Listuguj Christmas Turkey Basket Distribution

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Earlier this month, Christmas turkey baskets and toys were distributed to community members.  The turkey baskets consisted of a Butterball turkey, and all the fixings to make the perfect holiday meal.

A big thank you to all involved in making this happen for the community:

  • Annette Barnaby, Rose Vicaire, Ranay Metallic, and Lisa Metallic for organizing and distributing the turkey baskets.
  • Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Beautification team for carrying the turkey baskets out to community members’ vehicles.
  • Provigo Réjean Lévesque for providing the food for the turkey baskets.
  • Various local businesses in the community, and the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government for cash donations for the toys.

Rheal Raymond, Administrator – Waqatasg Elder’s Care Facility

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On behalf of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, the Listuguj Community Health Services is pleased to welcome Mr. Rheal Raymond, BSW as the Administrator for our Waqatasg Elder’s Care Facility.

Born and raised in Campbellton, he comes from a local hard-working family and understands the challenges we face as a border community between two Provincial health care systems. He graduated High School in 1981 and received his bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Moncton in 1987.

Since then, he has worked with the Quebec Provincial CISSS in various social programs supporting youth, elderly, and families. He most recent role within the CISSS was that of Interim Manager for the CHSLD Long Term Care Home in Matapedia. As a result of his extensive experience within the Quebec Health Care System, Rheal has worked directly with our Home & Community Care Program as a consultant at the LCHS since 2014. Over the years, he has advocated for our Home Care clients ensuring access to a wide range of services through the CISSS and CHSLD. Rheal has come to understand the communities’ need for our own Elder’s Care Facility, and the significant role it will have for the clients and their families of Listuguj.

As a local boy, he enjoys long rides in the woods with his ATV, is a Montreal Canadiens Fan (whether they win or not), action movies and having family and friends over to share a meal and life stories. He recently stated that “Waqatasg is a major challenge for me, and I am honored to be part of the start-up team”.

Please join me in welcoming Rheal to his new role with us as the Administrator, Waqatasg

Elder’s Care Facility.
Donna Metallic
Director, Listuguj Community Health Services

Local Business Owner Spotlight – Kirt Dedam

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Kirt Dedam has significant involvement and a number of key roles in the community of Listuguj. He has a Bachelor of Business degree and has always been passionate about entrepreneurship. He has done consulting with community members looking to start businesses.  He is the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Project Manager with Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) and is involved with Listuguj’s Economic Development department and the Mawo’ltjig Mijjuaji’g Childcare Centre. Dedam also owns and operates the advertising company, Archer Marketing.

Archer Marketing was created in early 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. In its early stages, it began with digital advertising. Dedam started with roughly six TV screens placed inside indoor locations in the area that feature advertisements for local businesses. “Part of why I wanted to get into this, was to try to help small businesses. It was a mix of my passion and trying to help the community and small businesses in our area,” said Dedam. In the beginning, business was fairly slow due to the pandemic, but Dedam saw it as an opportunity to iron out and resolve any challenges that come with operating a new business.

In 2021, Dedam decided to launch outdoor billboard advertising with four billboard structures, which can be seen on the 132 highway and Interprovincial. From the beginning, the outdoor advertisements were successful and continue to sell out every year.

Today, Archer Marketing has 22 outdoor advertisement spaces and nine indoor TV advertisement spaces.

Each TV advertisement consists of roughly 20 clients, that loop on 15-second intervals. Dedam charges a very reasonable fee of $5 per month to promote businesses.

When it comes to Archer Marketing’s operations, Dedam said, “I handle all the aspects. I do the graphic design; and installation and I do the construction.” As of more recently, he has been receiving help with construction due to the company’s success.

Dedam takes pride in advertising in the Listuguj area. He is working on building clientele and expanding Archer Marketing, hoping to put up more TV screens in Campbellton and even in Dalhousie.  Dedam realizes that the messages his billboards and advertisements give off are important in the community. He is striving for family-friendly advertisements that promote healthy messages and positivity.

If you are interested in advertising with Kirt Dedam of Archer Marketing, you can contact him via email at: kirtdedam@gmail.com, or on social media. His contact information can also be found on the indoor TV screen advertisements throughout the area.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Six New Certified Mediators in Listuguj

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On behalf of the Restorative Civil and Mediation Program I would like to introduce to you our six certified mediators who were recently trained by Redwolf Mediation Inc. Mr. David Noganosh is a Mediator, Negotiator, and Trainer from the Anishinabek Nation, Wolfclan. David is the Principal and Founder of Red Wolf Mediation & ADR Services. The mediators went through two phases of in-person training in the Community. Our mission is to resolve conflict with a safe and positive approach that will ensure effective communication skills for our people. So, let’s give a warm welcome to Sylvia Isaac, Natalie St. Laurent-Rioux, Michael Aaron Barnaby, Vicky Leblanc, Katy Scerba, and Erika Bacon as our new mediators for the Community of Listuguj.

By Tracy Morrison

Mawiomi Treatment Center – Supporting Individuals with Addictions Culturally and Clinically

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The Mawiomi Treatment Center in Gesgapegiag was developed in 1986. The goal of the center was to provide treatment both culturally and clinically to those battling addiction. It was initially built to help serve the people of Gesgapegiag and Listuguj, but has grown into something much more, and has become a significant resource to people all over Quebec, and the Maritimes. The center was closed for renovations in May this year and re-opened in August with new features and updates.

The center is an eight-bed residential facility and offers a six-week treatment service for those battling with substance abuse and addictions. The treatment center consists of over 20 staff members. There are various types of healing treatments and plans that are practiced in the facility. There is a culture program, in which traditional healers offer ceremonies, sweat lodges, cultural teachings, medicine picking, and more. There are clinical-based workshops available as well, aiding those with mental health concerns, depression, anxiety, and more. As of recently, the center has a partnership with a local psychologist who provides one hour of therapy each week to clients in the facility.  After the six-week treatment program is complete, there are aftercare counselors who follow up with the clients for up to 18 months.

Melissa Bryan is the Executive Director at the Mawiomi Treatment Center. She took on this position a year ago but has been working at the center for four years. When it comes to the center, Bryan said, “It has really evolved over the years, more importantly the last five years. I’ve noticed a big shift in the service delivery. We’re no longer just providing a roof over individual’s heads and keeping them sober for six weeks, it’s more than that. We’re trying to evolve into pre-treatment services, aftercare, tapping into family resources, family support, and outreach and outpatient services.”

The center offers a LiveChat which is available 24/7 to anyone looking for support and guidance. There are staff who work all day and throughout the night on this chat, “They are well trained in responding to some of those difficult situations and conversations. All of them are also trained for suicide evaluations and suicide risk assessment,” said Bryan. You can find the LiveChat via Facebook, under the name, “Mawiomi LiveChat”. Other resources available are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, which are open every Tuesday and Thursday evening for anyone to attend.

The staff at the Mawiomi Treatment Centre are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable when it comes to helping their clients. It’s important to be surrounded by loved ones, and support circles. Not only does addiction impact the individual battling it, but it also affects their family and the people around them. Regarding self-care and mental health, Bryan said, “We often don’t prioritize ourselves or take care of ourselves. We all have experienced some form of trauma, and with that, we kind of lose ourselves in it. Over years and years, it really affects the individual. It has a toll- so just seeing people be well. It’s no longer just being sober, or happy. You just want to be well.”

If you or a loved one is dealing with the effects of substance abuse and addictions, the Mawiomi Treatment Center is always available to contact. They will provide you with information and resources to help you begin your journey to wellness.

You can find contact information on Facebook on their page, “Mawiomi Treatment Center” or on their website: https://www.mawiomi.org/

By Ann Marie Jacques

Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat Hosts a Disco-Themed Golf Tournament at the Restigouche Golf Club!

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The 14th Annual MMS Golf Tournament saw the much-awaited return after a long hiatus due to the pandemic and was held on September 22, 2023, at the Restigouche Golf Club.

With over ten teams registered, the winners of the competition were:

(First Place): Casen Martin, Remis Paradis, Derek Mulcahy, Gilles Legacy
(Second Place): Bob Smith, Ryan Valdron, Kenny Valdron, Alex Doucet 
(Third Place):  Philippe Bujold, Jasmine LeBlanc, Miguel LeBlanc, Jean Philippe Perron

Closest to the pin: 

Erika Marchand

Alex Doucet

Longest Drive:

Amanda Larocque

Jean Philippe Perron

Best Dressed:

Kelvin Jacques, Kelvin Jacques Jr., Winston Barnaby, Dakota Barnaby

The MMS wishes to acknowledge the MMS Golf Committee – their dedication and meticulous planning ensured that every facet of the event ran smoothly. We are grateful to everyone and all the sponsors who contributed to making this day a success.

Listuguj Mi’gmaq GovernmentBijouterie Prestige JewellersProvigoHR ReflexionMitchell’s ConvenienceInnergexMi’gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat
La Nation Mic Mac de GespegArco LumberDéjà VuPet ValuPops DispensaryMeubles KlomieZoe’s Bakery
Micmacs of Gesgapegiag BandAllen Paquet Arseneau LLPBarnaby’s GroceryListuguj Social ServicesBLGLori Ann RonnessKent’s Building Supplies Atholville
Casino 88Exterminex LTDMillennium Pool & LeisureIGARemaxSmoke BoxPLC Info.
Vision FordJ’s BarbershopGreco CampbelltonAV Group NB Inc.Dixie LeePort of/de Belledune 
Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development CenterTim Horton’sJohnson’s FurnitureDecoration BeatriceLex BoutiqueRiverside Dispensary 
Restigouche River OutfittersPavage J.R. Lagace Paving Inc.Quality Inn CampbelltonToyotaLocations LeBlanc RentalsEarly Bird Company 
Gesgapegiag Lobster HutCampbellton Auto Supplies Ltd. (NAPA)Gagnon StrategixPro X SportsCarpet RanchLavoie Home Hardware Building Centre Store 

Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat Congratulates the Newly Elected Chief of Gesgapegiag

The Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat congratulates the newly elected Gesgapegiag Chief Rod Larocque and the Council on the recent August election. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations and, together, amplify our voices to advance shared objectives.

Coming Soon! Launch of the Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat’s new website

www.migmawei.ca

The Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat (MMS) is thrilled to announce that our new website will be designed to provide users with an accessible and updated site.

What can you expect?

Updates from MMS Units: Navigate through the sections for the latest news, initiatives, and activities from each of the MMS units. The website aims to keep the public updated and informed.

Meet our team: Get familiar with the profiles of the MMS team and gain insights into their roles, expertise, and contributions to the Secretariat.

Resource archive: Browse through a compilation of resources highlighting significant milestones from the past 20 years, like annual reports and the Gespisg. We will also showcase the past Mi’gmaq Writers Awards and the Elder’s Awards to celebrate and honour the voices and talents of our communities.

Local Author Spotlight – Jodie Callaghan

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Jodie Callaghan (Barnaby) has many impressive achievements and accomplishments, both academically and careerwise. She is an award-winning author and has a number of degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Journalism, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Master of Education. Callaghan has worked as a journalist with APTN in the Halifax bureau and has worked and studied abroad in Scotland. Since her return to Listuguj, she has been an educator for the past 10 years. She currently teaches English at the Adult Education centre in the community, Elawsimgewei Gina’muo’guom.

Callaghan wrote her story, The Train, in 2009-2010. The story is about a young girl who learns about her Great-Uncle’s experiences and the long-lasting and damaging effects of residential school. The Uncle reminisces about a train in their community that was used to transport the children to residential school, where their lives would change forever. The story centers on the young girl’s emotions and initial reaction to learning about residential school. She said that the young girl in the story represents how she felt, or how anyone might feel upon learning about Canada’s tragic history. They may go through many emotions, like anger, and confusion, but these feelings are valid and are important to be talked about, for educational purposes and for healing.

The story was written around the time of the government of Canada’s apology to former students in the residential school system. Callaghan had been working for APTN at the time and was covering news stories at the former site of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. She interviewed survivors and their family members, and they shared their experiences and stories with her on that historical day. Regarding her inspiration for The Train, Callaghan said, “There was an elder there, he was a survivor, and he was talking about getting on a train to go to the school, and I had that visual in my mind – these little children getting on this train. When you think about little kids getting on trains, it’s exciting, it’s a positive experience, but for the survivors, it was the opposite.”

Callaghan’s grandmother, Margie Martin had attended the Indian Day School in the community. Some of the references in The Train were direct examples from her grandmother’s own personal experience.

Callaghan submitted her story to Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat (MMS) for their annual Mi’gmaq Writers Award contest, where she won first place. Years later, a publishing company, Second Story Press announced they were holding an Indigenous Writing and Illustration Contest. She decided to submit The Train, and won the children’s category. For winning this contest, she had her story published by Second Story Press, after they found Georgia Lesley to provide the book’s illustrations, it was released to the public in March 2020.

The book’s success has earned Callaghan multiple award nominations, including the 2021 Silver Birch Express Award, the 2022 Ann Connor Brimer Award for Atlantic Canadian Children’s Literature, and the 2022 Indigenous Voices Award. The Train is available locally at The Flying Canoe Bookstore, and online at Amazon, Chapters, or GoodMinds Indigenous Books. The book also comes in the dual-language edition, called G’as, which was interpreted and translated by local elder, Joe Wilmot.

Callaghan said that she has always wanted to write a book and have it published, so the whole experience was very surreal. When she is not teaching, or spending time with her family, she is still writing. For her next project, she plans on writing young adult horror stories focusing on Indigenous lore.

By Ann Marie Jacques

LMDC – Offering Programs Based on Community Needs

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre (LMDC) has been a staple in the community for over 25 years. The Centre opened in 1996 and provides education, training, and development opportunities. The staff ensures that community members have the tools and resources they need to attend adult education or vocational schooling and to be job-ready to get into the workforce. The LMDC began operating out of various locations in Listuguj, and the facility located on Pacific Drive was built and opened to the public in 2004. The building consists of several classrooms along with a fully functioning garage used for training purposes.

Jennifer LaBilliois-Metallic has been employed with the LMDC since the very beginning. She has taken on a number of roles, but as of December 2022, she is now the Director of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre.

LaBillois said, “We have been offering programming to the community based on needs, that was the whole premise of the LMDC right from the beginning. Develop planning, program design, and implementation.” The staff receives feedback from community members as to which programs could be helpful to have offered. This type of data is collected through needs assessment surveys, or just from community members contacting the LMDC to inquire about programs. Once the LMDC receives the feedback on desired programs, the staff will then reach out to institutions and try to bring the programs to the community.

Training is mostly at a vocational level at the LMDC. One vocational training institute that is housed at LMDC is Eastern Shores School Board. They have been in partnership since the early 90’s and have offered several programs and training over the years. These programs include Licensed Practical Nurse, Home Care Attendant, Secretarial/Accounting, and various trade programs (Carpentry, tiling, etc.)

Another program that is currently available at the LMDC is the Wildlife Protection Officer course held by Collège d’Alma. This course was requested by Listuguj Public Security and Natural Resources to have trained officers to support the management and monitoring of the environment in Listuguj’s traditional territory.

The Adult Mi’gmaq Immersion program is an LMDC initiative that began in 2016-2017. Initially, the LMDC rented classrooms at the Education Complex, and this year, the program has found a new home at the LMDC building.

Other programs and services that can be offered at the LMDC include youth employment programs (Step-by-Step), workshops on healthy living, financial fitness, life skills, and much more.

Over the years, many individuals have benefitted from the LMDC’s services. LaBillois is happy to see the progress and the Centre’s impact in Listuguj. When it comes to what she likes most about working at the LMDC, LaBillois said, “To see the successes of our community members over the past 27 years.”

The LMDC has helped many individuals gain the training, skills, and confidence they need to enter the workforce for the first time or help determine what career path they would like to take. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to assist when it comes to resumes, applying for jobs, career counseling/research, and applying for funding.

If you would like any information on available or upcoming workshops and programs at the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre, feel free to stop in at 2 Pacific Drive in Listuguj, or contact 418-788-1347.

By Ann Marie Jacques and LMDC

Introducing LMG’s new CEO – Bassem Abdrabou

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government is pleased to announce the acquisition of the new Chief Executive Officer, Bassem Abdrabou. Abdrabou has taken on the role officially as of June 31st this year.

Abdrabou has a very impressive repertoire of education and work experience. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, as well as a Master’s Degree in Building Engineering and Construction Management.

He began his career with the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government in 2017 in the Capital and Infrastructure Directorate and has managed more than a hundred million dollars worth of projects in Listuguj. He has worked hard over the years to gain the trust of funders and offered his expertise in all major projects in the community.

Abdrabou feels there are a lot of opportunities for improvement and growth while working in Listuguj. He has worked with several private sectors and international organizations in the past but states it is rewarding to see the beneficial effect on the community directly. He said, “I believe the success stories we have in Capital could be replicated in all LMG. I can work hand-in-hand with the directors and support them, help them achieve their goals, and improve all the services.”

His plans as the new CEO are to ensure that all the services available in the Capital Directorate are brought above the National Standard, more economic development in the community, and to assist in providing all the needs required from housing to health care in Listuguj.

Abdrabou will also continue to maintain the role of Interim Director of the Capital and Infrastructure Directorate for the time being.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat

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The Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat’s mission to gather, engage, and inform the people of Gespe’gewa’gi. We are dedicated to providing you with relevant information to keep you informed and engaged in the affairs of our community and ensure that you are involved in every step of our Nation’s development in Gespe’gewa’gi.

To further facilitate communication and engagement, we have established a dedicated email address that serves as a direct line of communication between you and the Secretariat. We encourage you to contact us at stayconnected@migmawei.ca with your inquiries, feedback, and suggestions. We are here to listen and respond to your needs.

As part of our commitment to transparency and keeping you well-informed, we will regularly publish public documentation such as press/news releases, Gespisig, annual reports and Gnuataqan. These public releases highlight important developments, achievements, and announcements within our community. You can find the information on our website, ensuring you are updated with the latest happenings in Gespe’gewa’gi.

Join Our Team! At the MMS, we are always seeking new, fresh perspectives and talents to join our team. We are currently establishing our resume bank and see you contributing your unique skills and ideas to our communication efforts. Whether you have experience in public relations, content creation, administration, governance, environment, territory stewardship, management, social media management, or community outreach, we welcome your expertise. Together, we can create effective communication strategies that resonate with our community members and promote meaningful engagement.

If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your interest and resume at resume@migmawei.ca. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring the possibilities of working together to serve the Citizens of Gespe’gewa’gi.

Our new website www.migmawei.ca will soon be available and be sure to visit regularly for the latest news, press releases, and updates. Together, we can build a stronger, more informed, and more connected community.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us at stayconnected@migmawei.ca. Your input is invaluable to us as we work towards our shared vision for Gespe’gewa’gi.

By Chastity Mitchell