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

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WASTE MANAGEMENT

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There are many options for waste management in the community of Listuguj – regular garbage pickup, recycling, the eco-center, the transfer site, and as of 2022, composting.

Marie-Christine Roussel Gray was working for the Sustainable Development Institute in Wendake, QC in 2017, when the idea of starting a composting project in Listuguj was brought to her attention. The company did its research and developed a waste management plan based on how much waste is being produced in Listuguj.  After this study was completed, the plan went into effect. “It was the start of the composting program and all the projects we’ve had to improve waste and environment in general,” said Roussel Gray. Roussel Gray then moved to Listuguj and became the Environmental and Sustainable Development Coordinator at Capital and Infrastructure, taking on the composting project in the community.  After receiving the funds from Indigenous Services Canada in 2019, the compost project officially began in July, 2022.

Even though there were enough composting bins for every house in Listuguj, Capital and Infrastructure did a voluntary approach initially for community members.  The research found that quite a few households were already practicing composting, but the bin just took it to the next level. There were a lot of participants at first, but Capital and Infrastructure are aware of the challenges that may come with composting in the cold winter months.

Composting is also offered at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School, and eventually, the program will include all Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government buildings – at first, primarily focusing on buildings that produce more food, or that house a cafeteria (schools, Gignu, Waqatasg Elders Home, etc.)

When asked why composting is important in the community, Roussel Gray said, “There is always the environmental argument when it comes to composting, but there’s also the financial reasons. Waste costs a lot.” Having the community compost in their everyday lives will lower the cost of waste transportation.  Currently, waste goes to St. Alphonse de Caplan which is roughly 110 KM away. “Compost is wet and heavy, so that is something that we have to pay to carry. Now, we just keep it here. The more people who compost, the easier it will be to manage and maintain. The more people who participate, the more money we’ll save in the community,” said Roussel Gray.  

There are other methods of waste management in the community. There is regular curbside garbage pickup that occurs Thursdays between 8 AM and 5 PM. The garbage is collected and taken to a landfill.  Recycling is done bi-weekly, and the company is subcontracted by Listuguj and taken to a sorting centre. The Eco-Center is located at the Public Works Garage where community members can dispose of their household hazardous waste, such as used oils, propane cylinders, etc.  This is a monitored site and is locked at night. Lastly, the transfer site is where community members can dispose of bulkier items such as household appliances and furniture.

There are many waste management options in Listuguj and Capital and Infrastructure have developed many tools to help the community navigate which items go where. At this time, a sorting guide is available for pickup at the Capital and Infrastructure building or online at listuguj.ca. There is a Listuguj Environment Facebook page that frequently posts calendars and reminders. A new tool is in the words as well – an app that can be downloaded onto your phone. “You will be able to put your address in, and it will show you a calendar for pickup. You can set up notifications on when to put out your bins,” said Roussel Gray.

If you are interested in composting, please visit Public Works weekdays from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM to pick up your bin. If you have any questions regarding waste management in Listuguj, feel free to message the Listuguj Environment Facebook page, or email them at environment@listuguj.ca.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Congratulations Moosemen!

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Congratulations to the 2023 B Division Champs, Moms & Pops Moosemen! The Ugpi’ganjig Annual Hockey Tournament took place in Eel River Bar on January 20th, 21st, and 22nd, 2023.

All-Star Goalie – Bradley Slaughter

All-Star Defence – Cody Condo

All-Star Forwards – Noah Barnaby and August Morrison

Congratulations Team NB!

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The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government would like to congratulate our local athletes on Team NB for advancing to the next round of tryouts for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games.