Drop Off Any Expired/Used/Unused Prescriptions at LWRI’s Prescription Drop Off Events!

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative (LWRI) is a community-driven effort dedicated to supporting healing, wellness, and renewal in our community. Their goal is to address substance misuse and related challenges by working together to build a healthier, stronger Listuguj.

Over the past two years, the initiative has held a number of events in the community related to wellness. One of these ongoing events are prescription drop offs.

Community members are able to drop off any expired, used/unused prescriptions. Disposal of medication is important because expired medicines may not provide the treatment you or your family needs, and fewer medicines in the home means fewer safety risks. Anyone who drops off prescriptions, has a chance to win a prize!

Earlier this month on March 11th, LWRI held a prescription drop off.

Listuguj Community Health Services were on site and offering demonstrations on Naloxone administration. Naloxone kits were available for pickup as well. (Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.)

Listuguj Public Security provided information about the new anonymous tip-line in the community.

Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate employee, Michael Martin had information regarding his Healthy Choice Healthy Community program.

Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative were also on site asking for feedback regarding wellness in the community.

Congratulations to the winners for March’s prescription drop off, taking home Presidents Choice gift cards:

Lililan Vicaire
Forest Condo
Marilyn Vicaire
Carmel Isaac
Ricky Condo

Keep an eye on LMG and LWRI’s Facebook page for upcoming prescription drop off events!

By Ann Marie Jacques

“It’s ok to step away.” – Why It’s Important for Parents to Regulate Emotions

/0 Comments/in /by

On March 13, the Listuguj Community Social Service Directorate hosted a Prenatal/Post-Natal Support Co-regulation event at the Listuguj Community Development Center (Bingo Hall). The event featured guest speaker Stacie Quigley Cormier, Manager and Licensed Counselling Therapist at the Mind At Peace Center in Campbellton.

The Mind at Peace Center offers a variety of services, such as therapy, a dietician, financial counselling and more.

Quigley Cormier’s presentation was titled, “Supporting Yours, and Your Baby’s Nervous System.” She specializes in the nervous system and spoke about the importance of regulating emotions. It’s no secret that being a parent is very hard work, physically, mentally and emotionally. Self-regulation allows individuals to be the best versions of themselves while parenting. To help soothe and regulate a baby or toddler’s emotions, it is beneficial for individuals to regulate themselves prior.  Babies are only born with a partially developed nervous system; therefore, it is important for parents and guardians to assist in teaching the tools on how to regulate the nervous system.

When assisting a child who is upset, it’s important to have yourself in check. Take a breath and focus on connecting with the child. Make eye contact and get on their level. Ask important questions: “What’s going on? What can I help you with?” Do not offer a solution, offer affection and care.

It is ok to feel overwhelmed and overstimulated, as this is natural human emotion. Quigley Cormier touched on self-regulation strategies, such as taking a pause, changing body temperature, movement, laughter, positive self-talk, and humming or singing. It’s also important to care for yourself and invest in your own happiness.

Quigley Cormier stressed that it is NOT selfish to simply step away in a situation and get emotions under control. It’s also important to recognize dysregulation in yourself. (Irritability, feeling helpless or guilty, tearful reactions, etc.)

If an individual is having difficulties regulating their emotions, or are feeling overwhelmed, help and resources are available. Quigley Cormier said, “Mental health support can look like what you need it to be.”

In Listuguj, there are several resources available within the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government:

Listuguj Community Health Services – 418-788-2155.  
Listuguj Community Social Services – 418-788-3039

The Mind at Peace Center is also an option. You can contact them at 506-525-2976 or find them on Facebook at Mind at Peace Center/Centre Mieux-Être.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Robyn Vicaire – Highlighting the Importance of Mobility and Strength Training

/0 Comments/in , /by

Listuguj’s Robyn Vicaire has a highly impressive educational background when it comes to the care of muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. She studied to be an occupational/physiotherapy assistant at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), received a personal training specialist certificate, and most recently obtained a master’s degree in Kinesiology. Vicaire specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation and corrective exercise. She offers knowledgeable one-on-one personal training classes in her fully equipped in-home gym in Listuguj, and group fitness classes typically held at the Civic Center in Campbellton. 

When it comes to exercising, Vicaire stresses the importance of gaining strength and improving joint mobility and balance for preventing and rehabilitating common injuries, such as bone fractures, sprains, and joint pain. She said, “I find for a lot of people, exercise is linked to appearance, and losing weight, but I really want to send more of a message that exercising can be beneficial for improving quality of life. For example, training muscles and joints appropriately can reduce injury risk and boost performance in sports and everyday activities.” 

A lot of the time, when individuals decide to start going to the gym or exercising, they don’t know where to start. They may get overwhelmed, or overdo it, and this increases the risk of injuries. It’s important to be aware of how the body works and what your body can tolerate when it comes to bodyweight exercises or training with weights. Vicaire said, “You have to learn to progress yourself accordingly. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, that is where you can benefit from someone else teaching you.” 

As individuals age, their bodies naturally start to lose muscle strength and bone density, placing individuals at a greater risk of falls and fractures. This begins as early as the age of 30 and speeds up the older we get. This is why it’s important to focus on mobility and building muscle. This can be done through balance training, mobility training, training against resistance, or strengthening muscles required for good posture. 

Anyone can request a consultation by messaging Robyn Vicaire on Facebook, registering online at https://FunctionallyStrong.as.me/ or via phone at 418-320-9223.  During a consultation, individuals can expect to talk about their medical history, past injuries, and fitness goals they’d like to achieve.  

Group training such as Hip Mobility and Aqua Mobility classes are also offered and held at the Civic Center. Individuals can book a class using the same method as consultations.  

Keep an eye out on social media for more information on upcoming classes with Robyn Vicaire!

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Message with Chief Scott Martin – March 2025

/0 Comments/in , /by

Nice weather is just around the corner! Please exercise caution and be safe during the rest of winter and these icy months! March is Women’s History month. I’d like to acknowledge all the women of Listuguj, those who work in the LMG organization, and those on Council. I am grateful for the hard work and contributions of women in our community. Lastly, our fishermen and fisherwomen will be starting their season shortly. I wish them a safe season. Thank you for all you do

New Building Signage at 48 Dundee Rd!

/0 Comments/in , /by

Last Summer, a naming contest was held for the Admin 2 building at 48 Dundee Rd. This building houses LMG’s Communications and IT departments, the Restorative Justice Directorate and the MMS organization.

Listuguj Community member Rena Morrison was the winner with “Mawlugutieg.” Mawlugutieg meaning “We Work Together” in Mi’gmaq.

Earlier this month, the building received beautiful new signage.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this contest!

By Ann Marie Jacques