Honouring the Late Lloyd Jacques and Vincent Martin

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On August 14th, a water ceremony and monument unveiling were held on the wharf on Marshall Way to honour the late Lloyd Jacques and Vincent Martin. Both men who lost their lives on the water practicing the Mi’gmaw’s inherent rights to fish.

The event began with an introduction from Dr. Cathy Martin. A prayer and water ceremony were done by Elder Roseann Martin. Seven tobacco offerings were placed on a tree. Followed by smudging the waters, and the Mi’gmaq Honour Song.

Chief Scott Martin thanked everyone for making the monument and event possible in the community. He said, “It’s an honour to be here. I want to thank all the fishermen who fish and exercise their rights – whether it’s commercial – it’s the way of our life. We want to keep it traditional.”

Director of Natural Resources, Dr. Fred Metallic reflected on Vincent’s infectious smile, saying, “When he would smile, you’d have to smile with him.” He also spoke about Lloyd’s peaceful presence.

Marcy Jacques spoke on behalf of the Jacques family and honoured her father, Lloyd, who passed away in 2014 on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. She also spoke about how it is important to continue to respect the waters, as it provides us with food and medicine to help sustain our lives.

Joanne Martin spoke on behalf of the Martin and Jacob family and honoured her brother, Vincent. Vincent passed away in 2004 while salmon fishing. Martin said, “It has been many years since he has left us in 2004, but the pain of that feels like it was yesterday.”

Both Marcy Jacques and Joanne Martin unveiled the monument, which consisted of photos of both the late fishermen along with epitaphs, and a Mi’gmaw transcription in the center that reads:

apjiw
gepmite’lmanej aqq angite’lmanej
‘ms’t usgewinu’g
O’ Gisu’lgw, etamuleg angweiwan
ta’nig elta’jig etlinsanoqonig
apaqtug, ‘gta’nug, aqq ta’n te’s’g sipu

English translation:

Let us forever honour and remember all fishers. Oh creator, we ask that you watch over those who head to the risky waters of the ocean, the sea, and rivers.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Cultural Reclamation Workshops with Hannah Vicaire

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Listuguj’s Hannah Vicaire is the Community Engagement and Cultural Officer with the Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) in Ottawa. She has been involved with this organization since 2022, and travels to different communities in Canada with her colleague Tara Devlin. On their travels, they offer a number of cultural and traditional workshops such as ribbon skirt making and drum making. These workshops aid in preserving traditional knowledge and practices. Vicaire also offers free financial literacy and attends pow wows and conferences giving more insight on the LHF.

A little about the Legacy of Hope Foundation, from their website:

We are a national Indigenous charitable organization with the mandate to educate and create awareness and understanding about the Residential School System, Including the intergenerational impacts such as the removal of generations of Indigenous children from their families, including the Sixties Scoop, the post traumatic stress disorders that many First Nations, Inuit, and Metis continue to experience, all while trying to address racism, foster empathy and understanding and inspire action to improve the situations of Indigenous People today. The LHF supports the ongoing healing process of Residential School Survivors, and their families and seeks their input on projects that honour them. 

Vicaire became passionate about traditional crafts at a young age, and started sewing with her grandmother, Theresa Wilmot. When her grandmother passed away, she lost this passion, until a year or two later when she worked with the Listuguj Pow Wow Committee as a student worker.  It was then she realized she wanted to get back to pursuing cultural practices.

When it comes to Vicaire’s knowledge and craft, she said, “An elder from Toronto came to Ottawa and she showed me the basics of how to make a ribbon skirt, then after that I started to watch more videos and started to teach myself more stuff about it.” Since working with the LHF, Vicaire has dabbled in making ribbon skirts, medicine bags, drums, bracelets, keychains, moccasins, mittens, vests, and feather holders.

There is a significant importance of ribbon skirts and preserving traditions. Vicaire mentioned how much of a positive impact they can have, and how they allow connection and empowerment. Vicaire said, “Seeing that the skirts make a positive impact whether they’re buying it, or making it shows me how important they are. They create a space for non-indigenous people to be curious and ask questions, which lead to bigger conversations about Indigenous people.”

Vicaire plans on offering more workshops and travelling to different communities in the future. She continues to broaden her skills and revitalize traditions in her everyday life.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Introducing “Wi’gue’g Resilience Night”

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In July, the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate (LCSSD) introduced its Wi’gue’g Resilience Night- open to all 2SLGBTQIA+!

Resilience Nights are organized by Administrator, Mimiges Delarosbil and Youth Protection Delegate, Morgan Campbell. Delarosbil is responsible for content creation and planning the event’s activities, and Campbell can provide individuals with educational information and materials regarding the topics discussed during Resilience Nights, or that center around 2SLGBTQIA+.

These events serve as a safe space to converse and connect with others. Every month, a schedule will be released with planned activities. Some of these activities include beading, friendship bracelet making, simplified quillwork with toothpicks, pinch pottery and more. In past events, discussions were had about an upcoming information session for the community of Listuguj.  Delarosbil said, “We’re going to be hosting a night for the community where they can ask questions and learn how to ask respectful boundary acknowledging questions.” As it is only natural to be curious and ask questions, it’s important to educate on how to do this respectfully and politely.

As of right now, there are not many events held like this in the Restigouche area, therefore it is an important resource in Listuguj that helps to build a safer and accepting community.  “I know it’s something that I really wanted to see, and it’s nice to see so many people reaching out,” said Delarosbil.

The event is open to anyone of all ages and is being held at the LCSSD Building on 2 Gef St. every Wednesday from 5:00PM to 7:30PM. Refreshments and snacks will be served. Please note, no registration is required for Resilience Nights. Monthly activities will be posted on Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Facebook page in advance.

For more information, please contact the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate at 418-788-3039.

By Ann Marie Jacques

A BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY MESSAGE FROM THE LISTUGUJ POLICE DEPARTMENT 

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The Listuguj Police Department would like to remind the public that School Zone speed limits will resume as of the morning of September 3, 2024 in the designated locations. (Caplin Road in front of the AGS, Riverside East in front of the Education Complex, and Pacific Drive from LMDC to the Daycare). 

Also, please ensure the safety of students getting on and off the bus by always obeying the signals of the School Bus.  Failure to respect the school bus signals can result in public injury and an infraction ticket being issued.

Example of Infractions: 

Speeding in a School Zone: 

[Example if you are doing 50km/hr in a posted 30km/hr School Zone], Section 329 of the HSC = $200.00 fine and 3 points from your driver’s license. 

Failure to Stop for a School bus while red flashing signals are activated and stop signal: 

Section 460 of the HSC = $313.00 and 9 points from your driver’s license. 

While social media is a great way to stay in touch and update with friends and family, we ask you to limit the information shared about your child/children who are headed back to school no matter your privacy or security settings, this is all information that predators and scammers would love to know.

Recommending maybe keeping a personal photo for yourself as a keepsake, of all their first day back to school should you wish to include more information.

The LPD staff would also like to wish all the students a safe and happy return to school, we hope you have an awesome year! 

Wela’lioq 

Chief of Police Sharon Barnaby

Listuguj Police Department 

We appreciate the public’s co-operation, as this is for the safety of our community and children. 

Local Artist Spotlight – Felicia Mitchell

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Felicia Mitchell was born and raised here in the community of Listuguj. She became a single mother at the age of 19 but that didn’t stop her from going on to obtain a highly impressive education. She graduated from community college in Miramichi, NB, obtaining a certificate in Human Services. After this, she obtained a diploma in Business Administration, and as of this Spring she graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She is currently the Business Development Advisor for the Natural Resources Directorate (Fisheries). While attending school and being a mother, she developed a passion for beading.

When Mitchell was in Miramichi for Community College, she had three teachers who impacted her immensely, and to show her gratitude, she asked her cousin to teach her how to make a beaded dream catcher as a gift to her teachers.  When Mitchell presented them with their beaded dream catchers, something just clicked. Mitchell said, “I witnessed their reactions with joy and happiness and showed their gratitude with big hugs. This was the feeling that I wanted to chase, knowing how something I made with my own hands could influence people, and just like that, BeadworkbyFelicia was accidentally born.”

Since Mitchell attended school in Campbellton, and not in Listuguj where culture classes were readily available, it wasn’t until she was in her early 20’s that she learned how to bead. She attended craft nights in the community with Lita Isaac and started with beaded dreamcatchers. After some time, she became skilled with quills, leather and various types of beads. Mitchell eventually developed her signature style of earring, called “BeadworkbyFelicia flowers” which consists of shiny glass gems and beads. This style is very intricate and simply one-of-a-kind. The stand-out flowers come in three different sizes and can also be put on badge reels.

Mitchell has several achievements when it comes to her craft. Her beadwork has been sent to all 10 provinces and three territories in Canada, as well as 46 out of the 50 states in America. Mitchell said, “My long-term goal is to reach all 50 states, so if you know anyone in Missouri, Alabama, West Virginia, or Delaware, send them my way!” Her dedicated Instagram page has over 6,000 followers, and her Facebook page has 6,000 likes and 7,000 followers. Mitchell has also collaborated with Indigenous company, Manitobah Mukluks, resulting in six custom pairs of mukluks with her signature beaded gem flowers.

Mitchell continues to bead and finds her inspiration in the beauty of the world. She will have her work available at the upcoming Autumn Festival and Craft Fair in the community on October 5th from 10AM to 5PM at the Listuguj Community Development Center (Bingo Hall.) You can follow BeadworkbyFelicia on Facebook to see available inventory or if she is accepting commissioned orders.

By Ann Marie Jacques

The Listuguj Rangers – Protecting Mi’gmaw Fishing and Hunting Rights Since 1994

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After the salmon raids of 1981, regulation and self-governance was needed in the community, therefore the Listuguj Rangers department was established in 1994. Since then, they have gone on to be an integral part of Listuguj: helping protect the Mi’gmaw’s fishing and hunting rights, assisting with Public Security and educating the public on the importance of conservation. As of today, the Listuguj Rangers have approximately 30 members on their team, six boats and 5 fully serviced trucks.

Don Leo Arsenault has an impressive and extensive work background. He was a US Marine in the 90’s, he worked for the Listuguj Police Department, he was a commercial fisherman, and has worked on and off as a Ranger in the community since 1998. Two years ago, he took on the role as Chief Ranger. When it comes to his role, Arsenault said, “Seeking out this job, and coming back to work here, it’s all about being out in nature. Just going to patrol on the river, it’s not a job per-se, when you’re out there, you feel like what people would feel on vacation.”

The Listuguj Rangers protect the Restigouche River and cover the annual salmon fishing season in June/July, rock crab fishing, and seasonal lobster fishing in Carleton. They now monitor a new zone for lobster fishing within Miguasha. They are also responsible for patrolling up in the woods during the Fall hunting season. They work to ensure all laws and agreements that have been implemented in the community are abided by and respected.

They collaborate with Public Security in the community when needed and will help with roadblocks and other duties as they arise. They donate and distribute salmon and lobster and take part in a number of fundraising events in the community.

Receiving training for Search and Rescue duties when needed in the community is a possibility for the future.  If an incident were to happen in the river, or in the woods, the Listuguj Rangers would be called to assist. Search and Rescue training would include the use of GPS and grid squares, and ensuring all surrounding areas are covered.

In June, 20 Rangers graduated from College d’Alma with a diploma in Wildlife Protection. This program provides in-depth training regarding wildlife and their habitats. Having official certification from the government opens more funding opportunities for the department.

Since 1994, the Listuguj Rangers have been managed under their own government, and have worked harmoniously with the community and surrounding areas. They continue to work to preserve, manage and conserve all natural resources and the right to fish and hunt.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Listuguj’s Grocery Voucher Program

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The Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate (LCSSD) offers several beneficial services and programs to aid in the well-being of community members. One of these programs is the Grocery Voucher Program.

The Grocery Voucher Program (“food vouchers”) is a redeemable paper document that clients can use at the local IGA Extra grocery store in Campbellton, New Brunswick. This program was implemented in place of the physical food bank that was offered to registered band members in the past. It is available to all Elders, Social Assistance Clients, and individuals with low income. Individuals who wish to utilize this resource must apply every 30 days.

To apply, individuals need to fill out an application which requires mandatory information such as: name, address, band number, number of children and household members, etc. Individuals can apply for these vouchers every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The vouchers are processed and created on Thursday and are available for pickup at LCSSD at 2 Gef St. every Friday. Due to Summer hours, pickup of food vouchers will be available Fridays until noon until August 30th.

Khaliah Barnaby Morrison is the Community Support Coordinator at LCSSD and runs the Grocery Voucher Program. When it comes to the importance of this program, Barnaby Morrison said, “This initiative is significant for our community as it allows people to have agency over their spending and shop specifically for their dietary needs. This program also allows our department to fully see how necessary the program is to individuals and their families, especially in our current climate of extreme food pricing. Helping individuals and families, and providing relief is the most crucial part of this program.”

If you would like to apply for food vouchers, or would like more information on this available resource, please contact Khaliah Barnaby Morrison at 418-788-3039, by email at khaliah.barnaby@listuguj.ca or in person at 2 Gef St.

By Ann Marie Jacques

What’s New at Waqatasg Elders Home?

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On July 19th, a staff orientation meeting was held at the Waqatasg Elders Home for all new staff: Management, Nursing, Personal Support Workers, Administrative, Kitchen, Maintenance, and Custodial.

The following week, Waqatasg opened its doors to two Listuguj Elders who are currently residing in other facilities outside of the community.

The community is looking forward to having our Elders back home.

Congratulations to the new team at Waqatasg so far!

There are still nursing positions and other positions available. For more information on available jobs at the Waqatasg Elders Home, click the link below.
https://listuguj.ca/jobs/

By Ann Marie Jacques

Maternal & Child Health Program

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The Maternal and Child Health program provides prenatal care, including monthly prenatal follow up assessments, assistance with finding a doctor to follow you through your pregnancy in collaboration with CLSC, referrals to Midwifery services, group activities and teachings, as well as incentives if followed regularly. There is additionally a continuum of care postnatally, including a postnatal follow up assessment of Mother and Baby 24-48 hours after discharge from hospital, breastfeeding support, and additional postpartum support and resources available as needed. In addition to pregnancy, the Maternal and Child Health program will follow your baby for regular growth and development assessments, immunizations, as well as assistance with referrals for any additional needs.
If any of these services are required, of you have any further question, please call the Listuguj Community Health Center at 418-788-2155, and request to speak to a member of the MCH team.  

Local Business Spotlight – Wasueg 3D Printing

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Wasueg 3D Printing was established roughly two years ago. Interest in this business began shortly after 12-year-old Aliyah Wasueg Bernard received a 3D printer for her Birthday. Her siblings, 10-year-old Anthony Bernard Savoie and 8-year-old Ayanna Bernard Savoie, received 3D printers shortly after.

All three children attend Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) in Listuguj and developed a passion for 3D printing after enrolling in the school’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math) program. Their dad, Gino Savoie, said, “If it weren’t for AGS, we probably would never have gotten into this.”

The business, Wasueg (meaning “flower” in Mi’gmaq), started with one printer and one roll of plastic. The family sold their creations solely on Facebook, and every penny made was reinvested into the business. Eventually, their home was filled with four 3D printers and printing materials that they needed to expand. They moved into their current location at 64 Water St. in Campbellton two months ago.

Wasueg 3D Printing creates various items and products, such as decorations and lamps. They also offer custom-made products, household item replacements, and more. Most of their products use Polylactic Acid, commonly known as PLA, for 3D printing. It is derived from corn and is 100% biodegradable. Regarding the material, Aliyah Bernard said, “If it breaks, you can put it in hot compost, garden, or in the ground, and then it will be gone.”

The children enjoy creating new products and experimenting with the 3D printers and materials. Anthony Bernard Savoie’s specialty is making gaming products, such as controllers and headphone stands. He said one of his favourite things about 3D printing is “Making big robots.”

Be sure to follow “Wasueg 3-D Printing” on Facebook for hours and available products. If you are looking for a custom item, stop into the shop on 64 Water St. or send them a Facebook message.

By Ann Marie Jacques