At the end of May, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government held a celebration to recognize employees celebrating 20+ years of service with the organization.
Congratulations to the following employees:
Darla Caplin
Christopher Metallic
Bruce Mitchell
Denise Isaac
Karena Condo
Absent from photo: Vance Brisk and Winston Barnaby
Soccer
Coaches – Felix Atencio-Gonzales & Omar Louafi
Rookie of the Year – Henry Gibson
Most Improved – Emily Barnaby
Top Defensive – Grace Condo
Golden Foot Award – Alexis Metallic
Most Valuable Player – Alexis Metallic
Gitpugji’jg Basketball
Coaches – Jennifer Morrison, Jonathan Barnaby & Tyler Gedeon
Gitpugji’jg 2
Most Improved – Kiana Anderson-Isaac
Defensive Player – Trenton Morrison
Most Valuable Player – Anthony-Bernard Savoie
Rookie of the Year – Cooper Metallic
Gitpugji’jg 1
Most Improved – Levi Isaac
Defensive Player – Mia Legace
Most Valuable Player – Tucker Barnaby
Gitpu’g Basketball
Coach – Erwin Molley
Rookie of the Year – Henry Gibson
Most Improved – Macy Wysote and Tejay Barnaby
Top Defensive Player – Triton Vicaire
Most Valuable Players – Hawk Barnaby and Alexis Metallic
Gitpu’g Volleytball
Coach – Tyler Gideon
Most Improved – Vaan Barnaby and Anthony Bernard-Savoie
Defensive Player – Mia Legace
Most Valuable Player – Henry Gibson
Alaqsite’w Gitpui’sqwaq Volleyball
Coaches – Miranda Goodfellow & Jennifer Morrison
Junior Varsity
Rookie of the Year – Mila Vicaire
Most Improved – Avery Barnaby-Court
Defensive Player – Mia Legace
Most Valuable Player – Aubrey Wysote
Varsity Rookie of the Year – Kaylee Willett
Most Improved – Nahla Barnaby
Defensive Player of the Year – Alexis Metallic
Most Valuable Player – Macy Wysote
Major Awards
Fan of the Year – Mandy Belliveau
Junior Fan of the Year – Henry Gibson
Paqt’sm Award Winners:
Alexis Metallic
Jeremi Caplin-Lavoie
Levi Isaac
Amelia Isaac
Millie Legacy
Knoxx Vicaire
Emily Barnaby
Gitpuji’jg Female Athlete of the Year – Mia Legace
Gitpuji’jg Male Athlete of the Year – Henry Gibson
AGS Female Athlete of the Year – Alexis Metallic
AGS Male Athlete of the Year – Hawk Barnaby
Strategic planning is a valuable management tool that provides strength in alignment while supporting change. The MMS Executive initiated the need for such work with the firm MNP last fall with the MMS staff and subsequently with the MM leadership of the three communities. Ultimately, the leadership and MMS took hold of this opportunity to come together to finalize the goals and priorities through a strategic plan that will guide the work precisely and effectively into the future.
For two days, the MEC Elders and elected officials of the three Mi’gmaq communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg, and Listuguj met to review, discuss and build on the alliance and vision of the MM and MMS. There was plenty of information and review of the current priorities to help guide the discussions and exercise.
The MMS had the pleasure of introducing the different files of MMS and were able to discuss extensively the importance of these priorities. The MMS staff had the opportunity to present the great diversity of files they’re currently working on, often without the required resources made available due to the challenges with the government funding.
After the presentation of the files and priorities of 2016, the MM were able to reflect on the vision and mission of the Secretariat as it’s evolved over time, we identified the need for one that reflects the current landscape. After lengthy discussions, changes were proposed to reflect the aspirations and will of the three communities.
An exercise was conducted to prioritize the issues in terms of importance and capacity resources.
At the end of these very productive two days, MNP will prepare a final MM Strategic Plan with end goals and objectives for the next 3-5 five years.
Another meeting is planned for this summer in July, where the MM will be presented with its final version in principle, to be approved. This strategic plan will guide the work of the MMS and bring us closer to the people and better structured in our approaches, empowering alignment.
We will keep you informed as we move forward with the development of the MMS Strategic Plan and all its work.
For more information, feel free to visit our new website for regular updates at www.migmawei.ca
Have a great summer and make sure to connect with the outdoors.
Welaliog
By MMS
The Listuguj Community Health Services Directorate offers several different programs and resources to Listuguj community members, including Medical Transportation.
Keetha Metallic has recently taken on the role of Medical Transportation Coordinator as of June 10th this year. She works alongside Christina Gedeon, who is also Medical Transportation Coordinator.
Medical Transportation is available for community members who are attending medical appointments in and out of the community. Metallic said, “If it’s a local appointment, it would be great if they could let us know 72 hours prior so we can make the arrangements. For long trips, it would be good if they could notify us a week or two before because we have to coordinate our drivers.” As of right now, Medical Transportation has three drivers in Listuguj.
Medical appointments that require travel, hotel stays, etc., can be eligible for reimbursement, and individuals may be asked to hold onto their receipts. Metallic and Gedeon will arrange the accommodations ahead of time. There is a set rate for mileage and meals.
If you would like information on this resource in the community, please contact the Health Center at 418-788-2155.
Please note that on July 1st, all Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government offices will be closed for the day. Individuals who utilize Medical Transportation are asked to arrange for other means of transportation on this day.
By Ann Marie Jacques
Coffee with a Cop is a Nationwide event that brings Police Officers and the community members they serve together over a cup of coffee and good conversation.
This event was held on May 15th at the Elder’s Lodge!
One of the newest developments in the community of Listuguj is the Turtle Lodge. The Turtle Lodge was created as a place for practicing healing in the ways of Mi’gmaq ancestors.
The idea for the project began a couple of years ago, and a Call for Tender was posted in early March 2023. Construction began in the Spring of 2023.
At the Turtle Lodge, community members will be able to embrace their Mi’gmaq culture and traditions. There will be talking circles, teachings, and storytelling. Workshops for medicine making, drum making, rattle making, and more will be available. The community will invite knowledge-keepers from sister communities to come and offer their services and share their wisdom. It will also act as a safe space for residential school survivors and second generations who feel the impacts of generational trauma. There will be a language room, where various departments will work to help promote and preserve the Mi’gmaq language. The building will be available for ceremonies that will be open to the community.
The Turtle Lodge will also be equipped with office space, and a kitchen, which will create job opportunities.
Councilor and community member Chad Gedeon who has played a big role in this project said, “The Turtle Lodge would not have happened without knowledge-keepers, our healers, Capital and Infrastructure, and our community members for pushing for it.”
The overall project is estimated at approximately three million dollars. For phase one, funding for approximately two million dollars was covered by CIRNAC (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada). Approximately $150,000 was covered by the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG). Phase one has officially been completed this month. Currently, LMG is trying to secure funds for phase two of this project, which would be all the finish work, including the interior work and landscaping.
The Turtle Lodge is a unique and bright building. It was made with mass timber products and includes a skylight, which projects natural light into the building. There will also be a large Mi’gmaq star on display.
Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of LMG Bassem Abdrabou said, “The building was designed to be supported by seven pillars, which represent the seven teachings: Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility and Truth.”
The Turtle Lodge is located on Bordeaux Road, next to the Etlinpisulti’gw Healing Grounds, and is expected to be completed at the end of Summer.
By Ann Marie Jacques
Earlier this month, The Scientific Team and helpers distributed lobster and crab to all homes in the community. Thank you for organizing and distributing the lobster and crab. Your hard work is appreciated!
Thank you to the fishermen and women for all their hard work and dedication. The community thrives on its natural resources and is so grateful for the fisheries’ success in Listuguj.
Justin Caldwell has been one of the voices behind Listuguj’s radio station CHRQ 106.9FM for the past 20+ years. He’s known for his Friday Night All Request Country Shows, the occasional Bingo, and creative commercial breaks, but did you know he also provides the English narration for APTN’s TV series, Gespe’gewa’gi: The Last Land?
Gespe’gewa’gi: The Last Land is a show produced by Rezolution Pictures. An Indigenous-owned film production company out of Montreal, QC that showcases Indigenous representation when it comes to film. The show focuses on Indigenous commercial fisheries, their traditions, and the hard work that comes along with this industry. Season one of the show highlights Listuguj’s Natural Resources, while season two focuses on other Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia.
In season one, viewers get an in-depth look at Listuguj’s history and traditions when it comes to snow crab and shrimp fishing, salmon conservation, the raids of 1981, and more. Natural Resources Media Journalist Felix Atencio-Gonzales worked closely with Rezolution Pictures and APTN for this project. Atencio-Gonzales recommended that Caldwell would be a great choice for a narrator for the series, as he is a well-known voice in the community.
Gespe’gewa’gi: The Last Land also has a Mi’gmaq version available to stream. Elder Joe Wilmot offers the Mi’gmaq narration for these episodes. A number of Elders and community members also offer their voices in the Mi’gmaq episodes of the series.
Caldwell has narrated both seasons of the series thus far in English, and will be returning for season three, which is expected to air this Fall. Most of the recordings for the show are done in Montreal. Caldwell is provided with a rough cut of the filming, along with a script. He is honored to be part of such an informative show for the community of Listuguj. He said, “For fishers, you kind of know what’s going on, but you don’t see the day-to-day of everything that’s happening. You don’t see how stressful it can be, how rewarding it can be, and everything that goes into it. It’s impressive to see.”
All episodes of Gespe’gewa’gi: The Last Land can be found on the streaming service APTN Lumi for $4.99 per month, or you can catch episodes from time to time on APTN.
By Ann Marie Jacques
We celebrated our amazing Nurses at the Listuguj Community Health Services for Nurses Week from May 6-10 We appreciate and recognize all your dedication, hard work, and compassion. You make a difference!
– Laura LeClair, Home & Community Care Nurse Supervisor
– Lori-Lynn Wysote, Home & Community Care Nurse
– Robin Clement, Home & Community Care Nurse
– Melissa Lavoie, Home & Community Care Nurse
– Erika Desrochers, Community Health/Home & Community Care Nurse
– Amanda Dedam, Community Health/Home & Community Care Nurse
– Katrina Guitard, Maternal Child Health/Immunization/Communicable Disease Prevention Nurse
– Caroline Jacques, Maternal Child Health/Immunization/Community Health Nurse
– Avery Arpin Jacques, Maternal Child Health/Immunization/Community Health Nurse
– Leila Swasson, Hospital Liaison Nurse
– Jennifer Caplin, Nurse Manager
The Executive Office at Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) is responsible for maintaining and managing the organization’s overall resources and operations and working closely with Chief and Council on community matters.
The Executive Office team is as follows:
The team has been working diligently on a Centralized Funding Database that collects and stores data when it comes to finances within the organization. This will increase the chances of funding opportunities for community needs, upcoming projects, and employees. Soon, the Executive Office will be looking for funding liaisons from each directorate and department in LMG to work directly with the Centralized Funding Database. The team is working with the Finance Directorate to increase its capacity to adapt to the growth in the community, which includes updated and modernized financial procedures. They are currently working with Finance and HR on finalizing a salary scale project throughout the organization. This project will target each directorate and department, and offer more transparency, equity, and fairness when it comes to employee salaries.
The Executive Office welcomed their newest addition to the team. Melinda Martin took on the role of External Affairs Coordinator in March of this year. Several directorates and departments are involved in multiple high-level negotiations with outside parties. Melinda’s role will be to establish and work with a centralized Negotiations Team within LMG and Finance to support processes that would seek the best overall negotiation results.
One of the team’s main tasks is addressing community needs when it comes to wellness and way of life. In October 2023, the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative (LWRI) was created, consisting of several members throughout LMG. This initiative promotes health and wellness in the community, from its youth to its Elders. The LWRI held two successful events and has provided information on available resources and programs, with more to come.
The Executive Office has been working with the Listuguj Health Services Directorate to secure funding for the operations and maintenance of the Waqatasg Elder’s Facility to ensure all Elders receive the utmost medical care with knowledgeable staff and state-of-the-art equipment and supplies.
One of the most important projects that is handled by the team is the Land Code and the Zoning Law. These projects promote economic development, help to prevent and resolve disputes, allow quiet enjoyment on properties, and enhance environmental protections in designated residential, industrial, and commercial areas.
At the end of February, there was a Public Security Directorate announcement regarding leadership changes. Peter Arsenault resumed his role as Director of Public Security. This will allow Arsenault to assist in more capacity when it comes to funding, negotiations, and other matters. Sharon Barnaby was appointed as the Interim Chief of Police. The decision for this change was made to strengthen the Public Security team to the best of its ability and continue to serve and protect the community.
Another important ongoing project is the Specific Claim Negotiations. The claims were accepted in 2019 and 2020 for the Restigouche River Islands (just west of the reserve) and the railway that passes through the community. The Executive Office and the Office of Chief and Council are currently working with a legal team for this project, and negotiations and evaluations are underway.
The Capital and Infrastructure Directorate has been busy with several upcoming projects and housing developments. Here is a list of ongoing projects and upgrades in the community:
The Executive Office would like to extend its gratitude to the Capital and Infrastructure and Public Works Teams, for all of their hard to work on current and ongoing projects in Listuguj.
By Ann Marie Jacques and Executive Office
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Formerly titled the Nujignua'tegeg - The Wi'gatign is a multi media community newsletter for Listuguj First Nation.
Find our printed issues within the community. We print once a month.