Turtle Lodge – A Place for Healing

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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

Lobster Distribution

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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.

From Radio to Television

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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

Nurses Week

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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

A Spring Update from Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Executive Office

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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:

  • Bassem Abdrabou – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Jeff Basque – Chief Operating Officer
  • Melinda Martin – External Affairs Coordinator
  • Lacriesa Wysote – Senior Executive Assistant
  • Macy Metallic – Junior Executive Assistant

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:

  • Housing Accelerator Fund Agreement – to secure more housing funds for this upcoming season.
  • The building of the Turtle Lodge. (Funded by ISC.)
  • New Band Office concept plans.
  • Riverside Phase 2 & 3 progress – starting this Spring.
  • “Atlantic Drive” development – a call out for tender will be posted in May with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) committed to paying 80%.
  • The building of two new sanitary lift stations – call out for tender posted earlier this month. (Funded by ISC.)
  • An upgrade to the water line at Isaac Lane (for Listuguj Hills) and paving part of Isaac Lane. (Funded by ISC.)
  • Working to obtain funding from ISC for an Autism Centre at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School.
  • The installation of new cameras, and lights for Glitaw Park, along with the installation of lights in different areas throughout the community.
  • The intention to build 20 new housing units this Summer.
  • Working to obtain funding for a community arena.

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

Sports and Recreation at AGS

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Listuguj’s Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) thrives on the personal growth, well-being, and education of students in the classroom, and this is also the case when it comes to sports and recreation. Physical education teachers Jennifer Morrison and Tyler Gideon work hard inside and outside of the school with students to ensure they are receiving the best coaching and mentorship when it comes to playing sports.

Jennifer Morrison has been a physical education teacher at AGS for the past four years. She started during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during this time, sports had to be put on hold. Fast forward 2-3 years later, and sports and recreation are at an all-time high in the Nursery to Grade 8 school.

Morrison stated that she was hesitant at first when she was offered the job as a physical education teacher. She wasn’t sure she was familiar and comfortable enough with various sports and rules, but ultimately it ended up being better than she could ever have imagined. Gideon joined AGS two years ago. He has an impressive background when it comes to sports and coaching with over 30 years of experience. The two teachers collaborated with many people to make AGS sports what it is today. Morrison said, “We’ve had a lot of people come together through coaching, chaperoning, and volunteering to help these programs really kind of take off.” Since Morrison and Gideon are the physical education teachers, this is beneficial when it comes to finding students who are passionate about sports, and who show willingness to learn and play in a team setting.

Both Morrison and Gideon are advocates for creating opportunities when it comes to sports and recreation. AGS combines passion and culture in its sports teams. Morrison and Gideon believe sports open doors and are always eager to recognize and acknowledge the student’s determination and progression.

Last year in 2023, the school started with one boy’s middle school basketball team (grades 6-8) – Gitpu’g, which eventually led to an elementary-aged basketball team (grades 3-5) – Gitpu’ji’jg. Having an elementary-aged basketball team was a first for AGS, and it came with major success that this year, the school was able to compile a second team for this age group. All basketball teams are now co-ed.

Last year, many students expressed interest in a volleyball team. With the help from volunteers, a volleyball team was formed. There were five coaches during the first year, who worked with the students on the rules and logistics of the game. The school now has two girls’ volleyball team called Gitpui’sqwaq and a boys’ volleyball team.

AGS also offers soccer, cross country, mountain biking, softball, track and field, and as of last month, swimming. They are continually working at bringing new sports and recreation activities to the school.

This year, more students than ever expressed interest in joining sports teams. A lot of students are joining multiple sports teams in the school as well.  “Every team that we had last year, we more than doubled them this year, and there are still kids who are wanting to join,” said Morrison.

For those students who may not be quite ready to commit to a team, but would like to get a feel for sports, AGS offers intramurals. These are various sports played in the gym or soccer field during recess times. There are intramural playoffs and championships, which give the students exposure and a taste of what playing sports competitively is like.

AGS competes in various sports jamborees during the school year. Last year there were four jamborees held throughout the season. These jamborees consist of all the teams that the school typically plays against (Campbellton Middle School, Lord Beaverbrook School, Jacquet River School, etc.) Listuguj held a basketball jamboree for one of the Gitpu’ji’jg basketball teams in February. The team was undefeated for the second season in a row.

The school also attends the annual First Nations Education Council Inter-School (FNEC) Games. This brings together athletes from all First Nations schools in Quebec. This year it is being held in Laval, Quebec from May 23-26. The coaches plan on bringing a number of teams and athletes to participate. This will be Morrison’s third year attending the FNEC Games. This is a great opportunity for the students to play amongst other First Nation communities.

Every year the school celebrates its athletes with a Sports Banquet.  Last year there were roughly 150 attendees at the sports banquet, Morrison is expecting the turnout to be bigger this year. Several awards are handed out, such as Athlete of the Year – in which a feather with the student’s name will be on display in the gym. This is for middle school-aged students. Last year they introduced the Gitpu’ji’jg Athlete of the Year, which goes up until grade five. A feather is given to students to go up on the wall for this as well.

When the school year comes to an end, Morrison and Gideon offer sports and recreation summer camps for students. This is typically a three-week program over the summer break.

All the sports and recreation wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the teachers, coaches, volunteers, and parents. They are always seeking volunteers and recruitment to help when it comes to coaching and chaperoning students and athletes at AGS. If you are interested, contact 418-788-3100.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Siwqw – A Time for Renewal and Growth

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The Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat had the honor to host Senator Paul (PJ) Prosper and Parliamentary Affairs Director, Claudine Santos in Gespe’gewa’gi on April 2, 2024, as part of his listening tour across Mi’gma’gi. Senator Prosper, a respected advocate for Mi’gmaq rights and notable parliamentary figure, aimed to deepen his understanding of the challenges facing our MM community to champion legislative and policy reforms nationally.

The visit represented an opportunity for our communities to articulate our concerns and visions for governance, rights, and community well-being followed by a tour to visit our community developments and initiatives.


We would like to acknowledge Senator Prosper’s commitment to listening and learning from the voices of Mi’gma’qi with a profound respect for our traditions, challenges and aspirations. Here’s to moving forward in a positive way.

The day ended with a tour of Listuguj and its latest developments and initiatives, Turtle Lodge, Police Station, Public Works, Social Services, housing development, Gardens and Waqatasq Facility. We received a warm welcoming from our AGS Youth Chief and Council leadership for ceremony followed by a panel of questions from the students, including a visit to the Mi’gmaq Immersion and Outdoor Education. An enriching day wrapped in a bundle of medicine.

A special thanks to all those involved in making this initiative possible.

With efforts in growing our capacity, the MMS is accepting resumes for various fields and expertise with the effort to create a list of potential candidates for upcoming roles in the areas of: Archives/Records Management, Project Management, GIS – ARC software, Finance and Administration, Lands and Environment, Consultation – Planning and Engagement, Social Media Content, Senior Management, Communications and Governance.

You can submit your resume to resume@migmawei.ca

MMS will be launching an awareness survey in the near future, stay connected and visit our re-designed website www.migmawei.ca or send your feed-forward to stayconnected@migmawei.ca

Ap, Namultes

-MMS

Muin Ji’j Center – Bridging the Gap for Families in the Community

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The Muin Ji’j Center was created by the Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate (LCSSD) to develop another option for childcare in the community. At this time, the Mawo’ltijig Mijjuaji’jg Child Care Centre provides childcare for children up to age 4. The Youth and Family Center offers a variety of programs for children aged 5 and up. This may come as a challenge to parents looking for before and after-school care for children ages 4-6. The Muin Ji’j Center Coordinator Alicia Simon said, “It’s about bridging the gap for children that age out of the community daycare, and children who are still quite too young for programs at the Youth Center.”

The Center started in October of 2023 and is located at 18 Caplin Road. Right now, 20 children take part in the Center’s Before and After School programs, and there are four staff members: childcare workers and the coordinator. The Center opens its doors at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM. Parents/guardians can drop their children off before bus pickup, which typically occurs at 8:30 AM. After school, busses can drop the students back off at the Center until pickup from the parent/guardian.

During the Summer, a summer camp will be offered for children born from 2017 to 2019. The camp is expected to be 8 weeks long. Registrations will open for this in the near future.

The Muin Ji’j Center offers childcare and peace of mind for parents. Simon said, “Instead of just offering childcare services to families and working families in the community, we have that opportunity to create a safe environment and model appropriate play.” The children enrolled at the Center do a variety of hands-on, sensory, dramatic, and creative play. They have the opportunity to earn “Muin Ji’j bucks” by completing different challenges and tasks. With these bucks, they can purchase treats and toys in a hands-on store inside the classroom where the children operate the cash register. The children are given nutritious snacks and are encouraged to experiment and try new things when it comes to food. They take part in a regular culture class with song and drum circles, and the Mi’gmaq language.

Overall, the Muin Ji’j Center has been an important service that was needed in the community. It continues to expand and grow. If you are interested in more information on the Center, contact Alicia Simon at alicia.simon@listuguj.ca or 418-788-5147.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Morgan Toney – Combining Mi’kmaq and Celtic Music

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Juno Award Nominee and East Coast Music Award Winner, Morgan Toney is a Mi’kmaq traditional Celtic fiddler and singer from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

He got into music at a young age he was introduced to highly influential bands by his family. When he was seven years old, he was visiting his Uncle’s house and his Uncle had a Phil Collins Live in Concert DVD. Toney immediately fell in love with the idea of being a musician and performing for a crowd. He took the DVD home and watched it every day. He eventually took an interest in playing the drums and began drumming on his mother’s pots and pots, which led to her buying Toney his very own set of drums.

He played drums throughout his adolescence and transitioned to playing the fiddle after he graduated high school.   When he graduated high school, he knew he wanted to study music and signed up for various music programs across Nova Scotia. He enrolled in a Traditional Celtic Music Program at Cape Breton University, where he took fiddle lessons. When it comes to playing the fiddle, Toney said, “The fiddle – people say is the most difficult instrument to learn, and to master, and I feel like when I get to the age of 92, I feel like I’ll still be learning, and it fascinates me so much.” Toney has only been actively playing the fiddle for 5 years but has proven his excellence and dedication to this challenging instrument.

Toney eventually took lessons from different fiddlers across Nova Scotia. He performed at various events and parties in his community and noticed that when he played for Elders, they typically became uninterested in Celtic music after some time. He decided to try to fuse traditional Mi’kmaq music with Celtic music. One song he always really loved is the Mi’kmaq social song, “Ko’jua” and once he added Celtic flare with his fiddle, it instantly became a big hit. When it came to this mash-up, Toney said, “Taking two cultures of Cape Breton – the Mi’kmaq culture, the Mi’kmaq songs, the Mi’kmaq teachings, the Mi’kmaq philosophies, everything that makes me who I am – and blend it with the Celtic music of Cape Breton.” Toney now classified this genre of music as, “M’ikmaltic.”

It’s no secret that Toney is always working on his craft. In his downtime, he likes to turn off social media, go outdoors, and take his dog for walks.

Toney’s album Resilience came out in November of 2023, and it was positively received, earning various awards and nominations. He and his band are currently in the studio working on a new album.

You can find Morgan Toney on all streaming platforms.  

By Ann Marie Jacques

LPD Investigate Theft in Nursery Classroom

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The Listuguj Police Department received a call Friday, March 15th regarding a theft in a nursery classroom. Officers were dispatched and arrived on scene at 9:20 AM at the classroom of Ms. Joanna Gray. The students explained that the leprechaun stole all their shoes. Cst N.Isaac and Cst Ouellet started to conduct their search by following the green footprints left behind which led them to a few places, and finally found all their shoes in the classroom sink!

The leprechaun was never seen again and couldn’t be brought in for questioning.

By LPD