Archive for category: Community

Michael Martin has taken on the role of Knowledge Keeper/Addictions Worker for the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate (LCSSD) for roughly three months but has held this position in the community for several years. He is well known in Listuguj for offering his guidance and advice to community members who are interested in receiving cultural support and teachings.

Martin offers a variety of these  teachings in the form of stories, medicines, ceremonies, sweat lodges, and more. “I’ve been around traditional medicine people and knowledge keepers for over 30 years, and this is what I contribute and bring back to the community, and those who want to learn,” said Martin. He passes on his life experience and knowledge to people of all generations.  In Listuguj and other Indigenous communities, there is a lot of intergenerational trauma that leads to addictions and mental health issues. Martin tries to address these issues through counseling, support, and cultural knowledge. While he does focus mostly on spiritual and cultural treatments, he has other resources when it comes to treatments, such as Western medicine and doctors.  

Since he began at LCSSD, he has seen success throughout the community.  During the month of May, he held Traditional Lunch and Learns at LCSSD, and he plans on holding more in the future. After every Lunch and Learn he gathers feedback from participants to help improve future Lunch and Learn sessions, and to acquire information on what topics could be discussed and taught.  In the future, he plans on focusing on trauma and addictions, and would like to extend his teachings to young women who have children, who are struggling with addictions. He also plans on offering workshops at the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre (LMDC) and sweat lodges at the Gignu. Martin said, “I believe even if one person comes to seek some teachings, or knowledge from me, it’s a plus.”

Martin expressed that the LCSSD offers a wide variety of services and resources for everyone. There are lots of positive success stories that come out of LCSSD, and he wants to let everyone know they are always welcome. If an individual is unsure of what type of resource they need, someone at LCSSD can direct them. Martin ended the interview with the following: “Don’t ever tell people that there are no services or help here. There is help for you.”

If you’d like more information on Michael Martin’s services, or any other programs or services at Listuguj Community Social Services, at 418-788-3039 or visit them at 2 GEF Street.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Sapawsultieg Victim Services began in October 2022 in collaboration with the Listuguj Police Department. The title of the program means, “We Survive” in Mi’gmaq. The program’s Victim Specialist, Kali Barnaby said she wanted to incorporate the language in her service’s title so that it speaks for itself. When it comes to the program’s development, Barnaby said, “It was initially enacted by the urgent need to address and understand conjugal/domestic violence and sexualized violence victims with their needs and concerns.”

Barnaby graduated from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Psychology. She has vast experience working with the youth in the community and has now moved on to offer her expertise in victim services.

Barnaby works with the Listuguj Police Department to offer assistance, support, and guidance to victims, witnesses, and survivors of crime. These types of services include assessments, crisis intervention, de-escalation and safety planning, provision of information, emotional support, and/or referrals to organizations if needed. It’s important to add that these services are confidential, bias-free, and culturally appropriate. This program also offers aid in understanding the criminal justice process and inquiries.

Listuguj is very fortunate to have a resource like Sapawsultieg Victim Services offered to those who are in need. It allows individuals to feel as though they aren’t alone after they’ve experienced a traumatic event in their lives. Barnaby said, “These types of support services are very important in our Indigenous community as we have historically experienced many forms of trauma, so with knowledge of our culture, history, and issues, we will better accommodate the needs of our people into the criminal justice system.”

When someone is a victim of a crime, they might not know how to process it, and what steps are needed to take care of themselves afterward. People may not have the support system that is very much needed during a difficult time. This program is available to point them in the right direction to healing. “Some advice I would like to pass along to others that may be going through a difficult time, or needing emotional support would be to be kind to yourself. To put yourself first by taking a step back and allowing yourself to be supported by someone,” said Barnaby.

Since this resource is still quite new in the community, individuals might not be fully aware this is a resource that is available to them at any time. If you would like to get in contact with Kali Barnaby regarding her services with the Listuguj Police Department, there are several ways to do so. You can contact the Listuguj Police Department at 418-788-2334 (Non-Emergency line) and 418-788-2003 (Emegency line.) You can also contact her directly at her email, Kali.Barnaby@listuguj.ca or you can message her via Facebook on her page, “Kali Sapawsultieg VS.”

By Ann Marie Jacques

On March 15^th, Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) issued a press release announcing their partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. for the 102 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Facility (MU2) in the MRC d’Avignon. This is the second project between the three Mi’gmaq communities – Listuguj, Gesgapegiag, and Gaspé, the first project, the 150 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Facility (MU1) has been operating successfully since 2016. The project will be covered by a 30-year “take-or-pay” power purchase agreement (PPA) with Hydro Quebec.

“We knew this project was going to be quite competitive with others,” said MMBC CEO Fred Vicaire, “it’s different from the MU1 – the MU1 we negotiated PPA with Hydro Quebec. For this one, we came up with a price with our partner Innergex – a competitive price, because we were competing with all other projects in the province of Quebec. We were quite happy we were selected as one of the seven projects for this call for proposal.”

With this new green energy project comes the installation of 17-19 new wind turbines, with progressive technology since the first project was completed. This project will also create employment opportunities for all three Mi’gmaq communities on the territory of Gespe’gewa’gi. “We are looking to maximize Mi’gmaq employment,” said Vicaire. The company expects 200 jobs to be generated from the project’s construction. The first MU1 project generated roughly 150 Mi’gmaq employers, and MMBC and Innergex are hoping to go above and beyond that target for phase two.

When it comes to the project’s revenue, Vicaire said, “Revenue is at the shareholder’s discussion. Shareholders are the three community’s Chief and Council.” MMBC is the general partner, who helps manage and facilitates these types of affairs on their behalf but ultimately does not make final decisions.

Construction for the 102 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Facility is expected to begin in 2025, lasting roughly a year.  Its commissioning is expected in 2026.

By Ann Marie Jacques

This article will be featured in April’s issue of the Wi’gatign.

The Alaqsite’w Gitpu School is looking for supply teachers! Supply teachers can be called upon at a moment’s notice to replace teachers. If you are interested in working with our amazing team, you can send your resume to our principals Jeff Grass at jgrass@lete.listuguj.ca or Jarrett Francis at jfrancis@lete.listuguj.ca.

By LETE