“All you need is an open mind and remember to be gentle with yourself.”

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Listuguj’s Paige Isaac has built a strong foundation in the community with her educational and professional background. Formerly the Mi’gmaq Cultural Coordinator for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Education Directorate, she has now started LMDC’s Mi’gmaq Immersion Classes, and is also currently completing her Masters of Education this year with Cape Breton University.  In addition to these impressive qualifications, Isaac is also a certified yoga instructor.

She attended her first yoga class roughly 15 years ago when she was residing in Montreal, to help balance and reduce the stress that comes along with being a university student. Since then, she has been practicing ever since.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Isaac took a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. Then, in 2021, she came across an organization called Native Strength Revolution, that offers a teacher training course online open to Indigenous people across North America. After this online course, Isaac then completed a 300-hour teacher training. As part of this program, students were required to complete 50 hours of continuing education, and Isaac chose to focus her time on teaching youth. She also enrolled in several courses including yoga for neurodiverse children, and a program called “Girl on Fire” which offered yoga and personal development sessions for young girls.

When it comes to trying yoga for the first time, Isaac said, “All you need is an open mind and remember to be gentle with yourself.” People often associate yoga with being flexible, but that is not the case. It is a way to ground yourself, find balance, and form a connection with breath.

Isaac is open for bookings if anyone or any organization is interested in her yoga teachings. She is available to teach any age groups from children to Elders. You can message her via Facebook Messenger (Paige Isaac) or by email at paigeeisaac@gmail.com

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Message with Chief Scott Martin – September 2025

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September is an important month in our community. Our youth have returned to school, our lobster food fisheries began at the end of the month, and we honour our residential school survivors, and those who didn’t make it home, for Truth and Reconciliation Day.

I would also like to take this time to thank our community garden staff for their hard work this season and providing Listuguj with fresh vegetables.

September is FASD Awareness Month

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FASD – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb.  These disabilities could be physical, behavioral or intellectual. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause permanent birth defects to babies and other defects such as:

  • Brain damage (difficulties with learning, remembering, thinking things through, getting along with others.)
  • Vision and hearing difficulties
  • Bones, limbs and fingers that are not properly formed
  • Heart, kidney, liver and other organ damage
  • Slow growth

The safest choice during pregnancy is no alcohol at all.

On September 9th, the Listuguj Community Health Services Directorate held a Lunch and Learn open to the community. They provided important information regarding FASD, and several prizes were given out.

If you have any questions on FASD or how to ensure a safe pregnancy, please reach out to Listuguj Community Health Services at 418-788-2155.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Mi’gmaq of Gespe’gewa’gi Announce Major Wind Development Partnership

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August 27, 2025

Mi’gmaq of Gespe’gewa’gi announce major wind development partnership

Gespe’gewa’gi, – Today marks an important step for the Mi’gmaq of Gespe’gewa’gi. In partnership with Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est and Hydro-Québec, the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation has committed to exploring the wind power potential of Gespe’gewa’gi. This initiative reflects the Mi’gmaq vision of exercising their rights and responsibilities on their territory to create a greener, more prosperous future.

Gespe’gewa’gi, meaning “the last land” in Mi’gmaq, refers to the traditional territory of the Mi’gmaq communities of Gespeg, Gesgapegiag, and Listuguj, shareholders of the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation. Gespe’gewa’gi includes the Gaspé peninsula and the eastern Bas-Saint-Laurent regions. The Mi’gmaq have never ceded or surrendered their Aboriginal rights and title in Gespe’gewa’gi, which are protected by the Peace and Friendship Treaties.

The new partnership will explore the potential for up to 6,000 MW of new wind power capacity in Gespe’gewa’gi. It is designed to harness the territory’s potential for green energy production while respecting the role of the Mi’gmaq as stewards of the land.  It will also generate long-term, stable revenue for the communities of Gespeg, Gesgapegiag and Listuguj, supporting self-determination and economic growth.

This agreement represents a step towards economic reconciliation and strengthening relationships. It prioritizes engagement and consent before any development occurs within unceded Mi’gmaq territory.

At the heart of the partnership is the principle of social acceptability. No specific project has been agreed to, and the partnership does not guarantee that any particular project will be built. Instead, it ensures the Mi’gmaq have a central role in decision-making and that any future projects will move forward only with community support. Having a seat at the table ensures development respects the ongoing Mi’gmaq use and occupation of the land.

The Mi’gmaq are the original people of this region and have been responsible for the health and wellbeing of the territory since time immemorial. This partnership strengthens their ability to carry out this sacred responsibility so that the next seven generations inherit a strong and thriving Gespe’gewa’gi.

Quotes:

“The Mi’gmaq have inherent rights and responsibilities for the stewardship of the land, waters, and living things of Gespe’gewa’gi. Our Peace and Friendship Treaties confirm our rights and responsibilities, and this agreement will empower us to fulfill them.”– Chief Scott Martin, Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government

“This partnership can be seen as a step towards Truth and Reconciliation through economic development  ventures.  By having representation at the table shows collaboration and mutual respect to all those involved in Gespe’gewa’gi.” – Chief Rod Larocque, Gesgapegiag Mi’gmaq First Nation

“This agreement marks a pivotal step for our community and for the recognition of our rights over the Gespe’gewa’gi. We approach it with a firm commitment to defending our members’ interests while focusing on constructive collaboration with our partners in the spirit of reconciliation. We made it a point to be present in the discussions and will continue to participate to ensure that economic development takes place with respect for our territory and for the benefit of all.” –  Chief Céline Cassivi, Mi’gmaq Nation of Gespeg


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Victoria Belton
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416-997-5179
victoria.belton@mediaprofile.com

A Heartfelt Thank You to the Listuguj Garden Staff

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Every season, the The Listuguj Garden Staff devote their time in providing the community with fresh, harvested produce. Their commitment and dedication to the community does not go unnoticed, and the staff go above and beyond – rain or shine – to promote food sovereignty and healthy living in Listuguj.

Thank you to the team:

  •  Sue Ann Clement – Garden Coordinator
  • Tom Martin – Supervisor
  • David Mitchell Jr
  • Jeremiah Clement
  • Agathe Isaac
  • Kim Norton
  • Clorisa Mitchell
  • Blake Clement

Loni Vicaire Joins Commission’s Board of Directors as Administrator of the Mi’gmaq Nation

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On September 10, Loni Vicaire, General Manager of Economic Development, and Julianne Wysote, Economic Development Officer, attended the Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC).

Loni Vicaire was newly elected to the Commission’s Board of Directors as Administrator of the Mi’gmaq Nation for a two-year term.

Congratulations to Loni and all newly elected representatives from the four Nations.

The Economic Development Unit looks forward to applying the knowledge and tools gained during the training and general assembly to continue to advance current and potential economic initiatives within the community.