Full Spectrum Doula Services Now Available in Listuguj!

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Maternal Child health program in partnership with the Mishwaashin Lodge Indigenous Women’s Support Centre hosted the Aunties on the Road: Indigenous Full Spectrum Doula Training in September 2024. We had a wonderful group who took part in this training.

We would like to present to you 4 community members who took part in the Indigenous Full spectrum Doula training in September 2024.

  • Allanah Dedam
  • Sarah Clement
  • Chantel Isaac
  • Brianna Caplin

What is an Indigenous full spectrum doula?

it is a non-medically trained care provider who offers support to Indigenous people throughout their reproductive and sexual health journeys. They can help with a variety of experiences, including:

  • pregnancy, birth, postpartum, abortion, family planning, menstruation, adoption, loss, and perimenopause and menopause.

Indigenous full spectrum doulas can provide culturally relevant care that builds on traditional Indigenous roles and teachings. They can help clients honor their traditional and spiritual practices and support their cultural and language needs.

If ever you are interested in Doula Services or have any questions, you can contact Avery or Katrina at the Health center at (418) 788-2155.

By Listuguj Community Health Services

Listuguj Income Security

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The Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate (LCSSD) offers several programs and resources to the community, one of these resources is the First Nations of Quebec Income Security Program.  In the community, there are a number of employees working for LCSSD who specialize in the Income Security Program. Denise Jacques is the Manager, Brandey Barnaby and Macy Vicaire are Intake Workers, Sheila Brisk is the Receptionist and Sophie Delaney is the Community Support Worker.

This Income Security Program is used as a last resort for independent adults, married persons and common law partners only.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be an adult aged 18 years or older OR, if you are under the age of 18, be or have been married or be the parent of a dependent child.
  • Live in the community to which you have submitted your application.
  • Demonstrated that you have no other financial resource at your disposal. (Note that exclusions may apply with respect to your liquid assets, goods and income.)

This program is divided into two categories:

Unable to Work

Income assistance under the category of Unable to work is provided to people who have restrictions preventing them from holding employment or participating in training measures owing to their precarious state of health, a chronic impairment, their age, or any other reason recognized by the regulation.

Able to Work

Income assistance under the category Able to work is provided to people in a situation of financial insecurity or employment instability and who have not demonstrated an incapacity to participate in employment insertion and training measures. This category of income security is considered a transitional step.

For community members interested in applying for this program, they must submit an application and complete the income security program registration form.  

They will then be asked to provide supporting documents to determine eligibility and establish the amount to which they are entitled.

Supporting documentation that may be requested may include, but not limited to:

  • Proof of residence form
  • Birth certificate or picture ID
  • Bank statement

After you have filled out the appropriate paperwork and supplied the supporting documents, your application will be processed, and a decision will be made within the next 10 days.

If you are approved for the program, you must complete a Monthly Declaration form each month and return it. This form must be submitted no later than the 15th of every month.

Once per year, your files will be re-evaluated.

The Income Security program also offers special allowances to help cover needs that are not considered by your basic benefit. Some of the special needs include funeral expenses, pregnancy, childcare, diabetes, etc. It is an individual’s responsibility to inform the Income Security team of their special need no later than 30 days following the event. Supporting documentation must be supplied.

If you are interested in the Income Security Program in the community, or if you have any questions, please contact 418-788-2909 or email denise.jacques@listuguj.ca.

By Ann Marie Jacques and the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate

Reflect on 2024 with the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative

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It’s no secret that the holidays are a busy time of the year that comes with added pressure and stress.  The Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative (LWRI) wants to help you keep your wellness in check during the holidays with these tips:

  1. Maintain healthy habits (mentally and physically) – Do not overdo it and burn yourself out over the holidays. Do not focus on being the perfect host or buying the perfect gifts. Make sure to set boundaries and limit expectations. Remember to eat healthily, stay active, prioritize sleep, and take time for yourself.
  2. Stay connected with loved ones or reach out if you are feeling lonely or sad – You do not need to be alone this holiday season. Reach out to your loved ones, or support group and let them know how you’re feeling.
  3. Stay positive – The holiday season is about traditions, joy, and spending time with the people you love. Be present and be kind to yourself.

This year the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative continued to educate the community with information on ongoing programs and services offered in Listuguj relating to health and wellness. This information was provided at various events, and on the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s social media channels.

Here’s what the LWRI were up to in 2024:

  • February 21 and 22nd – A Wellness Symposium was held at the Listuguj Community Development Center. This event consisted of many guest speakers and presenters focusing on the topic of overall wellness. Several booths were set up inside with a variety of information and resource materials.  A sacred fire was held outside for the duration of the event by John Paul Lavigne. 

Guest speakers: Glenda Wysote LaBillois, Dr. Stéphanie Marsan and RN Johanna Sincére of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Universite de Montreal (CHUM), Christine Metallic, Michael Martin, Kali Barnaby, Melissa Bryan and Mitchell Syvret-Caplin of Mawiomi Treatment Center, Codey Martin, Patrick Wilmot, and Jacob Gale. A speech was given on behalf of Chief and Council, and from the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s CEO and Directors.

  • April 24 – A Career Fair was held for high school students at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School. This event consisted of guest speakers, breakout sessions, and a trade fashion show. The LWRI had a booth set up and provided information to youth on wellness programs in the community.
  • November 18-22 – The LWRI honoured National Addictions Awareness Week by assisting with a number of events. A Wellness Walk to Alaqsite’w Gitpu School was held. Guest speakers included: Diane Bernard, Michael Isaac, and a speech on behalf of Chief and Council. A craft night and drum making event was also held during this week.
  • The LWRI conducted multiple focus groups over the year, collecting data, and speaking with different age demographics on the importance of wellness in the community.
  • The LWRI held several prescription drop off events, in collaboration with the Listuguj Police Department, Listuguj Community Health Services, the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate, and the CLSC. Community members could drop off expired, unused/used prescriptions for a chance to win a prize. Disposal of medication is important, because fewer medicines in the home means fewer safety risks.
  • Several Holiday events: a Jingle all the Way Christmas party, annual Christmas parade, and a house decorating contest.

At any time during the holidays, if you need support or assistance, there are numbers available 24/7 to support Listuguj community members. We recommend using these numbers to ensure that emergencies are dealt with in a prompt and efficient manner.

  • For all emergencies – 911

  • Listuguj Police Department/Listuguj Fire Department Emergency Line – 418-788-2003

  • For Listuguj Community Social Services:

Contact information regarding any youth protection matter or concern during business hours, community members are encouraged to reach the Child and Family Services Social Worker or respective team members at 418-788-3039 from Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30 (exceptions are statutory and designated holidays).

In the event of an after-hour youth protection emergency, community members may call Youth Protection Services for out-of-province calls or cellular calls 418-368-1803 OR 1-800-463-0629 Evenings/Weekends. Additional contacts: emergency calls may be made during the day at 1-800-463-4225.  

  • Listuguj Haven House 24-Hour Crisis Line – 418-788-5544
    www.listugujhavenhouse.ca
    Facebook – Listuguj Haven House

  • Mawiomi Treatment Centre in Gesgapegiag – 418-759-3522
    https://www.mawiomi.org/

  • 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is now available nationwide in English and French, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative wishes you all a safe and happy holiday season and looks forward to bringing you more information on wellness in the new year!

Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative – Our Journey to a Healthier Community Starts Here!

By Ann Marie Jacquesz

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Jamie Metallic Designs

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Listuguj’s own Jamie Metallic is a self-taught artist who has been making traditional crafts since she was a child. Crafting always made her feel at peace and grounded, and is motivated by creating meaningful art. Over the years she developed a broad skill set when it comes to traditional crafts, and her specialties include concho belts, traditional beaded mitts, moccasins, ribbon skirts, quilling, beading and Pow Wow regalias.  Metallic’s precision and intricateness is a true reflection of her years of experience when it comes to crafting.  

Regarding her work, and inspirations, Metallic said, “Over the years as an artist, you do get inspired by other’s people’s work, but I’d like to think that I’ve developed my own style of beadwork and creations. I like to put my own spin on my designs, I love to incorporate quill work into my pieces and think outside the box for my bead designs on my mitts. I like for them to stand out.”  She is inspired by the people she works with, whether it’s a student in her workshops, fellow creators or the communities she engages with. She is always eager to explore and grow when it comes to her craft and is determined to bring Indigenous art and culture to a wider audience.

Metallic offers belt and quill workshops, where she offers hands-on experience in learning traditional techniques and to embrace Indigenous artistry. These workshops are great for team building exercises, or for individuals who are simply interested in learning more about creating traditional crafts. She said, “Our workshops are more than just craft sessions: they are about creating shared space for creativity, collaboration, and community.”

If you would like more information on Jamie Metallic Designs, or would like to host a workshop, you can email jamiecmetallic77@gmail.com, reach out on Facebook: Jamie Metallic or Jamie Metallic Designs, or through Instagram: Jamie Metallic.

By Ann Marie Jacques

GEMS – Girls, Empowerment, Mentorship, Strengthening.

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GEMS is a program held within the Listuguj Community Social Service Directorate (LCSSD.) It is an after-school group for girls aged 9-13. This program is designated to offer mentorship and guidance for young girls in the community.

Carlene Isaac is a Home Support Worker at LCSSD and facilitates the group projects with GEMS. The girls who are registered for this program meet after school every Monday at LCSSD. They work on a variety of different projects such as arts and crafts and self-defense. The program also consists of information sessions on several important topics like bullying, sexual development, dangers of vaping and more.  

In the new year, Isaac would like to incorporate new teachings and cultural aspects to the program, such as beading, the Seven Sacred Teachings, medicines, and more.

In August, the GEMS program held a jingle dress workshop with Listuguj’s own, Cheyenne Isaac-Gloade. All nine girls enrolled in the program completed their dresses with pride.

At the end of the school year, the GEM and PALS (Protecting Ancient Leadership Skills) program at LCSSD went to tree-go in Rimouski.

When it comes to the importance of this program in Listuguj, Isaac said, “GEMS is important to the community because it’s a little group like family for the girls. They all get along when they’re here, and all have a great time. Most importantly, it also teaches them a lot of skills, and knowledge, and culture.”

As of right now, the GEMS program is full, with 10 girls enrolled. If you are interested in more information on GEMS, and upcoming registration opportunities, please contact Carlene Isaac at LCSSD at 418-788-3039 or via email at carlene.isaac@listuguj.ca.

By Ann Marie Jacques

AGS Launches New Production Team

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Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) has recently rolled out a brand-new production team for students to take part in. Gitpu Productions was established roughly a month and a half ago and was created for students who wanted to be part of a team, but not necessarily interested in sports. Being part of a team or club shows commitment, independence and responsibility.  Gitpu Productions is led by gym teachers, Jennifer Morrison and Tyler Gideon, with assistance from teacher, Darryl Stevens, and as of right now, there are 11 members, ranging from grade 5 to grade 7.

Grade five French Immersion student, Mia Legace, who is a member of the production team, said, “Gitpu Productions is pretty much of us making videos of people working at our school, of the athletes, and everyone else, and we put them on our media groups online.”

Each student has their own jobs and duties that they are comfortable with performing. Some of the tasks include sports announcements, filming and live-streaming sports events, graphic design, photography, laundry, and more. Gideon said, “There’s so many things that we can do. We’re going to start small, and we’re going to build and build and make sure all these students experience different jobs and see all the little things behind the scenes that most people don’t see when it comes to events.” While some of the students on the production team are members of various sports teams at AGS, they work together to ensure all tasks are met, if one of the students is out to play sports.

The production team gets together at least once a week to brainstorm and come up with ideas for future projects and events. A few ideas for the future: interviewing athletes to create profiles and bios, becoming game officials and statisticians, and creating gear for the team, with a logo created by member, grade seven English student, Charlie Pictou.  The team will also be looking into rolling out their own TikTok channel and creating more social media content. Morrison said, “We’re also going to be having some video editing. They’re going to be in charge of creating TikToks, content for social media, and getting the word out to community members.”

As of right now, you can see what Gitpu Productions has been working on via the Facebook page, “AGS Sports and Recreation.” The students have been dedicated to showing AGS and the community what they have been working on. We look forward to seeing what they have in store for the future!

From left to right:
Jennifer Morrison, Emily Mitchell, Donna Isaac Brisk, Sheeana Martin, Aubrey Wysote, Kiana Anderson Isaac, Charlie Pictou, Mia Legace, Lori Brisk, Kiera Barnaby, Lilly Barnaby, Shyla Martin, and Tyler Gideon.

By Ann Marie Jacques

And the award for best tasting water goes to… Listuguj!

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On September 24th, Listuguj’s Public Works Department participated in a competition organized by the Circuit Rider Training Program (CRTP) and Indigenous Services Canada’s First Nation and Inuit Health Branch at an annual banquet in Montreal.

Listuguj competed against approximately 23 First Nations communities to see which community had the best tasting water. In the end, there was a “taste-off” between the Innu community of Unamen Shipu and Listuguj.

Listuguj won first place for the best tasting water and took home “The Stanley Drop/ La Goute Stanley.”

Congratulations to the team for winning this award and providing the community with fresh, clean, drinkable water!

Listuguj’s Public Works Department goes above and beyond all year round, to ensure the community has good quality drinking water.  There are several daily, weekly, monthly and yearly tasks that need to be performed to maintain the fresh water in the community.

Shout out to the team:
Marc LeMay – Trainer and Instructor
Joshua Isaac – Public Works Manager/Operator
Gunner Isaac – Fresh Water Treatment Operator
John Loren Wysote – Fresh Water Treatment Operator and Wastewater Plant Operator
Andrea Mitchell – In Training for Water and Wastewater Operator

By Ann Marie Jacques

New Cancer Screening Initiative – Listuguj Community Health Services

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The Listuguj Community Health Services has partnered with the National Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) and the Quebec Integrated Health and Social Services (CISSS) to deliver a two (2) year in-community cancer screening pilot project.  The overall objective of Mawlugutinej – “Let’s Work Together” is to provide information, medical care and a path to resources on the prevalent cancers impacting Listuguj community members and their families.

The LCHS is proud to introduce Ms. Tanya Webster as the Mawlugutinej Project Manager.  With her medical background, she brings both a wealth of experience in the field, and a strong skill set with program management.  She will continue to foster the partnerships between Listuguj, the CISSS and Maria Hospital when it comes to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatments.

Through the continuum of care, the project will implement strategies that will positively impact wait times for medical appointments, referrals and results.  Mawlugutineg will bridge the existing gap in cancer services through the Province, and advocate for community members as they navigate the medical channels to receive the most appropriate care.

The LCHS hosted a ‘Lunch N’ Learn’ in early September to introduce the Mawlugutinej Project to our community members.  The focus on the discussion centered on Cervical Cancer Screening moderated by our own Nurse-In-Charge, Ms. Jennifer Caplin, R.N. and Tanya Webster.  The session was well attended by women of all ages from our community, and the feedback and interest on the information provided was very positive and encouraging.

With this Mawlugutineg Project, our Medical Team will be developing a free vaccination program for school age children (Grade 4) to 20 years of age.  A small fee will be required for female community members over the age of 20 who wish to get the vaccine.  The Team will also be looking into self-screening kits, and in the meantime, Listuguj Community Members can receive cervical cancer screenings here at our own Community Health Center.

To be eligible for in-community cervical cancer screenings, individuals must:

  • Be a Listuguj Community Member
  • Be between 25 to 65 years of age
  • Have a cervix
  • Have been sexually active
  • Have a valid Quebec Medicare Card

To obtain more information on this new resource, or to schedule your cervical cancer screening, contact the LCHS at 418-788-2155.

By Listuguj Community Health Services

Post Majority – Supporting Young Adults

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The Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate (LCSSD) offers a Post-Majority Program which was started to help youth who are aging out of Foster or Kindship care services. Lydia Barnaby is the Post-Majority Care Coordinator since May 2023, she said, “When I first heard of the program being implemented in Listuguj, I was excited and knew I wanted to be part of it.”

The Post-Majority Program is available to young adults from the time they turn 18, until their 26th Birthday. Barnaby said, “We recognized that there is a gap in support services and want to find ways that we can help individuals thrive on their journey into adulthood.” The services that are offered range from safe housing, educational support, financial support, physical, mental and social well-being support and cultural supports.

The program really takes into consideration the individual and works with them to create plans based on their needs, goals, and plans. It also recognizes that some of the individuals may face inter-generational trauma due to the hardships of being raised in care.

If you would like more information on the Post-Majority program, please contact Lydia Barnaby at 418-788-3039, or lydia.barnaby@listuguj.ca. You can also visit LCSSD at 2 Gef St.

By Ann Marie Jacques