with office space, and a kitchen, which will create job opportunities.  

Councilor and community member Chad Gedeon who has played a big role in this project said, “The Turtle Lodge would not have happened without knowledge-keepers, our healers, Capital and Infrastructure, and our community members for pushing for it.”

The overall project is estimated at approximately three million dollars. For phase one, funding for approximately two million dollars was covered by CIRNAC (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada). Approximately $150,000 was covered by the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG). Phase one has officially been completed this month. Currently, LMG is trying to secure funds for phase two of this project, which would be all the finish work, including the interior work and landscaping.

The Turtle Lodge is a unique and bright building. It was made with mass timber products and includes a skylight, which projects natural light into the building. There will also be a large Mi’gmaq star on display.

Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of LMG Bassem Abdrabou said, “The building was designed to be supported by seven pillars, which represent the seven teachings:  Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility and Truth.”

The Turtle Lodge is located on Bordeaux Road, next to the Etlinpisulti’gw Healing Grounds, and is expected to be completed at the end of Summer.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Corner with Chief Scott Martin – May 2024

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This month we celebrated Mother’s Day. I would just like to take this time to wish all the mothers in the community a Happy Mother’s Day! A mother’s hard work, strength, and support do not go unnoticed.   With the weather getting warmer, the number of pedestrians also increases. I would like to remind the community to please drive with caution and safety and be mindful of our community members especially our Elders, and children.  I look forward to all the events happening this Summer. Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming events happening in our area!