Chief’s Message July 2026

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“I would like to take this time to congratulate all the graduates in the Listuguj community. The determination and resilience of our youth and students do not go unnoticed, and it is certainly something to be celebrated. I hope our elders had a wonderful trip to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre. A special thank you goes out to our sponsors, volunteers, and organizers who helped make the trip and our Mi’gwitetm commemoration a success. We are looking forward to our upcoming 34th annual traditional powwow. We can’t wait to see you there! Have a safe summer!” – Chief Scott Martin

Meet Jayda, The Language and Activities Coordinator at Waqatasg

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Jayda Hartlin is the Language and Activities Coordinator at the Waqatasg Elders Home. With a love for planning and coordinating activities, she was confident that this position was a perfect fit.

Hartlin first became familiar with Waqatasg while visiting her grandfather before his passing. The experience left a lasting impression and ultimately inspired her to apply when the position became available.

“When I was coming here for his last days, it was different walking in here. I’ve never been in a nursing home, but walking into Waqatasg, this doesn’t feel like a nursing home. It feels very comforting, very welcoming. During that time, they offered us to go eat in the dining room, and seeing the residents all together and seeing everyone connected was very nice. So, when the job came up, I wanted to try it, to see what it was like over there, what kind of environment, but so far, it’s been lovely. It’s a beautiful building; everyone is very kind and helping me out”

To include language lessons with the residents, Hartlin asks the students in the Mi’gmaq immersion program to come in and speak with the Elders and looks to incorporate the Revitalization program to visit as well. Residents have also enjoyed a wide range of events, including lunch with the Listuguj Police Department, bingo, crafts with Lita Isaac, and visits from Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) students. The residents’ favorite activity by far is painting. Their creativity is on full display in a small gallery of artwork that welcomes visitors as they enter Waqatasg. Upcoming activities include summer outings around the community, live music performances, and monthly Pokeno games that are open to community participation.

The positive impact of these activities has been evident. Hartlin has noticed improvements in the residents’ overall well-being, especially when they have opportunities to spend time with the youth, share stories, and remain connected to the community.
She has also found the conversations personally rewarding. Listening to Elders share memories, whether they are talking about their careers, spending time on the river, or growing up in Listuguj, these conversations have given Hartlin a deeper appreciation and a reconnection to the community’s history and the importance of preserving those stories for future generations.

By Ivy Grenier

Upcoming Projects: Expanding, Repairing, Housing, and Developing

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As the community of Listuguj continues to grow and evolve, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Capital and Infrastructure Directorate is taking on many new developments this next year, ranging from repairs and expansions to multiple new spaces. These projects aim to bring the future and an above standard feel to the community. Here are some of the ongoing and upcoming projects in the community.

Expansion of the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School means ongoing growth for both students and teachers. Construction begins by removing the existing trailers, aiming to create functional and efficient areas for educational activities and support services. Included in the expansion are office spaces for staff and teachers, a conference room, and two new classrooms.

Capital and Infrastructure is collaborating with the dioceses to begin construction on a new church in August. The cost of the project will be covered through insurance money obtained from the diocese from the fire in 2021. Located where the Saint Anne’s Church was on Riverside West, this new space will serve as a Catholic Church while remaining open and welcoming for all.
Commitment to growth continues through the twenty-one housing units in the plans for the 2026-2027 year, including several duplexes and triplexes.

Through the Haven House initiative, there will be several new units for transitional housing. This represents an important step for the community, creating a secure and safe environment for women and children impacted by domestic violence.

Another project for community growth is the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Center. They are working independently and will be expanding their current facilities to support additional programs, training opportunities, and to enhance operational capacity. Included in the extension are four office spaces and four classrooms. Construction on this project is not managed by Capital and Infrastructure.

Construction has already begun on a new two-story Band Office on Caplin Road. This new office provides spaces for private offices, open workspaces, conference rooms, storage areas, and council chambers.

The development of a new roadway within the community is underway. Atlantic Drive will run parallel to Pacific Drive on the east side. The project will support the construction of more than fifty residential units. The roadway will include sidewalks, paving, and curbs to support safe and accessible transportation.

The Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate oversees the Muin Ji’j afterschool program and will need a dedicated facility to support program delivery. The proposed building includes three classrooms, a janitorial area, washrooms, and kitchen to meet operational and program needs.

The Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate is also proposing to develop the Gathering our Roots project. An outdoor space connected to their building to serve as a safe and supportive area to meet with clients. The space will be organized into multiple sections connected by a main pathway. The main space will consist of a gazebo, a BBQ area, and a meeting space. This space is intended for client meetings, workshops, and group activities. A playground will be built to provide a safe and engaging environment for children accompanying clients. Traditional Space will be dedicated to cultural practices and healing. These spaces will be shared with the Muin Ji’j program, supporting both program delivery and family participation. These spaces will enhance engagement, promote well-being, and support cultural programming for the community.
These upcoming projects are essential in the community to foster growth and expansion for current residents and future generations. We are grateful for the continued efforts and support of everyone involved in the development of our ever-growing community

By Ivy Grenier

Community Outreach Van

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Chief and Council believe prevention is key to breaking the cycle of addiction. They are also looking beyond both prevention and enforcement and are committed to supporting families and individuals affected by the epidemic of addictions.

To expand our reach of the preventative mental health programs and the support needed to break the cycle of addictions, the Listuguj Community Health Services (LCHS) purchased a Community Outreach Van. Qualified Outreach Workers will be hired by the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate (LCSSD) to provide these services.

This Community Outreach Van builds upon the work of the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative (LWRI) aimed at engaging with our youth and community members to promote open, supportive communication, and de-stigmatize the conversations around mental health and substance misuse.

Mobile Mental Health counselling is a proven method of bringing mental health support to people in communities to overcome barriers like transportation or stigma. Services through the Community Outreach Van will include in-person counselling, workshops and resource distribution in a private and comfortable environment.

“We will continue to work together to address the addiction situation in our community. This Community Outreach Van is an opportunity for community members to come in and talk with us, through the outreach worker. It is our goal to provide them with the resource information available IN our community”. Director of Listuguj Community Health Services, Donna Metallic.

Stay tuned for more information and schedules updates as we move closer to launching this valuable resource in Listuguj.

By Listuguj Community Health Services