LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – JMW Electrique

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Listuguj’s Jarvis White found himself drawn to the electrical field, as early as high school, when he took a shop class that included an Introduction to Electric Theory module. After this, in 2015, he attended NBCC Moncton for an electrician apprenticeship program, where he completed all his blocks, and earned a Red Seal Electrician License.

White’s business JMW Electrique has been officially open and been for the past few months, but he had plans to start his business for a couple years now. White said, “It is a very challenging process to open a fully legal enterprise in Quebec, especially in the construction industry.”  As of right now, White is the sole owner and operator of the business, but as the business expands, he intends to hire employees and local apprentices.

JMW Electrique offers several services, both residential and commercial, such as service calls, renovations and new construction.

Regarding the success of his business, White said, “I’d also like to take this chance to thank many departments throughout Listuguj that have given much support during this entire process.”

If you have any questions, or are in need of electrical services, you can contact JWM at 506-863-8575, or email at jmw_electrique@outlook.com. You can also find photos of White’s completed projects on JMW Electrique’s Facebook page.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Alaqsite’w Gitpu School Shines Bright at the Pride Walk

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On June 3rd, the students at Alqsite’w Gitpu School took part in a Pride Walk from Moffat’s Landing (Pow Wow Grounds) to AGS.

Pride Walks are a celebration and a safe space where people of all identities can be seen and supported. It brings people together to celebrate and advocate for the LGBTQIA2S+ communities.

Listuguj Launches Its First Basketball League

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In April, Listuguj introduced its very first organized basketball league – the Listuguj Basketball League or “LBL.”  This league was made possible by Haven House Male Mentor/Support Worker and Councillor for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, Erwin Molley.

Molley is known for his hard work and dedication when it comes to youth and athletes in the community. Hosting summer basketball camps and drop-ins, his non-profit organization, Kicks for Kids, and as of most recently the Listuguj Basketball League.

The league consists of six teams and 53 players. There is no age restriction for the league – the youngest player currently being 14 and is open to both male and female players from in or out of the community. Games are held Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday nights from 8PM-10PM at the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) gym.  The league runs for 10 weeks and will conclude with playoffs and championships.

When talking about the importance of an organized sport like this in Listuguj, Molley said, “Right now, it’s a good time at the moment to expose these players to something that’s good and meaningful to them. Something to look forward to.”

Regarding the future of the Listuguj Basketball League, due to its success this year, Molley would like to continue for as long as possible. He would also like to establish a “Listuguj Basketball League Jr.” next year for youth as young as six years old.

Spectators are always welcome at AGS, but if you’re unable to make it, you can catch the games live on Chuckles and Chatters Facebook page, a podcast hosted by Erwin Molley and Mitchell Isaac.

The success of the Listuguj Basketball League would not be possible without help from everyone involved. Erwin Molley, Payton Isaac, Mitchell Isaac, the referees, scorekeepers, and anyone else who volunteer their time to ensure a smooth and positive experience for all league participants.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Blueberry’s Buddies – ‘Pgumanji’j maw witapaq

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Listuguj’s Josie Slaughter has been fostering animals in the community over the past year. Although she does not have an official role with Listuguj Animal Control, she volunteers to take in some of the animals before they find their forever homes.

Slaughter is a big animal lover and first got interested in fostering after she adopted her first cat, Sir Pounce. She did a lot of research on how to properly raise cats and completed Neonatal Kitten Foster Training at the Toronto Humane Society. While Slaughter was working for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, she offered her fostering services to Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Vera Isaac, which was greatly appreciated and needed.

When it comes to the importance of fostering animals in the community, Slaughter said, “Since Listuguj doesn’t have an agreement with the SPCA and no shelter of its own, any animals apprehended by Listuguj Animal Control have nowhere to go unless there are volunteer fosters available.”  Listuguj Animal Control will assist in providing the cat and dog food and handle any vet visits the animals might need as well.

Slaughter has fostered many dogs and cats and takes care of them until a good adopter is put in place. One of her recent animals, was a dog named Maverick, who she cared for while he recovered from leg surgery. Maverick has since found his forever home with a loving owner.

Roaming dogs pose a challenge in the community, and concerns have been raised about irresponsible pet ownership. Something that can help with this ongoing issue is spaying and neutering pets. Please see the following points from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA):

  • The CVMA supports all efforts to prevent unplanned breeding (including spaying or neutering of companion animals by licensed veterinarians) and recognizes this is an integral part of pet ownership.
  • Spaying or neutering dogs and cats can provide health and behavioural benefits such as reduced risk of some diseases and undesirable behaviours that are influenced by reproductive hormones.
  • The CVMA advocates for pre-pubertal spaying or neutering of all sheltered dogs and cats, which is critical for addressing the serious concern of pet overpopulation in Canada.
  • Pet owners should consult a licensed veterinarian when deciding timing of spay or neuter surgery for an assessment of the risks and benefits given their pet’s breed, size, behavioural characteristics, and planned use of the pet.
  • The current veterinary professional workforce shortage may affect accessibility of spay and neuter procedures.
  • The CVMA advocates for further research into the ideal timing of spaying and
    neutering of cats and dogs, along with non-surgical alternative procedures.

When it comes to the future of Blueberry’s Buddies – ‘Pgumanji’j maw witapaq, Slaughter said, “One day I’d love to make my fostering efforts for Blueberry’s Buddies more formal and fundraise so that all animals I take in can be vetted and spayed/neutered before adoption but I’m not quite there yet.”

Thank you for dedication and care when it comes to the animals in our community, Josie!

If you are interested in fostering animals in the community, please contact Vera Isaac at 506-987-4524.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Chief’s Message with Chief Scott Martin- June 2025

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June is a very important and significant month for the community of Listuguj. On June 11th in 1981, we came together and fought for our rights to fish. Thank you to everyone who organized our Migwite’tm event. I’d like to congratulate all our graduates who finished the school year. I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.

New Mural on Display at Waqatasg Elders Facility

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Over the past two months, Listuguj artist, Derek Condo has been working on a mural in the cultural room at the Waqatasg Elders Facility, and it is now complete. The piece is titled, “Ta’n Te’loltimg” and it means how we are living – either in the past, today or tomorrow.

Condo extends his gratitude for the positive feedback from the community during the progress of the mural. He says he put his heart and emotions into the piece, and expressed how special it is for him to know he has created a piece like this in a home for our Elders.

The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government recognizes the artistic talent and dedication from Condo. We are honoured to have this mural on display in our community.

The mural is open to the public for viewing. Please speak with the receptionist upon arrive at the Waqatasg Elders Facility.

By Ann Marie Jacques

What’s Happening at the Waqatasg Elders Facility?

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Weli’egsitpug, Hi my name is Keetha Metallic and I am your new Culture and Language Coordinator at  Listuguj Elder’s Home named “Waqatasg”.

I am so happy to have this opportunity to work with our elderly. I coordinate the activities in our facility, and I also work with other departments regarding the Elderly.

We also have a volunteer group that volunteers for our clients at Waqatasg and I just want to say thank you, Welalieg. For all the volunteers that take the time in their busy lives and spend some time with our clients. You do bring so much more into our facility.

You are more than welcome to come and visit or volunteer anytime, just give us a call at 788-3495 and we can set things up.

Welalieg,

Keetha Metallic/ Language and Culture Coordinator

Waqatasg, Nation Lane

Listuguj, Quebec

G0C 2R0

Honouring and Remembering MMIWG2S+

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May 5th is the National Day of Awareness and Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQ+, also known as “Red Dress Day.”  

A few statistics regarding MMIWG2S+ according to the Assembly of First Nations:

  • Indigenous women are four times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be victims of violence.
  • Indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims, and 11% of missing women, yet Indigenous people make up only 4.3% of the population of Canada.
  • Indigenous women are twice as likely to experience violence from their current or former partner.
  • A little more than 13% of Indigenous people experience violence from their current or ex-partner, a proportion twice as high as non-Indigenous people (5.7%).
  • Indigenous women are more likely to experience physical and sexual assault than non-Indigenous women.
  • 56% of Indigenous women have suffered physical assault, and 46% have experienced sexual assault. By comparison, about one-third of non-Indigenous women have suffered these assaults in their lifetimes.
  • From 2001 to 2014, the average rate of homicides involving Indigenous female victims was four times that of those involving non-Indigenous female victims.
  • In the territories, this over-representation of Indigenous women among homicide victims was even higher.

On May 5th, an event was held at the Listuguj Community Centre (Bingo Hall) hosted by the community’s women’s shelter, Haven House. The event was emceed by Haven House Manager, Sheila Swasson, who thanked the community for the continuous support for this event every year. She spoke about the importance of MMIWG2S+ and said, “Far too long, the violence of Indigenous women and two spirit people face, have been overlooked.”  An opening prayer was then done by Blanche Martin.

The first guest speaker was Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Specialist, Kali Barnaby with Victim Services at the Listuguj Police Department. Barnaby spoke about trusting your gut, and how maintaining good mental health and physical health is important when it comes to situational awareness. Always having proactive measures and safety plans in place is essential for ensuring security and well-being, this includes being aware of your transportation options, updating emergency contacts and being vocal about your whereabouts with your support system.

The next guest speaker was Chléo Pelletier, a Consultant at Quebec Native Women. Pelletier spoke about the organizations Mapping Project for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirits in Quebec. The Mapping Project works in collaboration with Quebec Native Women, the Université du Québec en Outaouais, the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, and an advisory committee in the province. The objectives are to release new public data, create a commemorative map, and bring light to families’ stories and experiences.  An online interactive map is set to be completed in 2026, that will help trace and give a voice to those effected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis.

The final guest speaker was Holly Miller, a Licensed Counselling Therapist-Candidate at Restigouche Family Services. Restigouche Family Services is an organization in Atholville, NB which offers a variety of services, such as therapy, counselling, speech therapy, addiction treatment and much more.  The organization recently introduced a program called Sacred Bundles, which is being led by Holly Miller and Sara Mitchell. Sacred Bundles is an Indigenous led mental health initiative, that takes a more cultural approach when it comes to counselling. Restigouche Family Services will be offering their counselling services under the Sacred Bundles initiative, in the community of Listuguj in the upcoming months.

Although May 5th is the designated day for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirits, it’s important to spread awareness on this crisis every day.  Thousands of women, girls and two-spirit people have gone missing or been murdered in Canada and many of these cases have never been solved. It is important to honour and remember the victims, and their families.


To get in touch with Listuguj’s Women’s Shelter, Haven House, you can contact the 24 hour crisis line: 418-788-5544, or find them on Facebook.

For more information on Victim Services in Listuguj, contact Kali Barnaby at 418-320-9224 or kali.barnaby@listuguj.ca

For information on Restigouche Family Services, or their Sacred Bundle program, call 506-753-4161, or info@sfr-rfs.ca

By Ann Marie Jacques

Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom Wraps Up Its First Pet Grooming Course

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Listuguj’s Adult Education Center, Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom offers a variety of courses in the community, such as, Secondary V Diploma (High School Diploma), Mi’gmaw Language and Culture, French, and more. One of their newest courses that was offered in the Fall of 2024 was Pet Grooming, that came to an end in early May. This was the first time this program was offered at the Center, and overall, it was a success.

The course had two instructors: Julie Leblanc and Patrick Sears. Julie Leblanc is the French instructor at the Center and ran a pet grooming business for 20 years. Patrick Sears currently works for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government as the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Developer but worked as a Veterinarian Technologist for a number of years prior.

This 495-hour program offered a number of modules related to pet grooming and pet care, for both dogs and cats. It is the only course of its kind offered on the Gaspé coast, that offered hands-on learning with fully functioning tubs, grooming tools and equipment inside the Center. LeBlanc offered her expertise when it comes to grooming techniques, equipment and tools, styling, developing a business, and more. Sears offered his expertise regarding animal behaviour and body language, anatomy, and health and safety practices. The students visited veterinarian clinics in the area, the local animal shelter, and had guest speakers come in, giving the students networking opportunities in the pet care field. The course also included a Pet First Aid Course offered by St. John Ambulance.

Three students have graduated from this course obtaining a certificate recognized by the Certificate of Professional Studies (Attestation d’etudes profesionnelles – AEP).

Congratulations to Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom’s Pet Grooming course 2024/2025 graduates:

  • Margaret Caplin
  • Frédérique Fortin
  • Talyane Bujold

If you would like information on Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom and the courses they offer, call 418-788-9078, email bemoffat@lete.listuguj.ca or visit them today at 4 Pacific Drive in Listuguj.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj and Québec sign framework agreement creating government-to-government negotiations

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May 14, 2025, Listuguj, QC –Ian Lafrenière, Québec’s Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit, met with Chief Scott Martin and council members of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government to sign a framework agreement establishing a new negotiation process between the two governments. The agreement recognizes that the Listuguj Mi’gmaq have a unique culture, language, legal tradition, and national identity. It establishes a government-to-government negotiation table with Québec to build respect and mutual trust in the spirit of peace and friendship.

“Signing today’s agreement is a step in the right direction,” said Chief Martin. “Our relationship with Québec hasn’t always been easy. There hasn’t always been respect for our rights, our laws, our treaties, or our territory. With this new negotiation process, that is starting to change.”

The agreement supports future negotiations regarding the recognition of Listuguj’s treaty and Aboriginal rights, including Aboriginal title.

“We want to improve the lives of our community members by exercising our self-determination. We want to increase our presence on the territory. We want our Mi’gmaq laws to be recognized,” said Chief Martin. “I am very happy Québec is willing to explore how we can make this happen.”

The new framework agreement does not define or limit Listuguj’s Aboriginal or treaty rights in any way.

Negotiations are anticipated to begin without delay. The framework agreement has a term of 10 years, after which there is an option for renewal.