A Recap of the 2024 Justice Symposium

On December 3^rd, the Restorative Justice Directorate held its annual Justice Symposium. This year’s theme was, “Building Mi’gmaq Cultural Competence in the Judicial System.”

The Master of Ceremony for this event was Donna Metallic, a Native Court Worker and fitness instructor in Listuguj. The opening prayer was done in Mi’gmaq by Sugarloaf Senior High School student, Ella Vicaire. Macy Metallic spoke on behalf of Chief and Council. The event was catered by Diane Bernard.

Ella Vicaire was invited back up to speak about learning the Mi’gmaq language and how important it is to connect to your culture. She said, “Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith, and learn about your culture.” She spoke about the late, Joanne Vicaire as her mentor, who provided her with teachings. She also spoke about her Aunt Bella Caplin, and the impact she left on the community.

Justice Transformation Initiative Director, Mary Bradstreet delivered opening remarks and talked about the services that the Justice Transformation Initiative houses: Haven House, Youth Leadership Program, Mediation Processes, and the Restorative Justice Program. Bradstreet also talked about her work over the years to get Listuguj its own court system right here in the community. Bradstreet also stressed that it is important to always keep your contact information up to date in order to receive Restorative Justice services in Listuguj.

The first keynote speaker of the event was Listuguj’s own, Houston Barnaby. Barnaby is an Indigenous Rights Lawyer who has represented the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chief’s. He spoke on the importance of land acknowledgments, reconciliation, and on jurisdictions amongst Turtle Island. He stated that 1/3 of Indigenous people are incarcerated in our systems, and there is still a long way to go when it comes to healing, but he will continue to raise awareness on Indigenous issues throughout Canada.  

The next speaker was Lawyer and President of the Bas-St-Laurent-Gaspésie- Îles de la Madeleine, Alexis Deschenes. He works for legal aid in New Richmond and has represented several clients in Listuguj. He also taught penal law to the Listuguj.Rangers. He revealed that beginning in February, Listuguj court cases will be done in Carleton, rather than New Carlisle. 20% of court cases in New Carlisle come from Listuguj, and this is a way to prioritize Listuguj clients without having to do the extra travelling for their court cases. He also mentioned that ceremonies, Eagle feathers and medicines are welcome and available in the court room, and that English will now be spoken in the court room for Listuguj clients.

The next keynote speaker was Associate Director of the Natural Resources-Fisheries, Denny Isaac. Isaac spoke on the rights and reconciliation in Fisheries, and its evolving relationship with the government

The final keynote speaker of the day was Dwayne Ward. Ward is originally from Metepenagiag (Red Bank) but has been living in Listuguj for several years. Ward has worked an addictions counselor for 12 years, and runs the Mixed Martial Arts club, The Vault in the community. He has been sober for 25 years. He said, “My whole story today is about addictions, recovery, being sober and trying to make a difference.”  Throughout his life, he has worked alongside Restorative Justice.

If you would like more information on the Justice Transformation Initiative, you can contact Mary Bradstreet at 418-788-0351.

By Ann Marie Jacques