Earlier this month, The Scientific Team and helpers distributed lobster and crab to all homes in the community. Thank you for organizing and distributing the lobster and crab. Your hard work is appreciated!
Thank you to the fishermen and women for all their hard work and dedication. The community thrives on its natural resources and is so grateful for the fisheries’ success in Listuguj.
Our McGill Master of Arts, Education and Society cohort have presented their final projects to a committee comprised of education stakeholders, the Listuguj Council of Mi’gmaq Educators, and the Listuguj Education Directorate. They’re excited to bring their projects to life. Here’s a look at what they’ve envisioned!
More on the McGill MA Education & Society Program (Project Option)
A few years ago, when considering our next program offering, we explored different ways to build capacity in our community. We identified curriculum development as an area to work on in Education. We need to build a curriculum that supports our learning environment rooted in Mi’gmaw worldviews and values. To help with this goal, we selected the McGill MA Education & Society Program for its focus on teaching, learning and curriculum. This program will equip our educators with the knowledge to design and implement our curriculum, focusing on second language acquisition (Mi’gmaq).
They are tasked with critically investigating and responding to a problem, challenge, issue, opportunity, or need in our community’s schooling. Their projects should make a genuine contribution to our educational practices.
Student Project Abstracts:
Naomi Marchand
My project developed Land-Based Curriculum Objectives and Implementation Guide for Grade 1. My inspiration for this project is the Forest Kindergarten Program in Listuguj; it has been proven to be successful. My intention was to expand existing Forest Kindergarten objectives, specifically land-based learning for Grade 1. Extending the Forest Kindergarten program to Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) for the Grade 1’s will allow students to continue to develop and grow.
Carley Collin Wysote
The Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Community Resurgence Toolkit for Listuguj N’nu students and families, fosters healthy relationships, identity, and academic success through engaging lessons in SEL, mindfulness, and community service. This toolkit will contribute to a thriving community and encourage growth within ourselves and as a whole. This resource is not only accessible to educators and families online but also a hard copy can be accessed by request. The toolkit inspires educators to
practice the activities provided as well as contribute to the toolkit by suggesting additional resources and lessons; conducive to the journey of reciprocal education.
Sarah Lauretta Arsenault
For my project, I will be creating an Early Years Cultural Resource. Starting with Fall, this resource follows the seasons throughout the academic year and the cultural teachings within that season. This resource serves as an introduction to culture-rich activities for both students and educators. Each season has three lesson plans with various on-the-land learning opportunities and teachings that are geared toward emergent learners (6 years and younger). This resource will be a valuable tool for enhancing the quality and relevance of education for Mi’gmaw learners.
Jarrett Francis
My project titled Journeying the 7 Mi’gmaq Worlds Through Waltes is a Teachers’ Guide that is designed for grade 3 to 5 students which will allow educators and students to explore and learn about the seven (7) Mi’gmaq worlds. This project will provide teachers a guide included with lessons and activities that utilizes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach which will foster an understanding and appreciation of Mi’gmaq knowledges and worldviews with meaningful cross-curricular and experiential learning of the seven (7) Mi’gmaq worlds represented through the traditional Waltes bowl and dice.
Tanya Wysote
My project is to design a school improvement plan that focuses on integrating an in-house traditional Elder as part of the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School curriculum to educate students and staff about First Nation ceremonies. An improvement plan helps schools navigate academics and behavioural issues both with students and staff, and it helps improve teaching quality to achieve better grades.
The primary objective of having an in-house traditional Elder in the school is to foster a sense of belonging among students and staff within the school and the community. Since not all Mi’gmaq teachers or students are familiar with these ceremonies, the in-house traditional Elder will guide them throughout the year on which ceremonies to perform and their significance.
Shelby Caplin
I want to Indigenize material that is currently being used in the classroom that is outdated and not diverse enough for our First Nation students. I will include different forms of literacy written by Indigenous authors. Our students will develop a strong sense of identity and take pride in themselves, their community and their schoolwork.
Karen Martin
Language revitalization efforts and immersion programming have become increasingly significant in Listuguj, and educators require resource tools and support to carry out the goals and objectives of educating in Mi’gmaw. The Mi’gmaw language is a verb-based language, and the shortage of verb conjugation resources presents a challenge for Mi’gmaw language teachers in the immersion classroom. Creating foundational material for learners and teachers is a key aspect of supporting educators in Mi’gmaw immersion. The development of a verb conjugation resource will support teachers and learners of all levels in their language acquisition development. The resource focuses on an intransitive verb, 2 transitive verbs and a reflexive verb. The process
started with one intransitive verb, as these are commonly used in novice level language learning and do not require a subject to be conjugated. Establishing the process, resources, and ethical considerations was the aim of this current project. To develop the verb resource and establish an ethically-sound vetting process, I worked with Taie’n Mise’l (Diane Mitchell) as my mentor and a group of first language speakers. We reviewed past, present, and future indicative tenses of different verbs during multiple two-hour gatherings to ensure verb. The initial focus was the identification of commonly used verbs amongst learners of the language, specifically through adult immersion program students, to establish the verbs that would be conjugated. Through this community engagement, we followed an ethically-sound vetting process that 3 validated verb accuracy. This intransitive verb conjugation development process serves as a foundation for further expansion.
Jennifer Wilmot
My Traditional Mi’gmaq Dance Project aims to introduce a curriculum that would
support our grade one teachers in the implementation of a culturally sound dance resource. Our Grade One students need to have daily dance teachings at an early age and to continue throughout their formative grade one year at AGS. By showcasing how our grade one class can learn their Mi’gmaq Dance, this curriculum will be the framework for other lessons that will secure in them their identity and their agency as ‘Nnu.
Claudia Gray
Gisigu’oguom will not only restore a sense of purpose, but it will instill that inner call to the ways of the past, just like our ancestors intended; much of what I intend to do. That said, this longhouse is the first step to creating a bigger Mi’gmaq purpose that will give all our children and adults a sense of spiritual connection and belonging. Belonging is key, as this lodge will hold more worth to the students at AGS than just a place to go to, as it will be a place to be part of and understand wholeheartedly the powerful connection to the community and all the resources it has to offer, filled with community members and Elders. I am creating a comprehensive visitor’s guide for Gisigu’guom, detailing its conceptualization and design.
Jean M. Isaac
My project is a Treaty Education Unit for grades 5 and 6. I will be using the Nova Scotia Curriculum as the base curriculum and it will focus on themes and issues that are important to our culture (identity, family, connection to the land). My goal is to allow our teachers at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School to use it in their classroom as part of their teaching of Mi’gmaq Treaty Rights.
The project that I created is “an extension of [my] personal, inward journey” (Kovach, 2021, p.137) of curating resources that reflect the two-eyed seeing approach. I gathered information through research that reflects the Mi’gmaq worldview, and it has led me to explore the Nova Scotia curriculum. Through my participation in the Professional Learning Committee and the Treaty Education Committee, I have gained a deeper understanding of Mi’gmaq history and culture. I have learned to question and rethink how we use the curriculum we use in our class and to consider what we want our students to learn and achieve. In this project, I have created a Treaty Education Guide for grades 5 and 6. The Treaty Education Guide is a cross-curricular initiative intended to weave treaty understanding across disciplines and subject areas. When teaching treaty education, it is essential to adopt an approach that incorporates Indigenous perspectives, encourages critical reflection, and fosters meaningful dialogue. These elements will contribute to a holistic and meaningful treaty education experiences. The goal of this project is for our students to have a greater understanding of who they are as a Mi’gmaq person.
Conclusion
We’d like to congratulate our students on completing their projects and the McGill Master of Arts, Education and Society program. Their in-community convocation is set to take place on May 25th.
We have so much to look forward to from our fellow community members. Their projects are sure to have a positive impact on our students’ learning. We are lucky to have these talented and hardworking people in our community.
By Listuguj Education Directorate
Justin Caldwell has been one of the voices behind Listuguj’s radio station CHRQ 106.9FM for the past 20+ years. He’s known for his Friday Night All Request Country Shows, the occasional Bingo, and creative commercial breaks, but did you know he also provides the English narration for APTN’s TV series, Gespe’gewa’gi: The Last Land?
Gespe’gewa’gi: The Last Land is a show produced by Rezolution Pictures. An Indigenous-owned film production company out of Montreal, QC that showcases Indigenous representation when it comes to film. The show focuses on Indigenous commercial fisheries, their traditions, and the hard work that comes along with this industry. Season one of the show highlights Listuguj’s Natural Resources, while season two focuses on other Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia.
In season one, viewers get an in-depth look at Listuguj’s history and traditions when it comes to snow crab and shrimp fishing, salmon conservation, the raids of 1981, and more. Natural Resources Media Journalist Felix Atencio-Gonzales worked closely with Rezolution Pictures and APTN for this project. Atencio-Gonzales recommended that Caldwell would be a great choice for a narrator for the series, as he is a well-known voice in the community.
Gespe’gewa’gi: The Last Land also has a Mi’gmaq version available to stream. Elder Joe Wilmot offers the Mi’gmaq narration for these episodes. A number of Elders and community members also offer their voices in the Mi’gmaq episodes of the series.
Caldwell has narrated both seasons of the series thus far in English, and will be returning for season three, which is expected to air this Fall. Most of the recordings for the show are done in Montreal. Caldwell is provided with a rough cut of the filming, along with a script. He is honored to be part of such an informative show for the community of Listuguj. He said, “For fishers, you kind of know what’s going on, but you don’t see the day-to-day of everything that’s happening. You don’t see how stressful it can be, how rewarding it can be, and everything that goes into it. It’s impressive to see.”
All episodes of Gespe’gewa’gi: The Last Land can be found on the streaming service APTN Lumi for $4.99 per month, or you can catch episodes from time to time on APTN.
By Ann Marie Jacques
We celebrated our amazing Nurses at the Listuguj Community Health Services for Nurses Week from May 6-10 We appreciate and recognize all your dedication, hard work, and compassion. You make a difference!
– Laura LeClair, Home & Community Care Nurse Supervisor
– Lori-Lynn Wysote, Home & Community Care Nurse
– Robin Clement, Home & Community Care Nurse
– Melissa Lavoie, Home & Community Care Nurse
– Erika Desrochers, Community Health/Home & Community Care Nurse
– Amanda Dedam, Community Health/Home & Community Care Nurse
– Katrina Guitard, Maternal Child Health/Immunization/Communicable Disease Prevention Nurse
– Caroline Jacques, Maternal Child Health/Immunization/Community Health Nurse
– Avery Arpin Jacques, Maternal Child Health/Immunization/Community Health Nurse
– Leila Swasson, Hospital Liaison Nurse
– Jennifer Caplin, Nurse Manager
This is a 12-month Mi’gmaq Youth Leadership Peer Program “Connections” designed for youth ages 11-17 to help the youth learn positive life skills that they will carry out into adulthood. Some of these skills will educate the youth to adapt to their cultural needs, build valuable leadership skills, teamwork, social skills, problem solving, time management and help develop their potential. It will give the youth the opportunity to meet other youth, learn the history, values and beliefs of their community. This program offers a selection of outdoor activities and numerous workshops which will require parent/guardian permission. The program will start September 2024 and end in August 2025. More information will be forthcoming in the coming months. If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, you may contact Jamie Metallic, Youth Leadership Connections Coordinator of the Justice Transformation Initiative by email jamie.metallic@listuguj.ca or by telephone at (418)788-0351 ext. 1292.
Kwey Listuguj!
I’m Jamie Metallic, the new Youth Leadership Peer Program Coordinator. I’m thrilled to join and serve the community where I grew up. My connection to Listuguj runs deep, and I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve gathered along the way.
Over the years, I’ve worked with the Listuguj Social Services Directorate and more recently for Aboriginal Legal Services in Ottawa, and have devoted many hours to promoting healthy lifestyles among our people. My journey has been enriched by embracing our ceremonies, culture, and land-based education, all of which have helped me develop skills and a passion for life.
I firmly believe in the power of sharing knowledge and supporting our youth. My goal is to provide tools that engage and empower our young people, helping them build the confidence they need to succeed. I look forward to working with everyone and making a positive impact together!
Nicholas Duguay’s bio:
My name is Nicholas Chad Duguay, I am 24 years old, from Listuguj. I have a fiancé, soon to be wife with two beautiful stepdaughters. I started my journey on becoming a mentor and working with youth at the Listuguj Youth Center in 2022. During my time at the Youth Center, I’ve gained a rapport with the youth and their families.
The more that I work with the youth, the more motivated I become to be a better role model within our community.
Now that I’ve started a new role in the Youth Leadership Peer Program as the Support Worker with the Justice Transformative Directorate, I am eager to be involved with our community and help develop new skills for our future leaders, the youth.
Goals:
Passing on my knowledge from our elders to our youth
Making our youth proud of where they come from
Getting our youth more involved in the community
Making the Mi’gmaq Youth Connections Leadership Program successful
Achievements:
112x Basketball medals
85x Player of the game awards
Played in NAIG 2017 Toronto (Basketball)
Traveled all over Canada & US playing vs the top players (basketball)
Government Of Canada Turnaround Achievement Award
Hobbies:
Sports
Fitness
Hunting/Fishing
Outdoor activities
The Executive Office at Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) is responsible for maintaining and managing the organization’s overall resources and operations and working closely with Chief and Council on community matters.
The Executive Office team is as follows:
The team has been working diligently on a Centralized Funding Database that collects and stores data when it comes to finances within the organization. This will increase the chances of funding opportunities for community needs, upcoming projects, and employees. Soon, the Executive Office will be looking for funding liaisons from each directorate and department in LMG to work directly with the Centralized Funding Database. The team is working with the Finance Directorate to increase its capacity to adapt to the growth in the community, which includes updated and modernized financial procedures. They are currently working with Finance and HR on finalizing a salary scale project throughout the organization. This project will target each directorate and department, and offer more transparency, equity, and fairness when it comes to employee salaries.
The Executive Office welcomed their newest addition to the team. Melinda Martin took on the role of External Affairs Coordinator in March of this year. Several directorates and departments are involved in multiple high-level negotiations with outside parties. Melinda’s role will be to establish and work with a centralized Negotiations Team within LMG and Finance to support processes that would seek the best overall negotiation results.
One of the team’s main tasks is addressing community needs when it comes to wellness and way of life. In October 2023, the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative (LWRI) was created, consisting of several members throughout LMG. This initiative promotes health and wellness in the community, from its youth to its Elders. The LWRI held two successful events and has provided information on available resources and programs, with more to come.
The Executive Office has been working with the Listuguj Health Services Directorate to secure funding for the operations and maintenance of the Waqatasg Elder’s Facility to ensure all Elders receive the utmost medical care with knowledgeable staff and state-of-the-art equipment and supplies.
One of the most important projects that is handled by the team is the Land Code and the Zoning Law. These projects promote economic development, help to prevent and resolve disputes, allow quiet enjoyment on properties, and enhance environmental protections in designated residential, industrial, and commercial areas.
At the end of February, there was a Public Security Directorate announcement regarding leadership changes. Peter Arsenault resumed his role as Director of Public Security. This will allow Arsenault to assist in more capacity when it comes to funding, negotiations, and other matters. Sharon Barnaby was appointed as the Interim Chief of Police. The decision for this change was made to strengthen the Public Security team to the best of its ability and continue to serve and protect the community.
Another important ongoing project is the Specific Claim Negotiations. The claims were accepted in 2019 and 2020 for the Restigouche River Islands (just west of the reserve) and the railway that passes through the community. The Executive Office and the Office of Chief and Council are currently working with a legal team for this project, and negotiations and evaluations are underway.
The Capital and Infrastructure Directorate has been busy with several upcoming projects and housing developments. Here is a list of ongoing projects and upgrades in the community:
The Executive Office would like to extend its gratitude to the Capital and Infrastructure and Public Works Teams, for all of their hard to work on current and ongoing projects in Listuguj.
By Ann Marie Jacques and Executive Office
Listuguj’s Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) thrives on the personal growth, well-being, and education of students in the classroom, and this is also the case when it comes to sports and recreation. Physical education teachers Jennifer Morrison and Tyler Gideon work hard inside and outside of the school with students to ensure they are receiving the best coaching and mentorship when it comes to playing sports.
Jennifer Morrison has been a physical education teacher at AGS for the past four years. She started during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during this time, sports had to be put on hold. Fast forward 2-3 years later, and sports and recreation are at an all-time high in the Nursery to Grade 8 school.
Morrison stated that she was hesitant at first when she was offered the job as a physical education teacher. She wasn’t sure she was familiar and comfortable enough with various sports and rules, but ultimately it ended up being better than she could ever have imagined. Gideon joined AGS two years ago. He has an impressive background when it comes to sports and coaching with over 30 years of experience. The two teachers collaborated with many people to make AGS sports what it is today. Morrison said, “We’ve had a lot of people come together through coaching, chaperoning, and volunteering to help these programs really kind of take off.” Since Morrison and Gideon are the physical education teachers, this is beneficial when it comes to finding students who are passionate about sports, and who show willingness to learn and play in a team setting.
Both Morrison and Gideon are advocates for creating opportunities when it comes to sports and recreation. AGS combines passion and culture in its sports teams. Morrison and Gideon believe sports open doors and are always eager to recognize and acknowledge the student’s determination and progression.
Last year in 2023, the school started with one boy’s middle school basketball team (grades 6-8) – Gitpu’g, which eventually led to an elementary-aged basketball team (grades 3-5) – Gitpu’ji’jg. Having an elementary-aged basketball team was a first for AGS, and it came with major success that this year, the school was able to compile a second team for this age group. All basketball teams are now co-ed.
Last year, many students expressed interest in a volleyball team. With the help from volunteers, a volleyball team was formed. There were five coaches during the first year, who worked with the students on the rules and logistics of the game. The school now has two girls’ volleyball team called Gitpui’sqwaq and a boys’ volleyball team.
AGS also offers soccer, cross country, mountain biking, softball, track and field, and as of last month, swimming. They are continually working at bringing new sports and recreation activities to the school.
This year, more students than ever expressed interest in joining sports teams. A lot of students are joining multiple sports teams in the school as well. “Every team that we had last year, we more than doubled them this year, and there are still kids who are wanting to join,” said Morrison.
For those students who may not be quite ready to commit to a team, but would like to get a feel for sports, AGS offers intramurals. These are various sports played in the gym or soccer field during recess times. There are intramural playoffs and championships, which give the students exposure and a taste of what playing sports competitively is like.
AGS competes in various sports jamborees during the school year. Last year there were four jamborees held throughout the season. These jamborees consist of all the teams that the school typically plays against (Campbellton Middle School, Lord Beaverbrook School, Jacquet River School, etc.) Listuguj held a basketball jamboree for one of the Gitpu’ji’jg basketball teams in February. The team was undefeated for the second season in a row.
The school also attends the annual First Nations Education Council Inter-School (FNEC) Games. This brings together athletes from all First Nations schools in Quebec. This year it is being held in Laval, Quebec from May 23-26. The coaches plan on bringing a number of teams and athletes to participate. This will be Morrison’s third year attending the FNEC Games. This is a great opportunity for the students to play amongst other First Nation communities.
Every year the school celebrates its athletes with a Sports Banquet. Last year there were roughly 150 attendees at the sports banquet, Morrison is expecting the turnout to be bigger this year. Several awards are handed out, such as Athlete of the Year – in which a feather with the student’s name will be on display in the gym. This is for middle school-aged students. Last year they introduced the Gitpu’ji’jg Athlete of the Year, which goes up until grade five. A feather is given to students to go up on the wall for this as well.
When the school year comes to an end, Morrison and Gideon offer sports and recreation summer camps for students. This is typically a three-week program over the summer break.
All the sports and recreation wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the teachers, coaches, volunteers, and parents. They are always seeking volunteers and recruitment to help when it comes to coaching and chaperoning students and athletes at AGS. If you are interested, contact 418-788-3100.
By Ann Marie Jacques
Earlier this month, Listuguj received a visit from Senator Paul J (PJ) Prosper. The visit was facilitated by the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat (MMS) and consisted of a meeting with MMS and the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s (LMG) leadership. The day ended with a tour of the community. Senator Prosper is currently taking part in a “listening tour” all over Canada where he is visiting various Mi’kmaq/Mi’gmaq communities and listening to the issues and challenges they continue to face. Senator Prosper was joined by the Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Claudine Santos.
Senator Prosper is from Paqtnkek (Afton) Mi’kmaw Nation in Nova Scotia. He is a practicing lawyer with over 25 years of Indigenous legal experience. He is the former Chief of Paqtnkek, where he served for seven years. He was then elected as Regional Chief, where he represented all Chiefs in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland with the Assembly of First Nations. His role as Senator is a new one, having been appointed in September 2023. When it comes to his position, he said, “We deal with a lot of laws before they actually become laws. They usually come to us as a bill, which is a draft law, and then it goes through the parliamentary process.” Senator Prosper sits on several committees and boards, such as the Indigenous Peoples Committee and Legal and Constitutional Affairs. In terms of leadership, the Senator practices the 7 Sacred Teachings: Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth.
The meeting was held at the Natural Resources building. An opening prayer was done by Elder Dennis Gedeon. Opening remarks were made by Interim Executive Director of MMS, Chasitity Mitchell, and Chief Scott Martin. Chief Martin raised issues and concerns within the community. Senator Proser and Santos took note and offered assistance regarding useful tools and information on federal funding options for Indigenous peoples.
The tour started with a stop at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School where the Senator was greeted by the Youth Chief and Council Leadership and Treaty Education. Senator Prosper toured the school with stops in the Ceremony Room, Mi’gmaq Immersion classrooms, and the Outdoor Education building. During his visit to the Ceremony Room, the Youth Chief and Council Leadership asked the Senator a number of questions regarding his role in the Senate, leadership, and reconciliation. When it comes to the youth representing the future, Senator Prosper said, “People will always have their perceptions of who Mi’kmaq people are, what we do, and how we are the way we are. You cannot build anything that has any real value and meaning without the involvement of youth.”
The next stop was at the new Waqatasg Elders Facility where the tour was led by CEO Bassem Abdrabou, and facility administrator Rheal Raymond.
Other stops on the tour included new and upcoming developments in Listuguj, such as the police station, housing developments (Listuguj Hills), Listuguj gardens, and the Turtle Lodge.
Senator Prosper was highly impressed with Listuguj. It was an honour to have him visit the community and meet with leadership, staff, and community members.
Wela’lioq to MMS for making this visit possible!
By Ann Marie Jacques
On May 8th, the Listuguj Natural Resources Directorate, in partnership with the Raymond Lagacé Public Library in Atholville, will be holding a presentation about our scallop aquaculture operations, geared toward local schools. Organizers are hoping to be successful in bringing elementary classes from Listuguj and Atholville together to attend the presentation.
Maureen Isaac, Manager of the Aquaculture project will bring her Science team to do the presentation and show the different phases of the scallop production, the material used, and a hands-on experience to sew a scallop lantern net. “It’s important to share Mi’gmaq culture and traditional knowledge in a modern-day economy. Tigog or Atholville as it’s called today, is an important part of Listuguj’s history and we are glad that we were invited to do this presentation to a young audience” she said.
“We’d like to thank everyone who will attend the presentation and encourage our communities to continue learning about Listuguj’s culture and its aquaculture project,” said Kevin Soussana, manager of the library.
For more information contact:
Kevin Soussana, Phone : (506) 789-2914
Raymond-Lagacé Public Library
275, rue Notre-Dame St., Atholville,
April was a great month. We had some sunshine and had some great events happen in the community. It was great to meet with Senator PJ Prosper, and the Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Claudine Santos, along with the MMS team earlier this month. I was able to speak on some concerns and issues in the community and appreciated the Senator’s feedback and information on resources available to us.
It is great to see so many Capital & Infrastructure projects underway. These new projects are long-awaited and will be a great addition to Listuguj.
I would like to take this time to offer my condolences to families in the community who lost loved ones recently. I wish you all strength during these difficult times.
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Formerly titled the Nujignua'tegeg - The Wi'gatign is a multi media community newsletter for Listuguj First Nation.
Find our printed issues within the community. We print once a month.