Listuguj Community Health Services – Providing the Utmost Care for Expectant Mothers, Babies, and Children

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Listuguj Community Health Services offers several programs at the Health Centre that aid in wellness and care to community members. One program is the Maternal and Child Care Program. The nurses who provide care and resources for this program are, Katrina Guitard (Registered Nurse), Caroline Jacques (Licensed Practical Nurse), and Avery Jacques (Licensed Practical Nurse).

There are two parts to the Maternal and Child Care Program. The first is Pregnancy and Prenatal appointments. Clients who are pregnant will come in for regular checkups and teachings every four weeks throughout their pregnancy. This will allow them to have access to prenatal, postnatal, and breastfeeding information and the occasional group activities for families in the community. If the client attends at least six prenatal appointments, they are eligible for incentives in the program. These incentives include monthly nutritional support such as monthly milk tokens – this will provide clients with six free 2L of milk each month, monthly grocery bags, a small baby gift at each appointment, and financial support incentives will be available after the baby is born.

 Once the baby is born, the nurses will do postnatal appointments for the mother and baby 24-48 hours after discharge from the hospital. These postnatal appointments will ensure that the mother and baby are healthy and if they require any additional resources, the nurses will arrange this.  The community of Listuguj also holds an annual Newborn Celebration, where families can celebrate expectant mothers and newborn babies in the community. It is a special event, with a catered meal, guest speakers, gifts, and new babies will be gifted a welcoming eagle feather.

The second part of the program is Childhood Vaccinations and Growth and Development. This part is all about providing the appropriate care for children in the early stages of their lives. It includes the administration of childhood vaccinations based on the Quebec Immunization Program. It also offers regular assessments of children’s growth and development and offers referrals as needed to maintain healthy development. The community of Listuguj strives for children’s well-being and this program assists families in the community to have access to all resources when it comes to their children’s health needs.

As of recently, the Listuguj Community Health Services now offers Midwifery Care for expectant mothers who are looking for a holistic approach to their pregnancy. This program is based out of the Gaspe region and is Indigenous and natural-based. If a pregnant client is interested in Midwifery Care, they will initially need to be assessed by the Maternal and Child Care staff to see if this is an option for them. If the client meets the criteria and has been permitted to take part in Midwifery Care, the client will be registered and assigned to a team of two or three midwives. Just like the Maternal and Child Care Program, the client will receive checkups every four weeks in Midwifery Care, eventually moving to every two weeks, and then every week. The midwives will offer personal and informative appointments with their clients to ensure the pregnancy is progressing in a typical fashion, midwives are available 24/7 via phone or text for their clients throughout their entire pregnancy. When the baby is ready to be born, two midwives will be present at the birth, as well as the client’s partner and/or support person. At this time, clients who are working with a midwife will have their babies at the Maria hospital. If health complications arise during the birth, the medical team at the hospital will take over, but the midwife will still assist the client as their “Doula” for support and coaching. If completed with the midwives, the client will be able to go home within three to four hours post-birth. After this, the midwives will provide care for six weeks post-partum, including checkups for the mother and baby. The midwives are also trained lactation consultants and will assist new mothers with breastfeeding.

“The benefit of this program is ensuring that our clients receive the best prenatal/delivery/and postnatal care possible. Having that care so accessible in the community alone is an opportunity for the community. In addition, the holistic and natural approach taken erases a lot of the medical-based technicalities to the care given. This brings out a more organic and spiritual experience to childbearing and birth based on your wants and needs,” said Katrina Guitard (RN).

Everyone has a different pregnancy and birth story, and the nurses at the Listuguj Health Centre work hard to make sure their clients are receiving proper care, have access to resources, and make their pregnancy and birthing experience positive and memorable. When asked if the staff have any advice to pass along to expectant or new mothers, Guitard said, “When they say it takes a village, it’s the truth. Be kind and patient with yourself. Being a parent is one of the hardest titles to hold, but one of the most rewarding.”

The Maternal and Child Care Program takes new clients as they receive requests. If a client becomes pregnant and would like to have regular prenatal appointments, they can contact the Health Centre at (418)-788-2155, and request to be transferred to the Maternal and Child Health Department.

By Ann Marie Jacques

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER SPOTLIGHT – ALEXANDRA METALLIC

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Many people in the community may have known Alexandra Metallic as being a constable for the Listuguj Police Department, but over the last few years, Metallic has made a career change and is now the owner and operator of AM Esthetics right here in Listuguj.

She had taken an interest in enrolling in an esthetics program a few years back but put it aside to focus on her police work. At the end of October 2019, Metallic retired from the Listuguj Police Department and decided it was time to pursue a new passion. AM Esthetics opened in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Metallic began her esthetics journey by learning Microblading, which is a semi-permanent, intricate procedure to fill in and shape eyebrows.  She also learned eyebrow threading and tinting, eyelash extensions, and lash lifts and then moved on to waxing. From there she took a course in skin care, focusing on facials, manicures, and pedicures. Metallic has two Medical Esthetics Diplomas for photorejuvenation – a cosmetic treatment that utilizes lasers to improve the appearance of skin, and photoepilation – which is laser hair removal. As of recently, Metallic now offers Microblading removal. She is always eager to learn new things and is always interested in new training opportunities. All these services and treatments are available at AM Esthetics for both men and women.

It’s obvious that working in esthetics and public security, are two very different fields of work. “It’s a huge difference from being a police officer,” Metallic laughs. When asked what she likes most about being an esthetician, she said, “You can instantly see results and talk to people. Make friendships really. It’s just more of a calming, relaxing environment.”

AM Esthetics is always taking new clients. Metallic does not have a set schedule and works day by day. She is very flexible with her schedule and is frequently willing to work on weekends and late evenings for clients who require her services. She said, “It all depends on the person. If you feel like you need to come in a bit later, then perfect, I can work around your schedule.”  The atmosphere at AM Esthetics is very tranquil and calming, an ideal place for pampering and relaxation.

To book an appointment, inquire about any services available, or purchase gift certificates, find “AM Esthetics” on Facebook and send Alexandra Metallic a message.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Vicky Metallic – Metallic Publishing

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It was in 2021 when Vicky Metallic first had the idea to create Metallic Publishing – a Mi’gmaw owned business with an aim to publish and distribute Mi’gmaw language books and other related language educational material for schools and students across Gespe’gewa’gi, as well as for the general public. 

Vicky has long been passionate about reading and writing. She was raised speaking Mi’gmaw as her first language by her parents Mary Ann and Frank Metallic. In 2018, she enrolled in an intensive 2-year Mi’gmaw literacy training program at LETE (Listuguj Education, Training & Development), where she was introduced how to read and write in the language by her instructor and aunt Janice Vicaire. It was during this time that she developed an interest in, and realized the potential of, Mi’gmaw language creative writing, and had planned to help create curriculum content for the school. However, life made a sudden change.

The time between 2018 and 2021 was significant for her. Suffering the huge personal loss of her partner Mark, it prompted her to reflect and re-evaluate how she really wanted to be spending her time. During her break from work, she knew it was time to go about her interests a little differently. With an entrepreneurial spirit, experience in proposal writing, and strong support from her family, she set out on a slightly new career path as an independent publisher. 

“It feels great to be able to give what I never had as a child. Growing up, I was only exposed to the language in my home from my immediate and some extended family. Looking back, I think how significant it would have been to see children’s books and tv shows in our language. Not seeing my language reflected anywhere has always made me feel like an outsider. With Metallic Publishing, I hope to change that. I want to provide a sense of belonging.”

In December 2022, Vicky was notified that her funding application to Canadian Heritage was successful. This funding is being used to create language learning content for social media. Videos are uploaded weekly to Metallic Publishing’s Facebook page titled “Gesatm egiljei”, which means, “I like to read”, and includes a combination of introductory and intermediate language lessons that are easily accessible to the public.

It’s an exciting time for Metallic Publishing. The business is also set to launch its first Mi’gmaw language book, titled U’j’ji’jg, a translation from Robert Munsch’s Blackflies, in early spring.

To view the language content, or to purchase a copy of U’j’ji’jg, you may contact Vicky Metallic through Facebook, or by email at metallic.publishing@gmail.com

By Third Party

Listuguj Animal Control Services

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A little over a year ago, Vera Isaac took on the role of By-law Enforcement Officer after several years with the Listuguj Police Department and the Listuguj Rangers.  This new position deals with all the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government laws/by-laws – such as cannabis control, fisheries, gaming, etc., but the one by-law that is most extensive would be the Dog Control By-law. You can find this by-law in its entirety, and other community by-laws at listuguj.ca.

Before the By-law Enforcement Officer position was put into effect, Animal Control complaints and concerns were often called into the Listuguj Police Department. During the time she was working with the police, she compiled a file over the years of all the Animal Control related complaints that were received. Isaac went to Chief and Council with these files and declared a public security issue in the community of Listuguj. This helped Animal Control Services become what it is today. Currently, two Animal Control officers (“dog catchers”) patrol the area, as well as Isaac herself.

At this time, there are no fines associated with the current Dog By-law in the community. There are impoundment fees available, but unfortunately, Listuguj does not have an animal shelter. “Right now, the only thing we’re doing is mediation and conflict resolution – giving out warnings that’s all we can do without a shelter,” said Isaac. The Animal Control officers’ main tasks are patrolling the area, picking up any roaming or lost dogs, and returning them to their homes. Lost or missing pet posts are often posted on social media by Animal Control officers as well.  Isaac is hoping that the Dog Control By-law will be amended and the staff will be able to issue fines soon. Possible grounds for fines include dogs at large or trespassing, excessive barking/howling, failure to pick up after a dog, having more than three dogs in a household, failure to have a dog on a leash, and of course, dog bites or attacks – which could result in criminal charges.

Another possibility for the future is for Listuguj to have its very own animal shelter. Right now, Capital and Infrastructure are in the early planning stages for the shelter. As is the case with many animal shelters, the Restigouche County SPCA in Dalhousie is often overcrowded with lost or surrendered animals and cannot make exceptions for pets in Listuguj. Unfortunately, there are no shelter or animal control options on the Quebec side either. Isaac created a proposal, which would include various indoor and outdoor enclosures for pets, Animal Control officers, animal care attendants, and a veterinarian housed in the shelter, as well as low-cost vaccination and spay/neutering clinics on-site. The plan is to have the shelter located in a more secluded area of the community to limit the barking in neighborhoods. “Once we have this in place, we can have a better grip on the dog situation,” said Isaac.

It’s no secret that roaming dogs are at times problematic and concerning. Isaac said this is the number one issue for Animal Control Services. “The biggest challenge is to get the community on board with taking responsibility for their pets, tying their dogs, and just taking care of them,” said Isaac. With so many dogs roaming, there is an increase in the number of packs. When dogs travel in packs, they become very territorial and dangerous. Even the friendliest, most well-behaved dog’s demeanor can completely change when it travels with a pack. Typically, these packs are formed during peak mating seasons. Over time, the Animal Control officers have learned which months they tend to see a rise in packs and will increase patrol. Preventing dogs from being at large is not the only thing that can stop packs from forming. “Spaying and neutering pets will eliminate the dog packs and aggression,” said Isaac.

Isaac stressed that pet owners are always responsible for their pets and need to take accountability. According to the Dog Control By-Law, if an individual does not have their dog properly secured on their property, and it bites or hurts a person or another animal, they are held responsible and could be charged with criminal negligence.

Even though it may not be as severe and as evident in the community, there is also a cat problem.  Isaac said there is a reproducing issue when it comes to cats, and this could result in more dog attacks in the community.

Animal Control encourages community members to register their dogs with the Listuguj Police Department. The annual fee is $25, and the dog will receive a license tag with the owner’s information, address, and the dog’s information including immunization records.

Even though the Listuguj Bylaw Enforcement and Public Security recognize the dogs at large issue, they are also aware there are a lot of responsible pet owners, who love and care for their pets in the community. Dogs and cats make great companions and when cared for responsibly, can enrich our lives.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Animal Control in the area, please contact Vera Isaac at 506-987-4524.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Alaqsite’w Gitpu School Stands Against Bullying

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The Alaqsite’w Gitpu School honoured Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023. Pink Shirt Day originated in Nova Scotia in 2007 after a group of teenage boys witnessed a Grade 9 boy being bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. The older boys bought several pink shirts and distributed them to other boys in their school to wear the next day. This act of kindness stopped the bullies in their tracks. This has since become a national and global movement. We spoke with Anita Basque, the Guidance Counsellor at the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School, for more tips on how to stand up to bullying every day of the year.

Anita shared that the school’s anti-bullying approach centers around our Seven Sacred Teachings: Respect, Love, Bravery, Truth, Wisdom, Humility, and Honesty. Among other topics, students deepen their understanding of each teaching during their regular Life Skills classes. Another tool used in school is to remind students to THINK before they speak.

Is what you are saying True?

Is it Helpful?

Is it Inspiring?

Is it Necessary?

Be Kind.

As Anita shares, there are “different things that we can do each and every day to be kinder to people and by practicing the seven sacred teachings […] in our daily lives, then we would not be bullying.” These tips can be helpful to anyone. Even adults can use this reminder from time to time.

One issue that our students are currently facing is cyberbullying. Although this bullying mostly happens off school property, we are still here to help. We have invited and will continue to invite guest speakers to educate our students about cyber-safety and what to do if they are cyber-bullied. We’ve also included information from the Canadian Red Cross for parents and caregivers to review with their children.

Our school takes bullying seriously and has multiple resources and tools (Mentors, Behavioural Interventionist, Guidance Department, Social Work Departments, etc.) Anita stressed that students should always let a teacher know if they are being bullied so that they can put these resources into action. One example is that dealing with bullies is always easier when you have a buddy. Our staff can pair up students or larger groups to look out for one another.

Remember that wearing a pink shirt on February 22nd is a great way to show that you are against bullying, but we must stand against bullying all year round!

By LETE

Interest-Based Learning at Eastern Shores School Board

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In the province of Quebec, Eastern Shores School Board is very prominent with 16 youth sector schools and five adult/vocational education centers. One of these adult/vocational education centers is right here in Listuguj, housed at LMDC.

Eastern Shores School Board offers a variety of training and courses for those interested in furthering their education, and as of 2023, the school board is now looking to offer part-time, interest-based learning courses. While these courses would not offer any transferrable credits, they will allow individuals to continue their education with hands-on learning and gain the knowledge and tools to use in everyday life.

As of right now, this is a call out to the community of Listuguj and surrounding areas, to see how many people would be interested in enrolling in these courses. The courses will only be offered based on the level of interest.

The courses will be done in a casual, part-time manner at LMDC, which may include evenings and weekends. There is no tuition or fees for applicants. Refreshments will also be provided to participants.

Here are the potential courses:

  • DIY Repairs for Homeowners

This course will allow individuals to acquire the skills needed to remedy common household malfunctions.

Topics to cover: Drywall, Basic Plumbing and Troubleshooting, Installing Taps, and Toilet Repair 101.

Two nights per week for five weeks, beginning in mid-March.

  • Outdoor Education

This course will educate individuals on basic survival skills and outdoor preparedness.

Topics to cover: Ethics, gear, headings and landmarks, Fire Making, Fundamentals of Food and Water, and shelter making.

March 18th and 25th, and April 1st

  • Personal Budgeting

This course will provide instruction and advice when it comes to budgeting and money management.

Topics to cover: Budgeting basics, Budgeting scenarios and Personal (Household) budgeting.

Two evenings in April.

If you’d like more information on these upcoming potential courses, or to declare your interest in enrolling, please reach out to Cheryl Kouri, Eastern Shores School Board at cheryl.kouri@essb.qc.ca or at 418-788-1347, Ext: 8804.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Oakley Rain Wysote Gray – Highlighting Ancestors’ Stories through Fashion

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Oakley Rain Wysote Gray is originally from right here in Listuguj. Wysote Gray identifies as two-spirited, and their pronouns are They/Them. They discovered they were passionate about fashion at a young age. “I have a vivid memory from when I was a kid where I would make clothes out of paper for myself,” laughed Wysote Gray. From here, they realized there was no Indigenous representation when it came to fashion. They went on to attend the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design in Fredericton, where they graduated from three separate programs: Aboriginal Visual Arts, Fashion Design, and the Advanced Studio Practice graduate program.

Wysote Gray has developed a very powerful brand called “Gigpesan” – meaning Rain. The brand comes with two collections: Mei Eimotieg Part 1, and Mei Eimotieg Part 2. Mei Eimotieg means “We Are Still Here” and these collections embody that entirely. Part 1 of the collection, started off with all-white pieces –they said this is to represent Indigenous people pre-invasion. The white pieces are then stained with the bloodshed of ancestors and the ink of the Indian act. “The whole idea of the collection is to visualize the trauma that we all wear underneath,” said Wysote Gray. The pieces help bring awareness to the systemic racism and colonization that Indigenous people are still facing today.

Wysote Gray will be debuting ready-to-wear pieces soon.  They will be a more wearable version of the high fashion, beaded pieces from his current collections. They will be debuting five new pieces at the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design’s fashion show in May 2023.

Alongside working on their fashion brand and collections, Wysote Gray has recently taken on a mentorship program at the Atlantic Ballet of Canada in Moncton. They have been working in Costume Production for the upcoming production of “Pisuwin: A Wolastostoqiyik Story.”

Their impactful work has gotten a lot of attention, and they have gone on to win the BMO 1st Art Award in 2022.

When asked if they had any advice to give to anyone interested in starting up in fashion design, they said, “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.” They also mentioned that it is important to express yourself in your work, including topics that others may find controversial.  

If you’d like to see the Gigpesan brand in its entirety, visit www.gigpesan.com, or look for them on Instagram.

By Ann Marie Jacques

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER SPOTLIGHT – GALVESTON BARNABY

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Galveston Barnaby started the company, Galvs Gold in August 2021. Galv’s Gold is an Indigenous-owned and operated jewelry company that specializes in tax-free gold and diamonds.  The company offers custom-made jewelry and factory made jewelry that comes stamped from Italy. . These exquisite pieces vary from chains, pendants, rings, diamonds, earrings, and more.

If someone is interested in a custom-made product, they can reach out to Galvs Gold via Facebook, Instagram, text, or on the website: galvsgold.ca. Barnaby will work with the individual to discuss their ideas for the custom piece and will help bring it to life. He will go over Karat options and stone options for the potential gold product to help determine exactly what the individual is looking for.  Barnaby said his favorite products are the custom jewelry projects. He said, “I love it when the client and I design a project together and it exceeds their expectations and has them truly amazed and satisfied.”

Barnaby enjoys being an entrepreneur because no goal is too big. He can work hard and independently in a field he is passionate about with no cap on what he can accomplish. His future plans are to have his very own Galvs Gold store located here in Listuguj, and would like to eventually branch out to Moncton, Halifax, and Montreal.

To view current products for sale in-store, visit Sophia’s Creative Spirit located at 94 Riverside East in Listuguj, or visit galvsgold.ca for online shopping, or to begin a custom-jewelry order.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj Emergency Services

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The Directorate of Public Security has three departments: Listuguj Police Department, Listuguj Fire Department, and Listuguj Rangers.

In the event of an emergency, individuals can call 911.  A lateral call with take place to Listuguj’s emergency phone line and will automatically contact the appropriate department. Based on the nature of the emergency, the Listuguj Police Department, Listuguj Fire Department, Listuguj Rangers, and/or the Paraxion Ambulance Services in Pointe-à-La-Croix are then dispatched.

If it is a medical emergency and the Paraxion Ambulance Services respond, the first responders will assess the severity of the situation and determine if the patient(s) will be transported to Campbellton Regional Hospital or Maria Hospital.

The Directorate of Public Security would like to remind community members to ensure they have clear and visible house numbers to help emergency responders efficiently find homes in Listuguj.

For additional contact information see below:

Listuguj Police Department
3 Lnu Street, Listuguj, Quebec
Emergency: (418) 788-2003
Office Phone: (418) 788-2334
Fax: (418) 788-2330

Listuguj Fire Department
17A Riverside West, Listuguj, Quebec

Emergency: (418) 788-2003

Office Phone: (418) 788-2222

Listuguj Rangers
Office Phone: (418)-788-3157

By Ann Marie Jacques

Get to Know Listuguj’s Recreation Coordinator – Jesse Pictou

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Jesse Pictou has been working at the Listuguj Youth & Family Centre since August 2022. He started off as the Recreation Monitor for three months and then took on the role of Recreation Coordinator. His educational background and training are a perfect fit for this type of work. For schooling, he took International Travel and Tourism and, Adventure Tourism and Business Operations. He has a lot of experience when it comes to working in recreation with a 90-hour Wilderness First Aid program, a rescue diver certification, and has been working for a decade in the kayak and rafting industry.

When it comes to being the Recreation Coordinator, Pictou said, “Basically my job is to create programs and support anything sports related.” The Youth Centre offers a variety of different programs and sports. There is the After School program, which Pictou runs on weekdays for two hours. These After School programs consist of four groups, allowing for 10 kids per group, and they fill up very quickly.  Some of the sports that are supported by the Youth Centre are girls’ volleyball which is led by Paige Isaac, basketball led by Erwin Molley, and hockey led by Michael Isaac. The Youth Centre is also very much involved in supporting local athletes who are taking part in the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) this year.

Pictou mentioned that not only does he coordinate for the Youth Centre, but really for the community of Listuguj as a whole. They work with various directorates to bring events and programs to the community, such as Family Day, and the upcoming March Break activities. Listuguj’s rink has been very popular during these cold winter months. “One of the things we did recently, we were able to rent a Zamboni from the Civic Centre, so that was cool,” said Pictou.

During the winter, outdoor activities may be limited due to the cold climate, but Pictou is looking forward to the summer months and has exciting plans for Listuguj. He plans on reviving softball in the community, and not just for kids. “When I came in, I was excited to do adult softball that I saw growing up at the ball field, that hasn’t been done in years,” said Pictou. He’s also looking forward to planning camping trips with the Youth Centre students, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and a lot of water and forest programs.

When it comes to working at the Youth Centre, he said his favorite thing about the job is just being able to be active and having the ability to go outside. “I’m able to go outside, I’m not built for office work,” laughed Pictou. The Recreation Coordinator position is still quite new to the community and was brought in roughly when the COVID-19 pandemic began. The coordinator works alongside the Recreation Monitor to ensure the kids are safe and able to take part in the vast activities and programs that Listuguj has to offer. New activities and programs are always being introduced and are typically advertised in the community via social media.

If you’re interested in getting more information about the programs and activities offered at the Listuguj Youth & Family Centre, contact: 418-788-3150.

By Ann Marie Jacques